There was no parade of elephants rolling down International Drive. There were no lion tamers snapping their whips in the center ring. There were no death-defying high wire acts going on overhead. But the Greatest Show on Earth, in terms of the golf course maintenance industry, just rolled through Orlando in grand style.
This was Golf Industry Show number twenty-something for me. You would think that this event would become routine and somewhat boring at this point but nothing could be further from the truth. There were new activities to participate in, new initiatives for the industry and plenty of new technology and products on display on the show floor. It was a refreshing week in the near perfect Orlando weather for all who came to GIS 2017 but in looking back there were a few things that really stood out to me this year.
First of all, I ran into several members who were attending GIS for the first time. When asked what they thought about the show there is always a certain sense of amazement and excitement in their reply. Many of their replies began with phrases like, "I can't believe how many" or "I had no idea". That always makes me feel like we've accomplished our mission of serving out members by putting everything that they deal with in their day-to-day workplace right in front of them. I don't know why so many of our members never take advantage of their opportunity to attend GIS for free once in their career. Everyone should be at this event, if possible.
Secondly, this is the one week a year you get to visit with all those people who you have worked with through the years. Our lives and jobs have taken us in many different directions but for this one week a year, it's like old home week. I got to visit with some of the people who helped shape my career more than 30 years ago while in Orlando. Our hair has a lot more gray highlights, but the smiles and heartfelt conversations make you realize why our profession is so special — our fellow members. This year was also special having the CMAA conference going on across the street allowing us to reconnect with many of the GM's we've worked with in the past.
Finally, a hearty "job well done" to the GCSAA staff that put this event on every year. I've been working for the association for more that three years now and it's amazing to see all the moving parts come together for this event. There are always a few snags along the way but when you consider the scope of a project like the GIS, things run pretty darn seamlessly, and again, that's due to plenty of planning and hard work by the folks in Lawrence, Kansas. By the time you read this they will already be working on the next show in San Antonio.
Speaking of San Antonio, I hope your planning on attending GIS 2018 where the most influential people in our industry will all gather in the same place again!
