Events marked with the 🎟️ icon require registration, even with an All-Access pass (fee is included in All-Access package price).
Unlock your potential as a golf course superintendent by mastering leadership and communication skills that create a thriving team culture. This seminar equips you with practical strategies to boost engagement, fuel career growth, and achieve a healthier work-life balance, so you can lead with confidence and thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Presented in partnership with John Deere
4-hour pricing: Member $200 / Non-Member $300 / Student $100 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Unlock your authentic leadership to build stronger teams and cultures in turf management. This course blends self-awareness exercises with proven strategies to help golf course professionals identify their leadership style, sharpen key skills like communication and accountability, and apply them to create loyal, high-performing teams. Whether you’re emerging or experienced, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to lead with intention, not imitation.
Presented in partnership with John Deere
4-hour pricing: Member $200 / Non-Member $300 / Student $100 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Heavy traffic, aging turf, and tired soils can sabotage course performance, but smart aerification brings it back to life. This seminar digs into how compaction, poor infiltration, and stressed roots affect playability, and how modern tools and tactics can reverse the damage. From timing to tech, you’ll explore site-specific strategies that match your course’s unique needs. Backed by research and real-world results, this is your playbook for keeping turf healthy, responsive, and ready for anything.
Presented in partnership with Foley Company
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
In today’s competitive market, attracting, retaining, and developing top talent is key to organizational success. This seminar equips superintendents with strategies to build a strong employer brand, create an engaging workplace culture, and invest in continuous employee growth. Attendees will learn practical tools to reduce turnover, boost satisfaction, and foster leadership—empowering their teams to thrive and drive long-term growth in any golf course setting.
Presented in partnership with John Deere
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Turf managers master budgeting to control costs and drive success. This seminar breaks down budget types, smart planning strategies, and how to manage financial risks. You’ll also learn to confidently present your budget proposals to key stakeholders—turning numbers into action and ensuring your department meets its goals.
Presented in partnership with John Deere
4-hour pricing: Member $200 / Non-Member $300 / Student $100 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
You landed the interview, now it’s time to shine. This interactive seminar breaks down the entire hiring process from both sides of the table. Learn how to prepare, stand out, and ask the right questions. You’ll also explore how to evaluate job offers and negotiate with confidence. Leave ready to take the next step in your career on your terms!
Presented in partnership with John Deere
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Chapter leaders and executives are encouraged to attend this interactive session full of opportunities to network with colleagues and hear from industry experts. There will be plenty of time allowed for information sharing and comparing chapter best practices. Lunch is included.
Register here by January 7, 2026.
Ambassador Academy returns to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show led by GCSAA’s Sr. Manager of Government Affairs, Michael Lee and this year we are going back to the basics! As a former congressional staffer and current member of the Parkville, MO Board of Aldermen, Michael understands what it takes to develop and deliver a compelling message to influence policymaker decisions on golf course management issues.
Come work alongside Michael and GCSAA’s new Grassroots Ambassador program manager Kelly Lonker to put a plan in place for contacting and connecting with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level in 2025.
This back-to-basics Academy will be offered twice. Both sessions will be relevant and informative for experienced and beginner ambassadors alike and are designed to improve your understanding of how to cut through the political noise for meaningful and productive conversations with elected officials. The Tuesday session will be followed by the Beers with Bob GCSAAPAC reception and the Wednesday session will be followed by the Grassroots Ambassador Happy Hour sponsored by Bayer to recognize and celebrate the work of our industry’s most committed advocates.
You must be currently serving in the Grassroots Ambassador program to attend. If you would like to join the Grassroots Ambassador program you may do so here. Those who have registered for Academy but have failed to join the Ambassador program by January 16, 2026 will have their registration for this event cancelled. Contact Michael Lee at mlee@gcsaa.org for more information.
AI isn’t the future - it’s already here. This seminar cuts through the hype to show how golf course professionals can use artificial intelligence purposefully and effectively. Explore real tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and GreenKeeper to automate documentation, streamline communication, and improve planning. Whether you're curious or cautious, you'll leave with clarity, confidence, and a practical playbook for using AI on your terms.
Presented in partnership with John Deere
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Unlock the secrets to stretching your turf budget further! This seminar dives into precise calculations for seed, fertilizer, and pesticide needs—turning complex numbers into powerful savings. You’ll learn how timing your applications can slash costs, and master spreadsheet hacks to compare expenses instantly. Get ready to boost your purchasing power and take control of your turf operations like a pro!
Presented in partnership with John Deere
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Join us for a fun, action-packed seminar that transforms networking into a skillset for meaningful conversations. Building relationships isn’t just a task, it’s the heart of the golf industry! Learn top tips to make great first impressions, nurture connections, and grow your network. Plus, get a winning plan to maximize GCSAA CTS and other events. Boost your career through authentic connections!
Presented in partnership with John Deere
2-hour pricing: Member $145 / Non-Member $220 / Student $75 / All-Access $0 (registration required)
Pursuant to U.S. PAC governance laws, participation in this event is restricted to active members of GCSAA. Event is presented by the GCSAA Political Action Committee Board.
For more information, contact Bob Helland at 703-585-6268.
Ambassador Academy returns to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show led by GCSAA’s Sr. Manager of Government Affairs, Michael Lee and this year we are going back to the basics! As a former congressional staffer and current member of the Parkville, MO Board of Aldermen, Michael understands what it takes to develop and deliver a compelling message to influence policymaker decisions on golf course management issues.
Come work alongside Michael and GCSAA’s new Grassroots Ambassador program manager Kelly Lonker to put a plan in place for contacting and connecting with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level in 2025.
This back-to-basics Academy will be offered twice. Both sessions will be relevant and informative for experienced and beginner ambassadors alike and are designed to improve your understanding of how to cut through the political noise for meaningful and productive conversations with elected officials. The Tuesday session will be followed by the Beers with Bob GCSAAPAC reception and the Wednesday session will be followed by the Grassroots Ambassador Happy Hour sponsored by Bayer to recognize and celebrate the work of our industry’s most committed advocates.
You must be currently serving in the Grassroots Ambassador program to attend. If you would like to join the Grassroots Ambassador program you may do so here. Those who have registered for Academy but have failed to join the Ambassador program by January 16, 2026 will have their registration for this event cancelled. Contact Michael Lee at mlee@gcsaa.org for more information.