Ask Thad: Impressions from the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
(Graphic: Golfdom Staff)
What did you think of the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show?
— The Golfdom Staff, Cleveland
It was everything I expected and more.
I understand from a vendor’s perspective that lower attendance is not a great business model and has many companies questioning their return on investment for a trade show of this magnitude and expense. From an attendee’s perspective, this was one of the better shows that I’ve attended. I visited many, many more booths than I have in the past, I had more impactful and meaningful conversations with vendors and not once did I feel as if I was getting the quick 30-second sales pitch while a vendor representative was glancing over my shoulder for someone important to walk into their booth. I asked lots of questions and got a lot of information that will help me make decisions this season or reinforce some of the practices I already have in place. Of the 15 hours that the trade show was open, I was there for 14 hours. I absolutely loved it.
This is the one week out of the year that I get to be with family. My brother Drew, CGCS at East Aurora CC and his son, Brenden, a student at SUNY Delhi are both annual attendees. We see more of each other for that one week at the conference than the other 51 weeks combined. If you run into one of us, the others aren’t far behind. Every year is a family affair.
The number of people that I met, in person, who were only acquaintances on social media was unbelievable. I had some great conversations, shared lots of ideas and truly got to know some new friends. My only regret was that I didn’t go up to more people and introduce myself. I saw several people that I recognized from social media that I wanted to say hello to but was either too shy to introduce myself or didn’t want to bother them. We are all works in progress and there’s always next year. See you in Orlando.
Got a question for Thad? Tweet to @TerryHillsMaint and @Golfdom or email Thad at thadthompson@terryhills.com.
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