Agenda
Before scrolling, please refresh this page as updates are published daily!
Sunday, January 18
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration, Badge Pick-Up and Happy Hour
Rosen Centre, Registration Desk 2
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Masterminds 2026
Rosen Centre, Signature 2
Jeff Hoag | Co-Owner | Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center
Join Jeff Hoag, Owner of Scott Lake Golf and Practice Center, as he returns to lead his popular annual Masterminds session—an open, honest forum for golf course owners to tackle the real challenges of ownership head-on. This dynamic, peer-driven discussion dives into the key operational and industry issues that shaped the 2025 season. Bring your questions, share your insights, and collaborate with fellow owners and operators as you strategize for a successful 2026.
Participation in this session is FREE but pre-registration is required; a cash bar will be available throughout the session. Get your GBC week off to a great start by adding this pre-conference session to your GBC26 Full Conference registration.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Yamaha New NGCOA Member & GBC First Time Attendee Reception
Rosen Centre, Salons 20 & 21
If you’re a new NGCOA member, or attending Golf Business Conference for the first time, we’re making it easier for you to learn the ropes, meet the right people, connect with regional and national peers, and get the most from your Golf Business Conference experience!
The New NGCOA Member & GBC First Time Attendee Reception is an intimate social gathering where you will be introduced to other new and returning owners and operators, members of the NGCOA Board, Affiliate Executive Directors and NGCOA staff. You’ll make connections from day one that you’ll benefit from all week long!
Monday, January 19
6:30 am – 11:00 am
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Registration & Badge Pick-Up
Rosen Centre, Registration Desk 2
7:15 am – 3:30 pm
Yamaha Golf Outing
Reunion Resort & Golf Club – Palmer Course
7:15 am — Shuttles depart the Rosen Centre for Reunion Golf Club – Palmer Course
7:45 am – 8:45 am — Breakfast, driving range and putting green
8:45 am — Golfers in cars, welcome announcements
9:00 am — Shotgun start
11:00 am – 12:30 pm — Lunch on course
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm — Reception immediately following play — Eleven restaurant on the rooftop
3:30 pm — Shuttles depart Reunion Golf Club for the Rosen Centre
➔ NOTE: Additional registration is required for this activity. If you wish to participate, please be sure to select the Golf Outing on the main Golf Business Conference registration form for just $275!
10:30 am – 2:00 pm
GBC26 Expedition: Inside the Operation
Walt Disney World Golf – Magnolia Course
Step inside the magic of Walt Disney World Golf for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry’s most recognized operations. This immersive session invites you to explore the property in small groups, connect directly with department leaders, and uncover the strategies that keep this world-class facility running at its best. Space is limited! General Manager Bruce Gerlander and his team will guide the session and provide insights and inspiration you can take back to your own course — whether it’s elevating guest experiences, fine-tuning operations, reimagining your marketing plan, or simply taking in spur-of-the-moment discoveries. The session concludes with a recap of shared experiences and takeaways over a group lunch in the Magnolia Ballroom.
➔ Cost is $89 per person; space is limited and pre-registration is required.
➔ Registration for this session includes shuttle transportation, an on-site buffet-style lunch and other light refreshments.
➔ Note that this pre-conference workshop conflicts with the Yamaha Golf Outing; you cannot participate in both.
Bruce Gerlander
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
NGCOA 2026 Award Presentations
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Golf Business LIVE | Sir Nick Faldo
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
The most successful European golfer in history will join us to officially kick off Golf Business Conference 2026 as Sir Nick Faldo sits down for a Golf Business LIVE fireside chat, hosted by NGCOA CEO Jay Karen. Bring your questions for this unforgettable Q&A as Sir Nick, a six-time major winner and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, will reflect on his extraordinary golf career, delve into his current passions and aspirations, and share with us his feelings on the future of the golf industry. Click here to watch an AI-generated version of Sir Nick’s GBC26 invitation!
