Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Halls B1 - F
The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show partners with Freeman to manage on-site logistics for the trade show, including effectively and efficiently coordinating design, booth furnishings, material handling, and other services for all booth spaces. Freeman Services can be ordered via Freeman Online starting in September 2026.
Forms will become available in September 2026
All forms will be available in September 2026
| Smart City internet service order form | DMI Audio/visual services order form | |
| Smart City telephone order guide | TLC Floral order form | |
| Corporate transportation request form | Booth catering flyer | |
| Security - Exhibitor booth watch order form | Booth catering order form | |
| RainProtection Insurance form | ||
We’re excited to share that we have upgraded our sponsorship platform, formerly known as Envision, and are now introducing it as Clarity Media. This enhanced system is designed to make sponsorship planning for the 2027 Annual Conference & Trade Show more streamlined, transparent, and efficient.
What this means for you:
Within the platform, you’ll be able to:
Platform Access: Exhibitors can start exploring sponsorship opportunities right away by visiting the link below for the 2027 GCSAA Annual Conference & Trade Show. When you’re ready to submit a request, simply create an account to manage your sponsorships and stay up to date with important notifications and reminders.
2027 CTS Sponsorship Opportunities
To ensure you receive all communications, please whitelist support@claritymediapartners.com after setting up your profile.
Helpful Resources:
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a GCSAA account manager at accountrep@gcsaa.org.
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Upon execution of an Application, Exhibitor agrees to immediately pay a deposit of fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of the booth space. The balance of the booth space is to be paid no later than Oct. 9, 2026. For Applications submitted after Oct. 9, 2026, no booth space allocations/assignments will be made, nor will an Application be processed, until full payment for the booth is received by GCSAA.
If Exhibitor fails to make timely booth space payment(s) or has a past due indebtedness to GCSAA of more than thirty (30) days prior to the first day of move-in at the Show, Show Management may cancel the booth Application and shall have all the rights set out, in the next section below, as if an Exhibitor had cancelled after Oct. 9, 2026. GCSAA also reserves the right to offset any past due indebtedness of more than thirty (30) days with payments received under a booth Application. In the event Exhibitor fails to submit payment for past due indebtedness of more than thirty (30) days and its proportional payment due related to the booth space Application, Show Management reserves the right to prohibit Exhibitor from participating in the Show.
Booth space will be considered cancelled by Exhibitor upon the date when written notice of cancellation is received by Show Management. Cancellation requests MUST be in writing and can be emailed to accountrep@gcsaa.org. Refunds for cancelled or downsized space will be given as follows:
a. If booth space is cancelled on or before Oct. 9, 2026, Show Management will retain or collect fifty percent (50%) of the total booth cost.
b. If the booth space is cancelled after Oct. 9, 2026, Show Management will retain or collect one hundred percent (100%) of the total booth cost.
c. If the Exhibitor on a main aisle downsizes by more than fifty percent (50%) of their original booth request on the exhibit space Application, they will be required to move to a new booth location.
d. Exhibitors who request a reduction in the amount of booth space reserved will be assessed a downsizing fee if the Exhibitor has already been confirmed to a booth space and has been sent a confirmation letter for the original booth space. Downsizing penalties are fifty percent (50%) of the difference between the original booth amount and downsized booth amount. Any refund due will be processed once downsizing penalties have been assessed and paid. Downsizing fees are non-transferrable. Downsizing requests MUST be in writing and can be emailed to accountrep@gcsaa.org.
e. For clarity, downsizing fees will be assessed as follows:
1. Downsizing notifications received by Show Management after Application is submitted, but no confirmed booth space; no downsizing fees assessed.
2. Downsizing notifications received by Show Management after confirming a booth placement and having received a confirmation letter from Show Management; Exhibitors shall pay fifty percent (50%) of the difference between the cost of the two booth spaces reserved/released exhibit space fees.
Exhibitor badges are limited to a maximum of four (4) badges per one hundred (100) square feet of standard booth space, up to two hundred eighty (280) badges in total. Premium booth space badge allocations may be higher than four (4) badges per one hundred (100) square feet (noted at the discretion of Show Management), but the two hundred eighty (280) badge maximum still applies. Any badges requested over the calculated or provided allotment will be charged per badge at a rate determined by Show Management.
