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Leadership on the LinksAuthor: Tyler Bloom
Welcome to Leadership on the Links, the essential podcast for golf course superintendents, general managers, and executives who are passionate about mastering the art of golf course management. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, this podcast brings you into the world of golf course leadership with insightful interviews, expert advice, and actionable strategies designed to help you excel in your role. Each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts who share their knowledge on a wide range of topics, from turf management and sustainability to team leadership and operational efficiency. Tyler's engaging style ensures that every discussion is not only informative but also enjoyable, capturing the spirit of a casual yet insightful chat as if you're walking the course with a trusted mentor. Language: en Genres: Business, Golf, Management, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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092 | Inside the GCSAA 2026 Conference: Growth, Connections & Lessons Learned
Episode 91
Thursday, 12 February, 2026
Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Meredith Otero and Mitch Rupert dive into a candid recap of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Fresh off the heels of an incredible week, they reflect on the exponential growth Bloom Golf Partners has experienced over the past 12 months and how it transformed every conversation on the trade show floor. From sold-out education sessions to meaningful booth visits, Meredith and Mitch discuss what made this year feel so different—intentional connections, industry recognition, and the pride of watching their team shine. They also touch on workforce trends, the critical need for equipment managers, and the power of developing talent from within. What You'll Learn Why intentional networking and consistent marketing efforts lead to more meaningful conference conversations How Bloom Golf Partners' growth over 12 months shifted booth visits from "What do you guys do?" to purposeful engagement The current workforce crisis facing equipment managers and why this trade skill offers incredible career potential Why developing talent from within—whether from your own staff or the local community—is key to solving hiring challenges How team balance and individual strengths create a winning dynamic at industry events The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone for speaking engagements and professional growth Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and post-conference exhaustion 00:42 – Overview of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show 01:06 – Team photos, Disney fun, and the famous Sunday sundae 02:48 – Mitch's comparison: What felt different from last year 04:55 – Nonstop booth traffic and meaningful conversations 05:28 – Meredith's takeaway: Intentional visits and genuine connections 07:52 – Feeling rejuvenated, not drained, after a full week 09:23 – Mitch's sold-out education session and key takeaways 11:24 – The equipment manager workforce crisis and aging out of the profession 12:43 – Career potential in trade skills and equipment management 14:51 – Mary's speaking debut and overcoming presentation nerves 16:19 – Mitch's first speaking engagement at Union League and lessons learned 17:56 – Meredith's upcoming speaking opportunity at Club Managers 18:38 – Team dynamics, balance, and playing to individual strengths 1 9:21 – Plans for future events and getting the whole team together Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: https://www.gcsaa.org Club Managers Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.org