Sir Nick Faldo
Six-Time Major Champion
World Golf Hall of Famer
Jay Karen
Chief Executive Officer, NGCOA
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Opening Reception
Tailgate with Toptracer 
Rosen Centre, Poolside
Tuesday, January 20
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration & Badge Pick-Up
Rosen Centre, Registration Desk 2
7:30 am – 8:45 am
General Breakfast
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom Foyer
8:45 am – 9:30 am
Welcoming Remarks from GBC26 Emcee Charlie Rymer,
and NGCOA Annual Business Meeting
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
Charlie Rymer | GBC26 Emcee | Executive Vice President | McLemore Club
Jay Karen | Chief Executive Officer | NGCOA
Charlie Rymer
Jay Karen
9:45 am – 10:35 am
Education Sessions
Choose one of the sessions below
Track 1
Rosen Centre, Signature 2
The Business Metric That Determines If Your Course Thrives or Dies
Kyle Morris | Founder & CEO | The Golf Room
Are you ready to turn your golfers into long-term value? Kyle Morris, Owner of The Golf Room, reveals the hidden economics and crucial metrics behind customer growth for golf course businesses. This session unpacks the real value of each golfer and how to optimize your acquisition strategy. Consider this a must-attend session for course owners focused on ROI heading into 2026.
Track 2
Rosen Centre, Salons 17 & 18
TBA
[Topic and Description coming soon]
Track 3
Rosen Centre, Salons 20 & 21
Avoiding Hazards: A 2026 Risk Management Gameplan for Golf Businesses
Join a panel of industry experts as they discuss the biggest risks facing golf courses today — from liability and weather events to insurance gaps. Learn practical strategies and best practices to protect your course, your customers, and your bottom line.
10:35 am – 11:00 am
Pepsi Networking Break
Rosen Centre, 2nd Floor Skywalk Landing
11:00 am – 11:50 am
Education Sessions
Choose one of the sessions below
Track 1
Rosen Centre, Signature 2
From Summit to Strategy: Forecasting the Tee Time Marketplace
In October, first-ever Golf Tee Time Summit, hosted by NGCOA, convened the leading voices in golf operations and explored how they tackle ticketing innovation, dynamic pricing, data access, AI, and marketplace partnerships. We’ll surface real‑world lessons, emerging trends, and strategic takeaways that can directly boost your golf business. The stage is set for a sustainable tee time marketplace, so come prepared to translate those insights into your 2026 playbook.
Track 2
Rosen Centre, Salons 17 & 18
State of the Industry 2026: Sustaining Success in a Shifting Landscape
Jim Koppenhaver | Founder & President | Pellucid Corp
Stuart Lindsay | Principal | Edgehill Golf Advisors
After a multi-year stretch of strong performance, the golf industry is navigating a new phase—where maintaining momentum and adapting to evolving market forces are top of mind. Back by popular demand, industry veterans Jim Koppenhaver and Stuart Lindsay return to Golf Business Conference to deliver their signature “State of the Industry” session. Using the latest data and trends from 2025, they’ll help you benchmark your course’s performance, identify signals in the noise, and explore what’s next in rounds, revenues, and customer behaviors. Whether growth is your goal or you’re focused on stability, this session arms you with the insights and strategies to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Track 3
Rosen Centre, Salons 20 & 21
TBA
[Topic and Description coming soon]
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch & Networking
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
“Golf as a Vehicle for Good” Updates
2026 Paul Porter Award Presentation
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Expert Panel
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
What Your Golf Professional Wants You to Know About Their Job
Cathy Harbin, PGA (Moderator) | Owner, Pine Ridge Golf Course | President, NGCOA
Mark Lammi, PGA | PGA General Manager | Champions Retreat Golf Club
Lisa Schwinden, PGA | PGA Master Professional
Tom Wildenhaus, PGA | Director of Golf | Olde Florida Golf Club
Ever wondered what your golf pros are really thinking—and what could help them thrive even more? In this candid panel led by course owner, NGCOA president and PGA Master Professional Cathy Harbin, three fellow PGA Master Professionals from courses of various sizes, structures and states pull back the curtain on their daily roles, professional priorities, and what they might do differently if they were in your shoes. Walk away with fresh perspectives, practical ideas, and a clearer understanding of how to align your team for long-term success.
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm
LIVE!
Join us for an interactive and multi-track program where the spirit of Accelerate, NGCOA’s exclusive online discussion forum and online community, comes alive in person! Connect with fellow golf course owner/operators, exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and spark collaborations in real time—no screen required. Don’t miss this chance to engage with the NGCOA community face-to-face and accelerate your business together.
Do you have ideas or requests for specific topics to be covered during this session? Email them to Taylor Wall, NGCOA’s Senior Director of Education at twall@ngcoa.org before December 19!