Assignment and distribution of Exhibitor’s badges to their personnel is the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor. Exhibitor agrees to restrict distribution of badges to Exhibitor employed personnel and/or 3rd party companies and/or individuals who are distributors and/or manufacturers for the Exhibitor’s products and/or services. Exhibitor personnel badges shall NOT be assigned to or otherwise given to any individual that would be considered a golf course superintendent, assistant golf course superintendent, equipment manager, or other golf course personnel, owner, operator, or staff that should be registered as an attendee for the Show.
Included in the price of each booth (except islands) is the following:
a) One (1) eight-foot (8’) tall, draped background with thirty-six-inch (36") side rails and drapery.
b) One (1) eleven-inch (11") x seventeen-inch (17") company identification sign with company name and booth number listed.
Show Management will include Exhibitor’s name, address, phone number, personnel contact, web site address, product categories, booth number, and any other relevant information on the official CTS website directory if directory listing information is received by stated/communicated deadline. Show Management is not responsible for any errors or omissions.
Show site material handling (i.e., drayage; the movement of materials from shipping dock to an exhibit booth for booth set up and then back to the shipping dock for return shipment and/or collection at end of CTS) is also included in the booth space cost noted in the Application. Freeman is responsible for any material handling at CTS. The use of any specialized equipment (i.e., forklift, scissor-lift, etc.), required in connection with installing or assembling, booth work, spotting and/or rigging will be made available for hire and charged to the Exhibitor at hourly rates noted by Freeman.
Please note: Freeman may charge additional fees for drayage after the Show officially opens. Any additional fees incurred after the Show officially opens are at the expense of the Exhibitor, as well as any/all mobile spot fees, forced carpet fees, and any fees above and beyond basic movement of freight (including empty containers, etc.) from the shipping dock to the booth and back. All other furnishings, floor coverings, and additional booth requirements must be provided by the Exhibitor, at their own expense and responsibility.
GCSAA will cover material handling (drayage) charges only for shipments delivered directly to the Show site starting on the first day of move-in/installation. The following services are generally included under GCSAA’s covered material handling (drayage) policy; some exclusions may apply:
a) Receipt of shipments, materials, or containers at the Convention Center receiving docks or other required delivery location by the communicated and/or posted time and date.
b) Delivery of shipments, materials, or containers to the Exhibitor’s assigned booth space prior to move-in/installation.
c) Removal of shipments, materials, or containers from the Exhibitor’s assigned booth space for storage prior to Show opening.
d) Delivery of shipments, materials, or containers to the Exhibitor’s assigned booth space after Show closing for tear-down/dismantle.
e) Movement of shipments, materials or containers to the appropriate location for outbound shipping.
Important: Exhibitors must visit the Freeman Service Desk at Show to receive instructions for releasing freight for outbound shipment. Freeman will only load outbound freight upon receipt of a completed Bill of Lading (BOL). Failure to complete this step may result in freight not being shipped or being shipped incorrectly.
The following services are not covered by GCSAA and will be the sole financial responsibility of the Exhibitor. Fees for these services will be invoiced directly to the Exhibitor by Freeman or other relevant service providers. This list is not exhaustive:
a) Shipments, materials, or containers sent to the Freeman advance warehouse rather than the Convention Center receiving docks or other required delivery location by the communicated and/or posted time and date.
b) Mobile units or display pieces requiring forklift services for towing to the booth or other location (refer to the mobile spotting form in the exhibitor manual).
c) Oversized or heavy shipments, materials, or containers that require a forklift rated above 5,000 lbs. to unload from a trailer, flatbed, or similar vehicle. Exhibitors must contact Freeman in advance if this requirement applies to avoid delays with delivery and to obtain a cost estimate.
d) Relocation of shipments, materials, or containers by Freeman after initial delivery to the assigned booth space or movement of such shipments, materials, or containers after Show has officially opened. In any such case, Exhibitor should visit the Freeman Service Desk at Show for guidance and to obtain a cost estimate.
