Another Golf Industry Show has come and gone and this one was quite different for me since I am now an employee of GCSAA. I have a new appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the GIS the great event it is. Working at the registration area for two days was especially enlightening; trying to make sense of the myriad of questions and getting members through the registration line as fast as possible. Hats off to the entire team at GCSAA for making this giant event run so smoothly. One last note from the registration area - please, please, please per-register and have your QR code handy, this makes the system work like a bullet train!
It was great to be back in Orlando since I've forgotten what 80 degrees feels like. I got to visit with plenty of old friends that I only get to see once a year, and for me that has always been one of the greatest benefits of attending the GIS. Many old friends are working in new positions and taking on a variety of new challenges. Some long-time friends are, unfortunately, looking for their next opportunity, a sign of the times in our industry. Most of the vendors I have known for years felt that traffic was good on the show floor and they got to see plenty of buyers.
Golf is not as robust as it once was but attending the GIS gives me great optimism for the future of our profession and the resolve and dedication of the men and women that make the game of golf the fantastic sport that it is. See you in San Antonio!