Rosen Centre, Signature 2
[Moderators and Topics will be announced in early January]
Rosen Centre, Salons 17 & 18
[Moderators and Topics will be announced in early January]
Rosen Centre, Salons 20 & 21
[Moderators and Topics will be announced in early January]
2:45 pm – 3:10 pm
Pepsi Networking Break
Rosen Centre, 2nd Floor Skywalk Landing
3:10 pm – 4:00 pm
Education Sessions
Choose one of the sessions below
Track 1
Rosen Centre, Signature 2
Marketing that Actually Pays for Itself: How Smart Branding and AI-Powered Digital Can Drive Revenue Without the Headaches
Ashleigh Anderson-Guerra | CEO | BIRDHAUS Brand Studio
Golf course owners and operators know there’s always room to improve their marketing—but with limited time and endless demands, it often gets pushed aside. Brand architect, marketing strategist, and former LPGA executive Ashleigh Anderson-Guerra will lead this session that offers a practical, no-fluff guide to building a strong brand, setting up low-maintenance digital marketing, and using AI tools to simplify content creation. You’ll walk away with real-world examples, actionable strategies, and a fresh approach to marketing that actually drives revenue. If you’re ready to make your marketing work for you—not add to your workload—this session is for you.
Track 2
Rosen Centre, Salons 17 & 18
Track 3
Rosen Centre, Salons 20 & 21
Telling Golf’s Story: Advocacy, Impact & Action for Course Owners
Gina Rizzi | President | Radius Sports Group
Golf is more than a game—it’s an economic engine, environmental steward, and community asset. Gina Rizzi, founder of Radius Sports Group, shares how course owners can engage lawmakers, shape public perception, and leverage data to advocate for the industry. Radius Sports Group produced the newly-released New York Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report, which is already proving to be a valuable asset in the Empire State golf community. Learn how to get involved with state and regional coalitions, support research efforts, and turn insights into influence at the local and legislative levels. This session equips you with the tools to protect and promote your business while strengthening golf’s reputation in your community.
4:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Sponsor Fair & Happy Hour
Rosen Centre, Executive Ballroom
Round out a full day of education and networking with the annual “Sponsor Fair & Happy Hour.” Enjoy dinner stations and an open bar while perusing this exhibition of GBC26 sponsors. We encourage you to meet and chat with these company representatives so you can return to your office better informed and more confident to make future purchasing decisions. Whether you’re currently in the market for new products and services, or you’re just curious about the latest in golf business solutions, you’ll meet dozens of industry suppliers and learn how their offerings can streamline your facility operations and improve your bottom line.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Next Gen Meet-Up
Topgolf Orlando
Join us for the second annual “Next Gen Meet-Up” during GBC26. As the next generation of golf course owners and operators, you will benefit personally and professionally from connecting with this supportive community of your peers — those who truly understand the unique dynamics of family operations and succession transition. This event is a unique opportunity to identify and connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and gain the tools, insights and strategies necessary to drive your family’s legacy forward with confidence and success. (Food, beverages, and Topgolf games will be provided.)
This event is intended for golf course successors and space is limited; please contact Christina Egan at cegan@ngcoa.org to RSVP.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Owners Dinner
The Capital Grille
This event is optional and requires a separate fee; please contact Rachel Carter at rcarter@ngcoa.org to register.
Wednesday, January 21
7:00 am – 8:30 am
Breakfast
Rosen Centre, Salon Level
All remaining activities take place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)
6:30 am – 2:00 pm
Registration & Badge Pick-Up
OCCC West EF Lobby, WF4 Foyer
8:15 am – 8:30 am
PGA Opening Ceremonies
OCCC West Concourse, Main Lobby
8:30 am
PGA Show Exhibition Hall Opens
Visit NGCOA Booth 2979
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Education Session
OCCC, Room W240C
Creators, Culture and Customers: The Intersection of Online Influence and Your Tee Sheet
Bobby Barrett, PGA (Moderator) | Director of Club Operations | The Quail Golf Club
Erik Anders Lang | Renowned Golf Storyteller | Host, The Erik Anders Lang Show
Abby Liebenthal | Head of Marketing & Experiences, Fried Egg Golf | President, Fore The Ladies, Inc.
