Virtual trade show participants took part in more than 229,400 booth visits
Lawrence, Kan. – After welcoming attendees during the live portion of the virtual 2021 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 2-4, participation in on-demand education sessions and the 24-hour a day trade show continued through March 6.
Initial GIS statistics were released on Feb. 4 with the conclusion of the live event, but the numbers continued to rise throughout the on-demand period. Additional registrants during the on-demand phase brought the final total attendance to more than 9,500. The education component, featuring 88 sessions, saw participants engaging in 46,900 session views by the end of the on-demand portion. More than 200 exhibitors took part in the trade show, with a total of 229,434 booth visits taking place before the conclusion of the on-demand phase.
The Golf Industry Show, the largest educational conference and trade show in the turfgrass management industry, transitioned to a virtual event in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While on a virtual platform, the 2021 event continued the GIS’s long tradition of connecting attendees, exhibitors and industry experts through a progressive week of unparalleled education opportunities and access to golf facility solutions for those in the golf industry.
“We know how busy our attendees are, and so being able to offer on-demand viewing and the extended trade show was one of the great advantages of the virtual format,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We are pleased to see that attendees not only enjoyed the live networking events and general sessions but also found the education and trade show interaction so valuable that they returned throughout the month. We are definitely investigating having some element of extended access offerings as part of the GIS when we return to an in-person event next year.”
The 2022 Golf Industry Show is currently scheduled to be an in-person event and will be in San Diego Feb. 5-10, 2022, at the San Diego Convention Center.
The Golf Industry Show is produced by GCSAA along with its presenting partners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA.)
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 19,000 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. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
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.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
