Carolinas GCSA Conference & Trade Show to be in person

Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Golfdom Staff)

After missing a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association’s annual Conference and Trade Show will return as an in-person event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Nov. 15 to 17.

Booth sales open for exhibitors the week after Fourth of July and seminar and attendee registration opens after Labor Day.

“We are so glad to be back on track,” said Carolinas GCSA President Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG from Highlands Country Club in Highlands, N.C. “Conference and Show is the heartbeat of our association, not only financially, but also as a family. Getting together face to face after a long hot summer is when the brotherhood is truly celebrated and what makes this show so special.”

For the first time, this year’s conference will feature education seminars on the Monday morning. This gives attendees the chance to take as many as four different seminars, with education also on Monday afternoon, as well as Tuesday morning and afternoon. General education sessions will take place on Wednesday with the Trade Show open on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Courses for this year’s Carolinas GCSA Golf Championship will be the celebrated Mike Strantz designs at Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club, and Tom Fazio’s gem on the Waccamaw River, Wachesaw Plantation. The golf championship, on Monday, offers medal play, four-ball and scramble formats. Monday also features the Carolinas GCSA Sporting Clays Championship at Back Woods Quail Club.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this show challenges attendance records,” said Carolinas GCSA Executive Director Tim Kreger. “Our members are so ready to see each other again and golf has been so busy during the pandemic that I hope every facility in the region is ready to reward their superintendent with a trip to our Show. What better way to say thanks and invest in their superintendent’s ongoing professional development?”

Kreger says the Carolinas GCSA will continue to monitor the pandemic and be ready to adapt as necessary. When the pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s in-person event, the Carolinas GCSA delivered a comprehensive slate of online education over 30 days, known as Conference Comes to You. Nearly 2,200 seminar seats were filled and $40,000 given away in cash prizes.