GCSAA assumes no responsibility for any costs, delays, damage, or loss arising from, or related to, any services noted as material handling (drayage) or as otherwise described herein; whether such services are noted as being covered by GCSAA or not. All excluded services are the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor, including, without limitation, coordination with and payment to Freeman (or any other thirdparty service provider). Exhibitors are solely responsible for ensuring full compliance with all shipping, handling, and documentation requirements to avoid delays, additional charges, or other complications.
Exhibitor agrees to only exhibit in the booth space square footage detailed in the booth Application and assigned on the exhibit floor by Show Management. Exhibitor likewise agrees that exhibits are only allowed within the convention hall, and no outside demonstrations, advertising, sponsorships, promotional activities, meetings, seminars, educational sessions, product exhibits, displays, or product discussions may be conducted anywhere, including participation in non-sanctioned CTS events, without the express written consent of Show Management. Adherence to this provision continues from the beginning of the GCSAA Golf Championships through the conclusion of all CTS-related events.
The distribution of magazines, newspapers, promotional materials, and other literature, including the use of “strolling entertainment” to deliver such items, outside the Exhibitor’s assigned booth space and at official CTS hotels is prohibited without express written consent of Show Management. Any materials found to be in violation of this policy will be immediately removed and discarded without notification to the Exhibitor.
No Exhibitor shall reassign, sublet, or share the whole or any part of their assigned booth space to another Exhibitor without the express written consent of Show Management. If Show Management is provided with written documentation (by a parent company) of an Exhibitor showing ownership of another company, then the parent company and subsidiary company may be allowed to occupy the same Exhibit booth space pending final approval from Show Management.
All Exhibits must conform to the most current International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE) display guidelines adopted by Show Management and contained in the exhibitor service kit, which can be found online at: https://gcsaaconference.com/tradeshow---exhibitors/exhibitor-forms-service-kit
Partitions separating neighboring exhibits must remain intact.
Exhibitors cannot sell, rent, or lease exhibit space or demonstration space, or allow signs, placards, tee markers, or other commercial or product identification and/or advertisements at the GCSAA Golf Championships tournament courses, tournament course surrounding properties, or tournament hotel properties without the express written consent of Show Management. GCSAA maintains sole proprietary sponsorship and ownership of the GCSAA Golf Championships.
Exhibitors will take every reasonable precaution to minimize the noise of operating exhibits. In the event that any other exhibitor or attendee objects or protests to the noise level, Show Management shall reserve the right to require the Exhibitor to cease operation of the exhibit or take measures to reduce the noise to a level under eighty-five (85) decibels. Exhibitors are prohibited from using objectionable amplifying or special lighting equipment. In all cases, Show Management shall have the absolute right to require Exhibitor, at Exhibitor’s expense, to change, alter, modify, or remove all or part of its exhibit or display booth. Grounds for such action shall include, but will not be limited to, the following:
1. Lack of aesthetic uniformity or harmony with other exhibit space display booths.
2. Non-compliance with express restrictions on the dimensions of the Exhibit space display booth or any part thereof contained in this Agreement.
3. Objectionable noises, lasers, lighting, or odors emanating from the Exhibit space display booth.
4. Obstruction of aisles or of other exhibit space display booths.
5. Objectionable clothing or attire worn by Exhibitor’s personnel, agents, or models. Attire not normally worn in a business office or on a golf course is specifically prohibited, unless exempted in writing from Show Management because of a costume’s significance to a firm’s product(s) or service(s).
6. Distribution of materials that may be considered offensive or not in good taste to a reasonable person.
Exhibitors are required to furnish their entire exhibit booth space with carpeting or floor covering. Carpet or floor covering installation must be completed by 3:00 p.m. local time at the Convention Center the day prior to the Show opening; otherwise, carpet may be forced. All charges and fees incurred from carpet being forced are the sole responsibility of the Exhibitor.
