GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Ranked Among Fastest-Growing in U.S.

Annual golf industry event sees continued attendance and exhibitor growth.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:49pm

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The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, the annual event organized by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the United States. The event saw a 15% increase in attendance and a 16% increase in exhibit space at its 2026 edition in Orlando, continuing a multi-year trend of growth.

Why it matters

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is a critical annual gathering for the golf course management industry, allowing professionals to learn, connect, and advance the field. Its continued growth signals the strength and vitality of the golf industry, even as many other trade shows have struggled in recent years.

The details

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show was named to Trade Show Executive's "Next 50" list, honoring the 51st through 100th fastest-growing trade shows in the country based on metrics like exhibit space, number of exhibitors, and attendance. The 2026 edition of the show in Orlando saw 12,824 attendees, up 15% from the prior year, as well as 523 exhibitors occupying 178,600 square feet of space, a 16% increase.

  • The 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show took place February 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
  • The 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will be held January 15-21 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The players

Rhett Evans

CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the organization that produces the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)

The professional association for golf course management professionals, which organizes the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA)

One of the presenting partners of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, representing golf course builders.

United States Golf Association (USGA)

One of the presenting partners of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, representing the national governing body for golf in the United States.

American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA)

One of the presenting partners of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, representing golf course architects.

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What they’re saying

“The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is where the golf course management community comes together — not just to learn, but to connect with peers, share ideas and support one another.”

— Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

What’s next

The 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from January 15-21, and will feature the conclusion of GCSAA's Centennial celebration.

The takeaway

The continued growth of the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, even as many other trade shows have struggled, demonstrates the strength and vitality of the golf industry. The event provides a critical annual gathering for golf course management professionals to learn, connect, and advance their field.