Episode 092
Inside the GCSAA 2026 Conference: Growth, Connections & Lessons Learned
with Meredith Otero and Mitch Rupert
Summary
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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
19:21 – 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
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Who is Tyler Bloom?
Tyler Bloom is the leading expert on workforce development in the golf and turfgrass industry. He has worked with dozens of leading golf and sports companies in the United States including The PGA of America, Top 100 golf courses, public, municipal to professional sports teams, universities, and national historic landmarks.