Exhibit construction must be completed by 6:00 p.m. local time at the Convention Center the day prior to Show opening. If Exhibitor fails to occupy the assigned space by this deadline, Show Management has the right to utilize the area in any way it may decide without relieving the Exhibitor of the obligation to pay in full. Any multi-level exhibits, regardless of square footage of area to be covered, within an exhibit display or a multi-level display, must submit blueprints/drawings/plans to Show Management by Nov. 1, 2026, for review. Blueprints/drawings/plans for multi-level exhibit displays will be reviewed for approval by Show Management, the Convention Center, and the local fire marshal. Pricing rules apply for multi-level exhibits as detailed in the annual Show pricing details, found here: https://www.gcsaaconference.com/exhibitor/booth- pricing.
Exhibitors with multi-level designs must comply with the following regulations:
1. Submit proper documentation, from a registered architect or engineer, to: cts@gcsaa.org.
2. Blueprints/drawings/plans must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2026, even if the Exhibitor has used and received approval for the same display at a previous Show.
3. Blueprints/drawings/plans must be scaled, sealed, signed, and dated by a registered architect or engineer.
4. Blueprints/drawings/plans must include the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show’s name and a date.
5. Blueprints/drawings/plans must include the Exhibitor’s name and assigned booth number.
6. Blueprints/drawings/plans must indicate maximum exhibit height within the booth.
7. Island and split island booths of more than four hundred (400) square feet are allowed to have multi- level display booths, but only with approval from Show Management.
Exhibitor’s booth display* shall conform to the following specifications:
1. Maximum height at the back wall, including all forms of lighting, signage and/or header shall be:
a. Linear (standard) booth = eight feet (8’).
b. Perimeter wall booth = twelve feet (12’).
c. Split island booth (of more than four hundred (400) square feet) = sixteen feet (16’).
d. Island booth = no restrictions (for booth structure, not including hanging/rigged signs). *If you have questions about your booth display type, please contact your account manager.
2. For standard linear booths, any sidewall extending five feet (5’) from the back wall of the display booth must not exceed eight feet (8’) in height, and the remaining five feet (5’) sidewall or divider extending out to the aisle between exhibit display booths must not exceed four feet (4’) in height. No exhibit display booth shall be allowed to obstruct clear vision to other exhibit display booths in the same line or adjacent lines, unless it is an island display having four (4) sides.
3. For perimeter booths, any sidewall extending five feet (5’) from the back wall of the display booth must not exceed twelve feet (12’) in height, and the remaining five feet (5’) sidewall or divider extending out to the aisle between exhibit display booths must not exceed four feet (4’) in height. No exhibit display booth shall be allowed to obstruct clear vision to other exhibit display booths in the same line, unless it is an island exhibit display booth having four (4) sides.
4. Split Island exhibit display booths require a minimum of two (2) exhibit display booths back-to-back with an aisle on three (3) sides. The back wall must span the length of the side separating the two (2) exhibit display booths. Height restrictions are sixteen feet (16’).
5. Pop-up tents are not allowed as part of an exhibit display booth.
6. Wing banners are allowed following the height limitations on exhibit display booth. Wing banners will be taken down should they be in violation of height restrictions.
7. Banners, decorative signs, etc., rigged from the ceiling are only allowed for island exhibit display booths of more than four hundred (400) square feet.
Hanging signs and graphics are only allowed in split island and island exhibit display booths four hundred (400) square feet or larger. The maximum height is twenty-five feet (25’) from the top of the sign to the floor.
Hanging signs and graphics should be set back ten feet (10’) from adjacent exhibit display booths and be directly over assigned booth space only.
Signs that are supported from below (not hanging) must comply with all ordinary use-of-space requirements, with the highest point of any supported sign not exceeding the maximum allowable height for the booth type: split island exhibit display booths sixteen feet (16’) and island exhibit display booths twenty-five feet (25’). It is the Exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure proper and safe exhibit display booth construction. Drapes, signs, banners, acoustical materials, cotton, paper, hay, straw, moss, split bamboo, and plastic cloth shall be flame retardant or fabricated of inherently fireproof materials. A flame test may be performed (if deemed appropriate) by the local fire marshal and/or other such governmental agency.
