Looking ahead to GIS 2011

GCI insiders Monroe Miller, Tim Moraghan and Brian Vinchesi provide you with their thoughts on what to expect at this year’s big industry show.

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Tim Moraghan previews the 2011 GIS
What to expect from this year’s GIS?
There will still be an air of caution among all GCS’s. This will be a combination of poor budgets, lousy weather and an industry which continues to slide in the economic arena we are currently in. Though the market is finishing on an upward trend clubs are still failing and the daily grind of trying to cut back and still provide a high level of conditioning will frustrate the GCS. Many will be deciding on whether or not to continue in this profession which those outside the ropes do not understand. Plus the older the GCS becomes the harder it is to compete whether due to age or cost of employment.

What are the top topics of conversation among the attendees when they enter?
Weather.  No GCSAA CEO. Loss of turfgrass, budgets and the scarcity of quality jobs. Throw into this mix the reduction and lack of quality water sources. Maybe even Tiger Woods and how Élin was player of the year based on her wedge game, or at least the leader on the money list.

Top topics of conversation when the attendees leave?
A renewed sense of camaraderie based on the fact that we are all in the same boat and a unified attempt to make golf affordable through stable conditioning, better on-course management and the newest, cost-saving pieces of equipment. Also, I expect there will be some buzz about the improved weather forecasting equipment for the golf course and more education opportunities for the non-agronomic members of the club.

What attendees will be expecting to accomplish form this year’s GIS?

•    Exploration of new job opportunities overseas
•    Reasons for a shrinking job market within the US
•    Opportunities to grow the game for young, old men and women
•    Increase networking opportunities
•    Improve your abilities to meet the challenge of an ever decreasing quality job market
•    As always, new and improved agronomics for better turfgrass

GIS trends  –  good or bad?
The loss of the CMAA and its membership. For years the GCSAA toted the joining of forces between themselves, the PGA and now the CMAA. By losing the CMAA in the midst of a general decline in golf participation will eventually hurt and set back the team aspect among golf’s professional bodies to assist in rejuvenating this game.
– Tim Moraghan is the author of GCI’s “Outside The Ropes” column.


Looking Ahead to 2011 GIS
Over the years, I have observed golf course superintendents are pretty much an optimistic group with a low tolerance of gloom and doom; I would put myself in that group, too.
Nonetheless, I suspect 2011 GIS attendance will be lower again. Golf courses are still struggling, and younger families are, too. What in past years has been a great opportunity for a pre- or post-conference family vacation will be less so this year. The Disney theme parks are a huge draw, but economic considerations will prevail.
And many companies are experiencing tough times; leading to what could be a somewhat reduced roster of exhibitors. Those with only a tangential application to golf turf will be completely gone.
Even though the show may be smaller, attendees will leave delighted with the experience and grateful for the opportunity to be there. The seminars will be well attended and the overall educational opportunities simply cannot be found in one place anywhere else.
There is a chance some superintendents will shorten their stay by a day or two to save money; to compensate; their schedules will be packed to the maximum. Everyone will be looking for and listening to ways to reduce their costs even more, through conversations with colleagues, manufacturers and suppliers.
Since my first conference and show in 1973 until couple of years ago, the GIS experienced significant growth; it has more or less followed our national economic growth. Since we are a depressed national economy these days, it is no surprise our attendance is also down. No doubt other conferences in other professions have experienced the same. But for those of us who are fortunate enough to attend, it will be an awesome few days, both as a practical matter and as an inspiration.
– Monroe S. Miller is a columnist and frequent contributor to GCI.

Irrigation and GIS
Irrigation at GIS this year is not expected to have the buzz that happened in 2010 when there was the introduction of new control systems.
There are however some major enhancements to several manufacturers sprinklers that will be showcased. These include a second part/full sprinkler on the market and several variations of “attached decoders.”
Since golf irrigation sales are not very brisk in many parts of the country, the research and development has decreased for most manufacturers and they are concentrating on fine tuning and enhancing current product offerings. Look for more companies selling moisture sensing solutions and some talk about their usefulness and effectiveness among attendees. Many superintendents will be looking at what they can do to upgrade their irrigation systems and to make them more water efficient and versatile without spending lots of dollars. How to get projects such as irrigation off of hold will also be a subject of discussion.
Those superintendents and owners stopping to look at equipment will be more serious than in the past, as they try to do more with less. Expect to see less local distributor personnel in the major manufacturer’s booths, but their will still be plenty of sales people to answer your irrigation questions.
–  Brian Vinchesi is GCI’s irrigation columnist.