Golf course owners and operators say networking remains one of the most important reasons they attend trade shows and conferences. To help satisfy that desire, the NGCOA will introduce two new networking opportunities for its 2008 annual conference Jan. 28-31 in Orlando.

Pod Links is a networking event that kicks off the conference’s educational track on Jan. 30. During the session, owners and operators will break into small discussion groups (pods) based on the type of course they represent to discuss challenges and potential solutions.

The Golf Business magazine Idea Fair the next day will include 10 course operators who will present case studies on problems they have overcome using innovative ideas. Attendees in the audience will vote to determine the 2008 Idea Fair winner.

"Pod Links and the Idea Fair are designed to recognize strategic and creative thinking that could be applied in similar situations at any number of courses," said Joe Rice, the NGCOA’s director of strategic marketing & communications. "They’re both great opportunities to take advantage of proven ways to help your business."