All flowers and trees must be live plants. No flammable fluids or substances may be used or shown in exhibit display booths. All packing materials such as excelsior, cardboard cartons, etc. must be removed from the exhibit display booth prior to the opening of the Show. No packing material may be stored in, around, on, or behind any part of the exhibit display booth structure.
Operation of gasoline-powered vehicles/equipment will be permitted during move-in and move-out periods. However, all fueling of vehicles must be accomplished outside the exhibit hall. Gasoline-operated vehicles/equipment on display during the Show must have one (1) gallon or less of fuel in their tank(s). Fuel tank caps must be locked or taped, and battery cables must be disconnected and taped. Fuel is only to be dispensed or removed with approved safety equipment. No LP tanks, empty or filled, are authorized to be stored in the Convention Center. No gasoline or other fuel-operated motor may be demonstrated inside the exhibit hall of the Convention Center during the Show.
If the local city has a contrary fire code or the Convention Center rules and regulations dictates otherwise to the regulations listed above, then Exhibitor agrees to comply with all requirements regarding gasolineoperated vehicles/equipment, including, but not limited to fuel storage, displaying of gasoline-operated vehicles/equipment, and fueling/re-fueling.
Any event involving movement of a vehicle using fuel as a propellant or use of electrical systems to demonstrate moving parts is prohibited without written approval of the local fire marshal. Show Management may also determine whether any events are objectionable, and the decision of Show Management is final. Written authorization by the Convention Center and the local fire marshal shall be required for the exhibit display booth and operation of any electrical, or mechanical devices which may be deemed hazardous by the fire prevention division and the use or storage of flammable liquids or compressed gases.
Hazardous chemicals and materials, including pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, caustics, corrosives, oxidizers, flammables, poisons, and toxins are prohibited inside the building. The above list is not all inclusive.
All electrical equipment must be U.L. (Underwriter Laboratories) approved. Installation of all such equipment is to be under supervision of the Convention Center building services.
Banners, decorative signs, etc., rigged from the ceiling must be approved a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to installation by the decorator. Rigged signs are only allowed for island exhibit display booths of four hundred (400) square feet or more. Method of installation, location, and material used are subject to approval by the Convention Center.
All fountains must be waterproof and shall be tested prior to installation. All plumbing must be approved by Show Management and the Convention Center. Blueprints/drawings/plans for plumbing must be submitted to Show Management by Nov. 1, 2026.
No “stick-on” decals and similar promotional items may be distributed or applied in the building. Show Management reserves the right to restrict, close, and remove any exhibit because of noise, method of operation, uncooperative personnel, and discord in advertising or for any other reason as determined by Show Management.
Show Management will have sole control over all admissions of persons. Under NO circumstances will any child or minor under the age of sixteen (16) be allowed on the trade show or exhibit floor during the pre-determined setup/installation/move-in hours and days and will not be allowed on the trade show or exhibit floor during predetermined tear-down/dismantle/move-out hours and days established by Show Management.
Exhibitor may designate their own contractor for the physical set-up and dismantling of their exhibit display booth, but all activities must be consistent with any local, State, and/or Federal labor laws. All other Show services, including advanced carpet installation, must be provided by Freeman unless otherwise approved by Show Management. Exhibitor must notify Show Management of its intention to use an Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EAC) through the online form, which can be found under Show Management Online Forms at: https://www.gcsaaconference.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-forms-service-kit.
Exhibitor’s EAC must comply with the following rules and regulations:
1. EAC must have all licenses, permits and/or bonding’s required by any local, State, and/or Federal laws and Convention Center management prior to commencing work, and shall provide Show Management with evidence of such compliance.
2. EAC is required to submit certificates of insurance for worker’s compensation insurance, general liability insurance, and automobile liability insurance covering dates of occupancy, including movein/ out, naming GCSAA and the Convention Center as additional insured. Comprehensive general liability insurance must provide at least one million U.S. dollars ($1,000,000) for combined single limits, bodily injury, and property damage liability coverage. Umbrella liability is acceptable to meet above minimum requirements. Proof of insurance coverage must be submitted to Show Management by the date indicated on the EAC authorization form, which can be found under Show Management Online Forms at: https://www.gcsaaconference.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-forms-service-kit.
