That's a wrap on the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Tradeshow! This year’s rendition of turf's largest and greatest show didn’t disappoint. While there are too many areas from the week to recap individually, here are some highlights from what I saw last week in San Diego.

1. The GCSAA Golf Championships continue to get better.

    

   Whether you’re talking with a seasoned veteran playing in their 20^th year or a first-timer, you won’t find anyone not enjoying themselves at the GCSAA Golf Championships. This year’s championships, presented by Toro, took place from February 1 to 3 in San Diego and featured multiple competitions across four premier courses: Torrey Pines, Omni La Costa, Aviara Golf Club and Del Mar Country Club. Arguably the best industry networking event of the year, attendees are always afforded the unique opportunity to meet with peers, network, share knowledge and build valuable connections (this was especially true this year as this was the largest golf championships to date with over 620 golfers participating). 2025 also marked the 75th National Championship, which was won by Mike Gianopoulos, from Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the 31st year of Toro's partnership of the event. The GCSAA Golf Championships has quietly become the premier golfing event of the year for golf course superintendents and industry peers.

2. The Tradeshow floor was massive.

    

   And I mean massive. This was my fifteenth straight GCSAA Conference and Tradeshow (CTS) and I don’t ever remember one being this large. I walked the show floor, and between the square footage, and running into friends and colleagues every few feet, completing the show floor wasn’t a quick jaunt through the park. Exhibitor booths were unsurprisingly packed on day one, whereas day two allowed superintendents, assistants, equipment managers, architects, GMs and the list goes on, to have real, in-depth conversations with exhibitors in a less hurried, and more intimate atmosphere. The tradeshow component of CTS was undoubtedly a success.

3. Education and the Interactive Facility Learning Tours delivered.

    

   Education is obviously a key component of CTS and this year’s education and interactive learning tours were key highlights. Attendees had the opportunity to join in on workshops and sessions covering everything from turfgrass management to sustainability to new tech in the industry. The interactive tours, which continue to gain in popularity, are a great way to see firsthand how innovative practices are being used on the golf course. They are a fun, hands-on way to learn, connect and pick up new ideas to take back to your facility.
   

4. Chapter hospitality nights really are the best.

    

   Let’s face it, the chapter hospitality nights have been a crowd favorite for as long as the show has been going on. I began my career by attending the MAGCS Hospitality Night each Wednesday of show week as a Class C member, and as I have attended additional shows, I have attended additional hospitality nights across several chapters. These events always have a joyful undertone and create an atmosphere for truly insightful and inspiring conversations. They are oftentimes a place where true relationships are formed and developed. It’s an evening I look forward to each week of CTS.

5. The Closing Send-Off Celebration was one of the best yet.

The Closing Send-Off Celebration has been a staple of CTS for as long as I can remember, and while I haven’t attended each one, I have been to my fair share. The Closing Send-Off Celebration has featured big names in golf and comedy such as David Feherty, Sinbad, and Frank Caliendo. More recently inspirational speakers have been the focus of the keynote, this year featuring none other than GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. Rhett’s talk, titled "Time’s Up! Lead Out!” featured Rhett sharing how he overcame numerous unexpected challenges during his summit of Mt. Everest by harnessing the principles of purpose, passion, positivity and perseverance and how you can use these same principles to overcome difficulties in your life. It was one of, if not the most inspiring talks I have ever heard in person, and everyone in that auditorium left San Diego a better human being because of it.

CTS 2025 delivered on every facet and I’m looking forward to topping it in Orlando for GCSAA’s centennial in 2026. It’s going to be one for the history books.