From riding the biggest waves to climbing the world’s highest peak, the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show’s two marquee events feature inspiring keynote presenters who have reached incredible heights. The Sunrise Opening Session and the Closing Send-Off Celebration feature impactful lineups that are focused on inspiring you to reach your highest potential.
The Sunrise Opening Session, presented in partnership with Syngenta, at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, will feature keynote speaker Paige Alms. Alms fits perfectly into the 2025 CTS theme of “Catch Your Wave” as a two-time world champion big wave surfer. She will take you on a journey to help you face your fiercest challenges. Alms will inspire you to embrace the impossible and ride the waves of your own life with courage and grace.
The session, which kicks off Wednesday at the CTS and gives attendees a chance to reconnect and celebrate the successes of the past year, is hosted by golf media personality Lauren Thompson and will also honor outgoing Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) President Jeff L. White, CGCS, recognize the winner of the 2025 GCSAA National Championship, 2025 GCSAA Col. John Morley Award Winner Pat Finlen, CGCS, and 2025 GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship Winner Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG, AGS.
GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans will be the keynote speaker at the Closing Send-Off Celebration, where he will recount his experiences of successfully summiting Mount Everest in his talk “Time’s Up! Lead Out!” With his life-changing experiences overcoming the challenges of Everest, Evans will take you to new heights by sharing powerful lessons in perseverance, resilience and achieving the extraordinary.
Thompson will also host the Closing Send-Off Celebration, presented in partnership with John Deere, which will take place at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6. The Celebration, which gives attendees the opportunity to connect with industry friends one last time before the 2025 CTS wraps up, will also feature 2025 Old Tom Morris Award Winner and baseball legend Ozzie Smith, the announcement of the winners of the 2025 Collegiate Turf Bowl and the introduction of the 2025 GCSAA Board of Directors.
Both the Sunrise and Send-Off events will be held in Ballroom 20 and the San Diego Convention Center and are open to all GCSAA Conference and Trade Show registrants.
To register to attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, visit gcsaaconference.com.