In what might be the most important Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in its 60-year history, nearly 1,800 people attended this year's event, the first in two years.
This year's show attracted 1,784 attendees. Although this year's event trailed the record 2,020 people in attendance at the 2019 show, this year's show, held Nov. 15-17 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, was significant in that it was first major in-person show in the golf industry since the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando.
"For once, we didn't break any records. But by any numerical measure – attendance, exhibitor support, overall participation, you name it – it was still a hugely successful show," said Carolinas GCSA executive director Tim Kreger. "Most importantly though, we brought people together again, face to face, and they loved it. We all loved it. From start to finish, the atmosphere was incredible."
Last year's in-person show was replaced by an online alternative, Conference Comes to You. Selling more than 2,200 seminar seats, Conference Comes to You was among a host of innovations and adaptations that enabled the association to get through the peak of the pandemic without tapping into financial reserves.
"None of what happened last year and what happened at the show this year would be possible if there was a weak link in the chain," Kreger said. "Where we are today as an association is because our members, our industry partners and our researchers are in synch, and totally get the idea that real success is a collaborative effort. And that's not new in the Carolinas, it has been the culture all along. We are extremely grateful."
A total of 192 vendors occupied 377 trade show booths and 1,341 seminar seats were filled in the education program.
Next year's Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for Nov. 14-16 in Myrtle Beach.
- Compiled from reports. Photo courtesy of Trent Bouts.
