Presidents of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Builders Association and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America responded to questions via Twitter Aug. 28. Jan Bel Jan, Pat Karnick and Rafael Barajas discussed improvements to the Golf Industry Show, starting with the 2020 event to be held in January at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Following is a transcript of the chat:
Q for GCSAA President Barajas: What do the additions of GCBAA and ASGCA as Golf Industry Show presenting partners mean for GCSAA members?
A: Enhanced involvement by GCBAA and ASGCA adds expanded education opportunities and solutions for superintendents. The Golf Industry Show is strengthened by their contributions and provides members and other attendees with a premiere event to experience golf course and facility management solutions under one roof. GCSAA’s GIS relationship with GCBAA and ASGCA mirrors the real-world working relationship between architects, builders, & supers; all key components in development and sustainability of a golf facility.
Q for ASGCA President Jan Bel Jan: Why has ASGCA become a Golf Industry Show Presenting Partner?
A: ASGCA has been a proud GIS supporter since its formation and is committed to helping golf courses of all types be more successful. As GCSAA looks for exciting ways to grow GIS, an increased presence is the perfect way to display ASGCA’s commitment.
Q for GCBAA President Pat Karnick: Why has GCBAA become a Presenting Partner in the Golf Industry Show?
A: Being a presenting partner alongside GCSAA & ASGCA unites three of the largest and most comprehensive enterprises in the golf industry. It justifiably made sense to join forces with these two entities and provide GIS attendees the opportunity to learn about all aspects of developing or enhancing a golf course. We look forward to being a major aspect of the Golf Industry Show for a long time.
Q for Barajas (GCSAA): What collaborative Golf Industry Show events can members expect to see between GCSAA, GCBAA, and ASGCA?
A: While GCBAA and GCSAA will continue their partnership for 2020’s Inside the Shop, and ASGCA will join Design and Construction on the show floor. The combined area will offer support for members of all three associations and showcase member exhibitors.
Q for Bel Jan (ASGCA): What additional opportunities will the Golf Industry Show presenting partnership provide for ASGCA members?
A: This increased role provides greater opportunity for ASGCA members to both give and receive education, including greater interaction with course superintendents, builders, suppliers and others. And ASGCA’s presence at the show will be larger.
Q for Karnick (GCBAA): What additional opportunities will the Golf Industry Show presenting partnership provide for GCBAA members?
A: Our hope is that our members realize the great educational opportunities that this partnering will offer. Individually as associations, there has always been internal education opportunities for members to enhance themselves. Now with the three Presenting Partners, more significant cross-education will be presented to our members, such as the day-long ASGCA Winter Meeting seminars that are open to everyone.
Q for Barajas (GCSAA): How have you seen the Golf Industry Show evolve in your time with GCSAA? Where do you see it heading?
A: With Golf Industry Show exhibitors, sponsors and allied association support, GIS has fostered a more collaborative spirit and will continue embracing all golf course management aspects while recognizing contributions each stakeholder makes to golf.
Q for Bel Jan (ASGCA): What does ASGCA’s increased role mean for GIS attendees?
A: The golf industry is growing in new ways, so more education for golf course decision makers is a must. GIS attendees will have the chance to learn more from golf course architects in both formal and informal settings.
Q for Karnick (GCBAA): What does GCBAA’s increased role mean for GIS attendees?
A: GCBAA brings strength in not only numbers but experience. Our members average 20+ years of experience in the global golf business, while our staff’s dedication to education is unparalleled in the industry. The GCBAA works tirelessly to improve the golf industry as a whole and those efforts will carry through to the Golf Industry Show and its attendees.
Q for Bel Jan (ASGCA): What is the ASGCA Winter Meeting?
A: As a GIS Presenting Partner, we will host the first ASGCA Winter Meeting, Jan. 28, at the Convention Center in Orlando. Golf course architects, superintendents, builders and others who plan and execute golf course development & renovation will want to attend. The ASGCA Education Committee is developing presentations that will appeal to all audiences. More information will be available at www.ASGCA.org.
Q for Barajas (GCSAA): Where can people find more information and registration info in the coming weeks?
A: Golf Industry Show registration opens October 15 at bit.ly/golf-industry-show. Check in now as we continually add the multitude of events, education, trade show offerings, networking opportunities and beyond that our associations have lined up for members.