Chris Pierce, PGA | Director of Golf | Hermitage Golf Course
Gaylord Schaap | Owner | Northwood Golf Course
With golfers increasingly discovering courses through social content and local, regional and national online voices, the line between marketing and media has shifted. In this session, featuring the world-renowned golf storyteller Erik Anders Lang, you’ll hear how course operators are driving measurable returns through strategic partnerships that convert attention into bookings. Learn how to embrace and assess creator fit, set clear goals, and track the impact of digital collaborations on your bottom line.
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Education Session
OCCC, Room W240C
Double Down on Innovation
Jeff Ma | Chief Digital Officer | Troon
Once a member of the famed MIT blackjack team, then turned Wall Street analyst and now Chief Digital Officer for Troon, Jeff Ma has built a career around identifying patterns and optimizing outcomes in chaotic environments. Drawing on his experiences beating casinos and building companies, Jeff will reveal how the biggest competitive edge can come from overcoming cognitive biases, creating strategic frameworks and leveraging data. Learn how reframing your view on your business unlocks experimentation and drives innovation. Discover how data, technology, and a growth mindset can help golf course owners and operators double down on new opportunities at their facilities.
11:45 am – 1:15 pm
GBC26 Closing Luncheon and NGCOA Award of Merit Presentation
OCCC West Concourse, WF4
2026 Don Rossi Award and Award of Merit Presentations
NOTE: The GBC26 Closing Luncheon and Q&A are included in a Golf Business Conference 2026 full conference pass.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Education Session
OCCC, Room W240C
Equipping and Empowering Municipal Operators with Benchmark Data and Metrics
Mike Attara, PGA | President | Spirit Golf Management
Mark Mattingly, PGA | Executive Vice President | Landscapes Golf Management
Phillip Martin | Sr. Vice President of Operations | Troon
Mike Suglich (Moderator) | Founder & President | Greenlight Advisors
Municipal golf operators will walk away from this panel, moderated by Greenlight Advisors president Mike Suglich, with clear, practical metrics that make running a course easier and more effective. We’ll break down the most important takeaways from the 2025 U.S. Municipal Golf Study and show what top-performing facilities are doing differently. You’ll see how simple benchmarking practices can uncover opportunities, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and guide smart decisions. Plus, this panel of experienced municipal leaders will share how they’ve used data to improve results, justify budgets, and plan for the future.
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Education Session
OCCC, Room W240C
TBA
[Speakers coming soon]
[Description coming soon]
3:00 pm – 3:20 pm
Golf Business LIVE — Web Exclusive
Special Guest: Jon Last, Sports & Leisure Research Group
PGA Show Exhibition Hall, Clubhouse Stage
3:20 pm – 3:55 pm
Golf Business LIVE Tech Talks
Host: Harvey Silverman
PGA Show Exhibition Hall, Clubhouse Stage
6:00 pm
PGA Show Exhibition Hall Closes
Thursday, January 22
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
PGA Show Exhibition Hall Opens
Visit NGCOA Booth 2979
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Education Session
OCCC, Room W230B
Case Study: Driving Demand, Revenue and Retention Across the Golfer Journey
Jeremy Goldblatt | Chief Operating Officer | KemperSports
Matt Welliver | Director, Business Strategy | Lightspeed Golf
NGCOA and Lightspeed Golf team up in this session as we’ll distill key data from the recently-released collaborative NGCOA + Lightspeed report Driving Demand, Revenue and Retention Across the Golfer Journey. Discover ways to transform your tee sheet, retail, and F&B operations into a unified revenue-driving engine — and leverage modern technology to convert single-day players into loyal, long-term customers.
3:05 pm – 4:00 pm
Golf Business LIVE with Michael Williams
Powered by Tagmarshal
PGA Show Exhibition Hall, Clubhouse Stage
6:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Dustin Lynch | PGA Show Winter Jam
OCCC, Show Floor, The Retreat Stage, Hall E
Doors Open: 5:30pm | Performance Starts: 6:00pm
Get ready to rock with country music star Dustin Lynch at the PGA Show Winter Jam! The Winter Jam is exclusively for PGA Show badge holders (including GBC26 attendees) until capacity is reached — you must show your PGA Show badge for entry.
Friday, January 23
8:30 am – 2:00 pm
PGA Show Exhibition Hall Opens
Visit NGCOA Booth 2979
Continuing Education Units
As in years past, GBC26 education sessions will be eligible for continuing education credits from the PGA of America, LPGA, GCSAA, and CMAA.