Golf course owners and operators say networking remains one of the most important reasons they attend trade shows and conferences. To satisfy their craving for industry knowledge and ideas gleaned from their peers, the NGCOA will introduce two new networking opportunities for its Annual Conference 28-31 January in Orlando.
Pod Links is the name given to the networking event that kicks off the conference’s educational track on 30th January. During the session, owners and operators will break into small discussion groups (pods) based on the type of course they represent to discuss challenges and potential solutions.
The Golf Business magazine Idea Fair the next day will include 10 course operators who will present case studies on problems they have overcome using innovative ideas. Attendees in the audience will vote to determine the 2008 Idea Fair winner.
“Pod Links and the Idea Fair are designed to recognize strategic and creative thinking that could be applied in similar situations at any number of courses,” said Joe Rice, the NGCOA’s director of strategic marketing & communications. “They‘re both great opportunities to take advantage of proven ways to help your business.”
Of course, some good old-fashioned networking is also sure to take place at the GPS Industries golf outing on 29th January at Walt Disney Resort’s Magnolia and Palm courses, as well as at the association’s opening reception that night.
The NGCOA Annual Conference will feature some 25 educational sessions focused on pragmatic solutions to owners and operators‘ major challenges.
The conference will run concurrently with the fourth annual Golf Industry Show, which begins 31st January, also at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The Golf Industry Show brings together owners, operators and professional members of the golf course and club management industries.
Winners of the NGCOA’s annual awards for course quality, management excellence and contributions to the association and the game of golf also will be recognized during the conference, giving attendees additional opportunities to learn from leaders.
NGCOA www.ngcoa.org
Golf Industry Show www.golfindustryshow.com