CCI Turfgrass conference & exhibition wrap
The inaugural Australasian Turfgrass Conference & Exhibition held by The Australian Golf Course Superintendents' Association (AGCSA) and New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents' Association (NZGCSA).
The event is the result of a number of years of work between the two associations and a strengthening partnership and commitment to the ongoing professional development and support of all those involved in Sports Turf Management. The theme of the conference is "Tipu Tahi - Growing Together".
Held annually, the Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition is the largest turf trade exhibition in Australasia, showcasing the latest in turf management machinery, equipment, technology and products. Each year, Golf Course Superintendents and their teams join hundreds of Sportsturf professionals, greenkeeping staff, ground maintenance personnel, curators and depot crews who visit the trade show to browse, question and hear from the collected turf trade representatives.
The conference, held at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena kicked off with the full-day Jacobsen sponsored workshops (agronomy and management themes) on Monday 25 June. Tuesday will saw the traditional full day of plenary session addresses, before delegates broke into the dedicated Golf and Sportsfield streams on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 June.
We asked Country Club International's - John McCafferty about all the goings on and what the company took from the event. "It's great to have the opportunity to come over the "Ditch" to meet and collaborate with our Kiwi friends." Whilst the market here is certainly somewhat different to that back at home, the friendships, camaraderie, and collaboration based around the Turf Industry is beneficial to all.
Asked about what products in the Country Club International line gathered the most interest, along with memorable experiences from the event McCafferty commented.
"The biggest interest from the Trade Show was based around the ESD Waste 2 Water Bioremediation System". With some 80 plus systems in Australia we believe the Kiwi market understands the importance to improve its Wash Bay activities to contain and treat any potential containment. It's clear that through legislation emphasis Clubs, Councils and Golf Courses will be held more responsible for these everyday activities.
"On a personal front my highlight was the opportunity to discuss the design and construction of Safety Screen's and the part they play in Golf Course Design verses everyday litigation issues at the Golf Course Archetects Society annual breakfast".
McCafferty said "It was just such a great experience and opportunity to meet so many key figures responsible for the course designs we play today. With discussions back and forth based around problematic Golf Hole designs, safety and options that exist in this market".
In other news!
Country Club International has now partnered with the Golf Business Forum to support the golf industry in Australia. The vision of the Golf Business Forum is to help the industry work together to ensure golf maintains itself as one of the most popular sports in Australia as it has been for many years. In order for the golf industry to thrive, golf businesses need to perform as well as the elite players. Sustainable financial outcomes enable investment in facilities, which in turn drives quality golf customer experiences.
Founders, Guy Chapple and Andrew Davies have a collective 35 years of experience in the golf industry. "The inaugural Golf Business Forum was an important opportunity to facilitate education and connections for representatives from across all aspects of our industry, particularly public golf courses, golf resorts, driving ranges, mini-golf facilities andvirtual golf centres", explained Andrew.
The event was designed to connect industry stakeholders to collectively enhance golf business performance. Now 2 years after its launch in 2016, the event is expected to be bigger and better! Held in Melbourne from Monday 30th July to Tuesday 31st July.
Head to www.golfbusinessforum.com.au for more info and to register!
