It’s been said that actions speak louder than words. That message came across loud and clear at the 2007 Golf Industry Show, with record attendance during the event at the Anaheim Convention Center in California 22-24 February.
Without a doubt, the 9,697 qualified buyers in attendance was the most impressive number. A three-year best, those buyers were greeted by a record 981 exhibitors covering a record 291,250 square feet of exhibit space.
The total attendance of 23,109 was an all-time high and surpassed last year’s figure in Atlanta by more than 4,000. Officials were pleased with the final statistics and reviews, given that the West Coast traditionally attracts fewer attendees and exhibitors.
The Golf Industry Show is designed for the owners/operators of golf facilities, and the professional members of the golf course and club management industries. Featuring ‘interactive solution centers’ the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders to form one of the largest trade shows in North America.
“The numbers are positive, and we‘re pleased with them,” Golf Course Superintendents Association of America CEO Steve Mona said. “But I also want to emphasize that the quality of conversations between attendees and exhibitors was outstanding. Additionally, it is evident to me that the concept of team at the facility level is being embraced as the model for the future.”
The Golf Industry Show is presented by the GCSAA, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), along with supporting organizations, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
The Show creates a team atmosphere for golf course superintendents, owners and club managers, where the entire management of a golf facility could come to one place at one time to receive quality continuing education and interact with pertinent commercial suppliers together as a team.
“It was an outstanding show and we’re thrilled with how everything went,” NGCOA CEO Mike Hughes said. “We’ve managed to fold our show into a much larger one without sacrificing the uniqueness of the NGCOA Annual Conference. That was important to our members, as I know it was for the GCSAA and the CMAA. I think it’s also indicative of a more collaborative and cooperative spirit working in golf today.”
The Golf Industry Show welcomed leaders from all areas of the golf industry. A total of 68 countries were represented, including 1,931 international visitors.
The 2008 Golf Industry Show will be 31 Jan – 2 February in Orlando. Visit www.golfindustryshow.com for more information.