Just returned a week ago from a couple golf shows, one in Jonkoping, Sweden and the other in Munich, Germany.  Except for the language, the Greenskeepers (as they are called in Europe, and quite frankly a title I prefer as more romantic and prestigious than Superintendent) look the same, have the same concerns, ask the same questions, and enjoy the industry and visiting with their reps as we do here in America.

The trade show halls are different.  Instead of curtains, the smaller booth walls are solid.  The halls themselves are each about the same as one of our smaller regional or State shows and adding together the total footage does not come close to our nationals.  However, it is a custom and common for each booth to be serving snacks, even sandwiches or sausages, and coffee or wine or beer.  Due perhaps only to the night before hangover, the coffee is far more popular before noon!

For me, I always find it so much fun to be conversing with someone form the other side of the world on subjects so familiar to us both.  The only impediment is language and thankfully, “they” have learned English.  I also enjoy looking at the products that are either new to me or are a brand unfamiliar to us here.  I always look forward, not to the long trip, but simply being there.