2026 CONFERENCE BANNER WEBSITE w sponsor Logos (1)
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Speaker Series (2)

Speaker Bios & Session Summaries.

Trent Manning Cropped HS

Trent Manning

With over 28 years in the golf industry, Trent Manning, CTEM, has earned some of the highest honors in his field, including being named the 2018 Most Valuable Technician by GCSAA and receiving the Edwin Budding Award in 2022 for his contributions to the turf equipment industry. Born and raised in North Georgia, Trent has stayed close to home, honing his skills as an equipment manager at Ansley and Settindown Creek Golf Clubs where he first started at age 16.

Trent earned certificates in small engines, electrical and reel theory, and completed the GCSAA Equipment Management Certificate Program Levels 1 and 2, earning his CTEM designation in the first year of the certification. His dedication to advancing the industry extends beyond the golf course; as the creator and host of the Reel Turf Techs podcast, Trent shares the stories of turf equipment managers from around the globe. Trent enjoys working with his local GGCSA chapter, the GCSAA Equipment Manager Task Group, and speaking to audiences worldwide. Outside of work, Trent enjoys finding new tools to add to his collection, visiting other turf techs in their shops, discovering great BBQ spots in his travels, and spending time with his two daughters.

Tips and Tricks for Equipment Managers

Date, Time & Location TBA

Session Summary

Join a session packed with practical insights gathered from golf courses across the country. Trent Manning shares valuable tips and tricks that equipment managers can use to improve efficiency, solve common challenges, and enhance operations in their day-to-day roles. Learn innovative techniques and best practices directly from the field to elevate your work and keep your equipment running smoothly.

Objectives

1. Learn Time-Saving Maintenance Techniques 

Participants will discover practical tips to streamline equipment maintenance and repairs, enhancing productivity and reducing downtime.

2. Identify Best Practices for Equipment Longevity

   Attendees will gain knowledge on effective practices for extending the life of various types of golf course equipment, minimizing costs, and maintaining peak performance.

3. Develop Problem-Solving Skills for Common Equipment Challenges

Participants will be equipped with solutions for common challenges faced by equipment managers, fostering adaptability and efficiency in their day-to-day operations.

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Grow Your Network and Mental Health

Date, Time & Location TBA

Session Summary

In this presentation, Trent Manning will explore the power of building a strong professional network and its positive impact on mental health. Learn practical strategies for growing meaningful connections within the industry, ways to support your mental well-being, and the critical role that networking can play in managing stress and finding balance in the workplace.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the Importance of Networking for Mental Well-being

Participants will learn how professional networking can positively impact mental health by providing a support system, new opportunities, and a sense of community within the industry.

2. Develop Strategies to Build and Maintain Meaningful Connections

Attendees will identify effective networking strategies and skills for cultivating long-term relationships that can enhance both career development and personal well-being.

3. Recognize and Implement Mental Health Practices for Professional Balance

Participants will gain insight into mental health practices that complement networking efforts, helping them manage workplace stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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Mastering Reel Geometry: Advanced Setup for Cutting Unit Performance

Date, Time & Location TBA

Session Summary

Take your reel setup skills to the next level. This advanced session covers cutting unit geometry with a focus on behind center distance, setup techniques, and their impact on cut quality. Includes research, on-turf testing, and case studies to help troubleshoot issues and optimize cutting unit performance. 

  1. Understand cutting unit geometry — Gain deeper knowledge of behind center distance, attitude angles, and how setup impacts cut quality and after-cut appearance
  2. Apply research and case studies — Learn from testing data and real-world experiences to identify best practices for different conditions.
  3. Improve troubleshooting skills — Recognize and correct common setup issues to extend equipment life and optimize playing conditions.



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