San Antonio prepares to host Golf Industry Show for the first time

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America combines exhibitors, education and tournament at leading industry show

Lawrence, Kan. (Sept. 30, 2014) – The annual Golf Industry Show will be held in San Antonio for the first time, and early projections and interest have already led the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to schedule the event to return to the city in 2018.

The 2015 Golf Industry Show (GIS) will be held at the 425,000-square-foot Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, Feb. 21-26. The innovative education and trade show event is designed for golf facility owners and managers, including the association’s 18,000 members, as well as for the industries that market to those facilities.

“This is the first time we have taken the Golf Industry Show to San Antonio, and it has created quite a buzz among industry partners and our members,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “This truly is the place to be if you are in the golf management field, as a golf facility owner or an industry partner.”

More than 500 exhibitors are expected, with most coming from the four sectors of equipment, turf applications, golf carts and accessories. The next shows are scheduled for San Diego in 2016 and in Orlando in 2017.

“We are excited about being an integral part of the first Golf Industry Show in San Antonio,” said Grant Young, director of marketing at The Toro Co. “The week is always meaningful to us – from having valuable business dialogue to staying connected with long-time friends. The excitement of a new city is icing on the cake. We wouldn’t miss it.”

In addition to offering programs for industry veterans, the GIS also reaches students through the annual Collegiate Turf Bowl, a highlight of the week for hundreds of future industry professionals who test their classroom and field knowledge as part of a team representing their school. A team from the University of Maryland is the defending champion.

Overall, the GIS combines an education conference, trade show and national golf tournament for superintendents. It is presented jointly with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), along with supporting organizations: the Golf Course Builders Association of America, the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the National Golf Foundation, the United States Golf Association and the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association. For more information, visit www.golfindustryshow.com.

About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About the Golf Industry Show
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) presents the Golf Industry Show annually. It is an innovative trade show designed for the owners/operators of golf facilities, and the professional members of the golf course and club management industries. Featuring the GCSAA Education Conference, as well as the largest exhibit floor in the industry, the event combines education, networking and solutions for golf course superintendents, owners/operators, general managers, chief operating officers, architects and builders.

The Golf Industry Show is presented jointly with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), along with supporting organizations: the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF), the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA). The 2015 event will be Feb. 21-26 in San Antonio, Texas. Visit www.golfindustryshow.com.