Full Conference Schedule
More information coming soon!
MONDAY
FULL CONFERENCE BEGINS
6:00pm–8:00pm
Opening Reception
(Sussex Room/Lobby)
Introduction: Bill Mory
Kick off the conference in style by joining us for fun cocktails and hors d’oeuvres!
Sponsored by:
TUESDAY
8:00am–8:45am
Continental Breakfast
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
8:00am–8:45am
Welcome/Registration
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
8:45am–9:00am
MGCA Business Meeting
(Salon Ballroom)
MGCA Executive Committee
9:00am–10:00am
Opening Keynote
"The State of AI, and the Future of the Golf Industry"
(Salon Ballroom)
Keynote Speaker:
Paul Roetzer, CEO
Marketing AI Institute
Hear the newest AI Developments from Paul Roetzer, AI entrepreneur and author. More importantly how will AI affect your golf business?
Sponsored by:
10:00am–10:15am
Networking Break
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
10:15am–11:15am
Session Choices
Owner/GM Track
What's Your Exit Strategy?
(Room 2401)
Facilitator:
Allen DePuy
VP Golf Brokerage & Advisory Services
Colliers International
Panelists:
Kathy Aznavorian
Owner of Fox Hills
(1974-2022)
Brenda Velandra
Owner of Raisin Valley Golf Course
(1978-2023)
In this engaging panel discussion, hear firsthand from two successful golf business owners who have gone through the process of selling their companies.
They will share the key insights they’ve gained and what they wish they had known before starting their exit journey.
10:15am–11:15am
Session Choices
Director of Golf Track
Empowering Emerging Leaders for the Long Game
(Bristol Room)
Presenter:
Tim Cosby, President, Culture Impact Inc.
The task of equipping the next generation of leaders is both a challenge and an opportunity. This workshop is designed to address the specific needs and challenges you face in developing emerging leaders who are prepared for the long game.
Sponsored by:
10:15am–11:15am
Session Choices
Food & Beverage Track
Idea Exchange: Food and Beverage Trends
(Sussex Room)
Facilitators:
Amanda Smith, EVP Education
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
A roundtable discussion reflecting on 2024 popular food items and what is forecasted for 2025.
Sponsored by:
11:15am–11:45am
Book Signing with Paul Roetzer
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
11:30am–2:30pm
Vendor Fair & Networking Lunch
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
2:30pm–2:45pm
Networking Break
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
2:45pm–3:30pm
Afternoon Keynote
"2025 Golf Industry SWOT Analysis"
(Salon Ballroom)
Keynote Speaker:
Jay Karen, CEO, NGCOA
Jay will share key insights on leveraging the industry’s strengths and opportunities while turning weaknesses and threats into avenues for growth.
Plus, hear the latest updates on significant developments involving major players like Google and GolfNow.
Sponsored by: 
3:30pm–3:45pm
Networking Break
(Grand Foyer)
Sponsored by:
3:45pm–4:45pm
Session Choices
Food & Beverage Track
Fairway Franks: Gourmet Hot Dogs for the 19th Hole
(Sussex Room)
Presenters:
Amanda Smith, MRLA
Chef Jake Osburn
Chef Jake will showcase ways to elevate your hot dog offerings. Walk away with: creative condiment inspiration, samples, food safety tips, and some fun ideas on how your team can bond and collaborate while enhancing your menu.
Sponsored by:
3:45pm–4:45pm
Session Choices
Director of Golf Track:
Customer and Facility Trends at the Golf Course-2024 Golf Industry PULSE Report
(Salon Ballroom)
Facilitator:
Jay Karen, CEO, NCGOA
Join Jay Karen for a panel discussion on 2024 customer and facility trends happening at your golf course.
3:45pm–4:45pm
Session Choices
Owners/GM
Compliance for Golf Businesses: Impacts of Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage
(Bristol Room)
Presenter:
Colin Darke, Attorney, Mavacay Law
What are your legal implications with paid sick leave and minimum wage? The presentation will focus on how recent changes may affect your golf business and the steps necessary to ensure compliance with the new legal landscape.
6:00pm–8:30pm
Reception and Annual Awards Banquet
(Salon Ballroom)
Hospitality Sponsor:
WEDNESDAY
8:00am–8:30am
Breakfast
(Room TBA)
Sponsored by:
8:30am–9:30am
Race to Talent™ Event
(Room TBA)
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, federal labor and workforce development experts, MGCA is hosting a Race to Talent™ event.
Hear from existing golf courses and apprentices in the MGCA “Golf Course Maintenance Technician” Registered Apprenticeship.
Sponsored by:
9:30am–10:00am
Networking Break
Sponsored by:
10:00am–10:45am
Session Choices
Owner/GM Track
Registered Apprenticeship Info Session: Sign up
(Room TBA)
Presenter:
Jada Paisley
This session will cover the details of signing up as an employer in Registered Apprenticeship.
10:00am–10:45am
Session Choices
Owner/GM & Director of Golf Track
Enhancing Strategies and Best Practices in Golf Course Hiring
(Room TBA)
Presenters:
Monica Robbins and Nacsha Ealy, Business Relations Consultant, Michigan Rehabilitation Services
The need for talent at your golf business is vital to your success. This session will provide you with practical strategies and resources available to assist with hiring and integrating diverse talent.
10:00am–10:45am
Session Choices
Food & Beverage Track
Food Costing Part 1
(Room TBA)
Presenter:
Amanda Smith, MRLA
Foundations of Food & Beverage Profits. Explore some of the basics of controlling food costs.
11:00am–11:45am
Food & Beverage Track
Food Costing Part 2
(Room TBA)
Presenter:
Amanda Smith, MRLA
Foundations of Food & Beverage Profits. Explore some of the basics of controlling food costs.
2024 Conference Sponsors
