Golf course management’s largest event makes Trade Show Executive’s “Next 50” list
Lawrence, Kan. – The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (CTS) has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the country by Trade Show Executive (TSE), which recognizes the events that experienced the highest levels of growth in 2025 compared to 2024.
While the final rankings won’t be revealed until the TSE Fastest 50 Awards and Summit in April, the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show made TSE’s Next 50 list, which honors the 51st through 100th shows in the country based on growth by net square feet of exhibit space, number of exhibitors and number of attendees. The majority of the shows on the Next 50 list are managed by associations, societies or other not-for-profits.
Although the TSE recognition is for the 2025 CTS, which was held in San Diego, the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show continued its upward trajectory at its 2026 event in Orlando Feb. 2-5. Attendance grew for the fourth year in a row, with 12,824 attendees (up 15% over 2025). A record-breaking 8,074 seminar seats were filled, exceeding the prior record set in 2008. The trade show featured 523 exhibitors (vs. 464 in 2025) and 178,600 square feet of exhibit space (vs. 145,800 in 2025), an increase of 16% over 2025. The show also featured a special focus on GCSAA’s Centennial, as the association turns 100 on Sept. 13, 2026.
“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,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Seeing continued growth in both attendance and exhibitors speaks to the strength of our industry. We’re proud to create an experience that helps individuals advance their careers, strengthen their facilities and move the entire industry forward.”
The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is produced by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) along with its presenting partners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), United States Golf Association (USGA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
The 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will head to New Orleans, La., Jan. 15-21, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and will feature the conclusion of GCSAA’s Centennial celebration.
About GCSAA
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 21,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through 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 GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
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