2024 Conference Speakers
Monday Presenters
Preconference Keynote Presenter
2:30pm–3:30pm
"Government Affairs and Golf"
Hear the most recent updates on paid sick leave, the recent election, as well as other potential concerns for your golf business in 2025.
Point of Sale Education
New! These sessions were designed on YOUR feedback. Join us as each company walks us through education and hot topics. Each breakout will be unique, with time for Q&A built in.
Session 1 & 2
1:00pm–2:00pm & 3:45pm–4:45pm
"Why Data Matters"
Why Data Matters: revenue, customer experience, and your courses AI journey.
Session 1
1:00pm–2:00pm
"Website Best Practices"
Accessibility, Security and Performance, Ease of Use, etc.
Session 2
3:45pm–4:45pm
"Dynamic Pricing"
What it is, How to get started, Ways it can be beneficial.
Sessions 1 & 2
1:00pm–2:00pm & 3:45pm–4:45pm
"Retention and Newcomer Conversion"
From retention and newcomer conversion to increased off-course golf activities, labor shortages and modern golfer preferences, this session will help you not just keep pace with the trends but understand the significant opportunities that exist with tech-forward solutions.
Sessions 1 & 2
1:00pm–2:00pm & 3:45pm–4:45pm
"Elevate Golfer Experiences with Mobility"
Delivering fast, seamless service is key to creating amazing customer experiences. Discover how mobile tech like order-ahead F&B and self-serve check-ins are transforming golf facilities!
Explore key trends, survey data, and proprietary insights to meet evolving golfer expectations.
Session 1
1:00pm–2:30pm
ServSafe® Alcohol Class Session
Session 2
3:45pm–4:45pm
ServSafe® Alcohol Certification Exam
Alcohol service involves many risks. Prepare yourself to handle these risks with responsible alcohol training from a trusted and experienced source.
Jeff Hoag
Owner
Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center
1:00pm–2:30pm
Owner/GM Track
"Idea Exchange"
Peer led and focused on topics that are important to you.
Gary Kendra
Co-Owner
Links at Hunters Ridge
1:00pm–2:30pm
Owner/GM Track
"Idea Exchange"
Peer led and focused on topics that are important to you.
Ashley Dewling
Golf Services Manager
Oakland University
3:45pm–4:45pm
Director of Golf Track
"Idea Exchange"
Shane Riley
Director of Golf
Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center
3:45pm–4:45pm
Director of Golf Track
"Idea Exchange"
Tuesday Presenters
Opening Keynote Presenter
9:00am–10:00am
"The State of AI, and the Future of the Golf Industry"
Hear the newest AI Developments from Paul Roetzer, AI entrepreneur and author. More importantly how will AI affect your golf business?
Afternoon Keynote Presenter
2:45pm–3:30pm
"2025 Golf Industry SWOT Analysis"
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.
Allen DePuy
VP Golf Brokerage & Advisory Services
Colliers International
10:15am–11:15am
Owner/GM Track
"What's Your Exit Strategy?"
Kathy Aznavorian
Owner of Fox Hills (1974-2022)
10:15am–11:15am
Owner/GM Track
"What's Your Exit Strategy?"
Brenda Velandra
Owner of Raisin Valley Golf Course (1978-2023)
10:15am–11:15am
Owner/GM Track
"What's Your Exit Strategy?"
Amanda Smith
EVP Education
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
10:15am–11:15am
Food & Beverage Track
"Idea Exchange"
3:45pm–4:45pm
Food & Beverage Track
"Fairway Franks: Gourmet Hot Dogs for the 19th Hole"
Jay Karen
CEO
National Golf Course Owners Association
3:45pm–4:45pm
Director of Golf Track
"Customer and Facility Trends at the Golf Course 2024 Golf Industry PULSE Report"
Colin Darke
Attorney, Mavacy Law
3:45pm–4:45pm
Owner/GM Track
"Compliance for Golf Businesses:
Impacts of Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage "
Wednesday Presenters
Tiffanie Clawson
Michigan State Director
US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
8:30am–9:30am
"Race to Talent™ Event"
Scott Jedele
State Administrative Manager, Apprenticeship Expansion
LEO, State of Michigan
8:30am–9:30am
Owner/GM Track
"Race to Talent™ Event"
Jada Paisley
Executive Director
Michigan Golf Course Association
8:30am–9:30am
"Race to Talent™ Event"
10:00am–10:45am
GM/Owner Track
"Registered Apprenticeship Info Session: Sign Up"
Monica Robbins
Business Relations Consultant
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
10:00am–10:45am
Owner/GM & Director of Golf Track
"Enhancing Strategies and Best Practices in Golf Course Hiring"
Nacsha Ealy
Business Relations Consultant
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
10:00am–10:45am
Owner/GM & Director of Golf Track
"Enhancing Strategies and Best Practices in Golf Course Hiring"
Amanda Smith
EVP Education
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
10:00am–10:45am
Food & Beverage Track
"Food Costing Session HTIM Part 1 & 2"
2024 Conference Sponsors