3. EAC agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless GCSAA, the Convention Center, and Freeman from any action on account of injury or damage to persons or property caused by an act of omission, negligence, or misconduct on the part of the non-official contractor or any of its agents, servants, employees, or contractors.
4. EAC shall be given the right to provide services requested of them by an Exhibitor in the setup and dismantling of exhibits on the Show floor, and they shall have the right to utilize qualified employees who shall be listed by name in advance. Only those employees on the list submitted to Show Management will be permitted access to the exhibit hall floor.
5. These EAC services shall not conflict with existing labor regulations or contracts, and in fulfilling their obligations, the EAC shall adhere to any and all regulations set up by the Convention Center and Show Management regarding entrance.
6. EAC will provide adequate notice to Show Management of the Exhibitors who have retained their services, and the services to be performed for each.
7. EAC may NOT solicit business on the Show floor. All EAC personnel, including all laborers employed by EAC, must confine all activities to the exhibit display booth(s) of their client(s) and may not enter the exhibit display booth area of a non-client for any purpose.
8. Notice from the independent contractors shall be considered sufficient evidence of the relationship between them and their client. Exhibitor must verify authorization for installation and dismantling by filling out the EAC authorization and badge form by the date indicated on the EAC authorization form, which can be found under Show Management Online Forms at: https://www.gcsaaconference.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-forms-service-kit.
9. Wristbands (or any other type of badging option selected by Show Management) will identify EAC personnel for set-up and dismantling and will be distributed by Show Management. These wristbands (or any other badging option) must be worn by EAC personnel at all times while operating on the exhibit floor.
Exhibitor is required to provide Show Management with a valid certificate of commercial general liability insurance by the date indicated on the CTS website and in the exhibitor service kit, which can be found online under Exhibitor Insurance at: https://www.gcsaaconference.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-forms-service-kit.
The certificate of insurance must be issued from an insurance company in good standing, with minimum policy limits of one million U.S. dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and two million U.S. dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate, insuring against all claims, suits and demands for personal injury or property damage occurring in or on the Exhibitor’s display booth or caused by any act or omission of the Exhibitor, its agents, servants, or employees. GCSAA and the Convention Center shall be named as additional insureds. The certificate of insurance must be effective during the entirety of the dates of the Show, including the move-in and move-out periods surrounding the Show. If Show Management does not receive the required certificate of insurance by the required date, Show Management will procure an insurance policy on Exhibitor’s behalf, which must then be paid to GCSAA prior to move-in or the Exhibitor effectively cancels their exhibit booth display space and Show Management will retain or collect one hundred percent (100%) of the total exhibit booth display space cost.
Submission of a booth space Application (hereinafter referred to as “Application”) implies agreement to the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Exhibit Booth Space Terms and Conditions (hereinafter referred to as “Agreement”) listed below.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (hereinafter referred to as “GCSAA” or “Show Management”) will have the full right of interpretation and approval on all matters pertaining to this Agreement and the rules and regulations contained within.
For the purposes of this document, Exhibitor (hereinafter referred to as “Exhibitor” or “Exhibitors”) refers to the organization, company, or individual contracting with GCSAA for exhibit space at the 2027 Conference and Trade Show (hereinafter referred to as “CTS” or “Show”). Exhibitor may also be used to reference the employees, contractors, agents, talent, and other operators that have a relationship to or are working on behalf of the Exhibitor.
For the purposes of this document, Convention Center (hereinafter referred to as “Convention Center”) refers to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center located at 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130.
GCSAA and Exhibitor are each a “Party” in this Agreement and may be referred to collectively as “the Parties” in this document.
The official general service contractor for the 2027 CTS is The Freeman Company (hereinafter referred to as “General Service Contractor” or “Freeman”).
An Exhibitor may lease booth space from GCSAA under the definite understanding that its product(s) and/or service(s) are deemed by Show Management to be directly related to golf course management and/or the golf industry.
All Exhibits must conform to the most current International Association of Expositions and Events (IAEE) display guidelines adopted by Show Management
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