Recap: 2024 HETMA Golf Classic at PGA West Pete Dye Dunes
By Troy Powers
The 2024 HETMA Golf Tournament at the iconic Pete Dye Dunes in La Quinta, California, was an unforgettable experience in many ways. From the blistering 115-degree heat to the camaraderie shared by AV professionals across the industry, this event showcased the heart of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) community and our commitment to supporting the next generation of AV leaders.
One of the highlights of the day was the incredible hospitality we experienced. Special thanks go to Joe, and especially Amy, for graciously opening their home to support this important initiative. Their generosity provided a wonderful atmosphere of community and collaboration, allowing participants to network, share stories, and bond over a shared love for the AV industry and HETMA’s mission. It’s this kind of support that makes our events truly special and impactful.
The Challenge of the Heat
The relentless 115-degree heat was not for the faint of heart. Participants battled through the scorching temperatures with a level of determination that reflected their commitment to making this tournament a success. We want to extend a special thank you to all the golfers who braved the extreme weather to support HETMA’s cause. Your perseverance and dedication made this event one to remember.
We also want to thank the volunteers who, despite coming to work the event, ended up golfing in the heat as well. Your flexibility and enthusiasm were a testament to the spirit of community that HETMA fosters. To our course marshal, George, and his wife Jacqueline, thank you for ensuring the event ran smoothly. Despite the heat, you both managed the logistics with grace and professionalism, and your efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
A special shout-out also goes to Copeland, the course’s event coordinator. His attention to detail and support in handling the unique challenges of the day helped keep everything on track. Organizing an event under such extreme conditions is no small feat, and Copeland’s coordination ensured that we all stayed hydrated, safe, and focused on the game.
Sponsorship and Support
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. HETMA is proud to collaborate with so many respected companies that share our vision of elevating the AV industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AVIXA, Q-SYS, Shure, Crestron, Panasonic Connect, Sennheiser, Solutionz, Epiphan, CTI, Avidex, Bose Professional, Extron, Xten AV, Legrand, AV Nation, Atlona, RP Solutions, Lumibuild, and EXP Realty for making this tournament a reality. Your support helps further HETMA’s mission to provide educational resources, professional development, and mentorship to the next generation of AV professionals.
The involvement of our sponsors wasn’t just about financial backing—it was about fostering relationships and creating an environment where professionals from various sectors could connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. From pre-tournament networking to post-event celebrations, these connections are what truly drive the growth of the AV industry.
Celebrating PRISM Winners
A major highlight of the tournament was the presence of past PRISM Award winners, who took time out of their schedules to attend the event and share their inspiring stories. These individuals embody the best of what our industry has to offer—dedicated, innovative professionals who have made significant contributions to AV in higher education. Their insights and stories were not only inspiring but also reinforced the importance of mentorship, diversity, and inclusion in shaping the future of the industry.
Thank you to all the PRISM winners for being a part of the event and sharing your experiences with our community. Your presence added an extra layer of meaning to the tournament, reminding us why we come together in support of the PRISM Scholarship and the rest of HETMA’s initiatives.
A Look Ahead
As with any event, there are always lessons learned, and we certainly gained a lot of insight this year. From managing the extreme heat to fine-tuning the logistics of the tournament, we are confident that next year’s event will be even better. We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and apply it to future tournaments, ensuring that each year builds on the last and continues to provide value to participants, sponsors, and the entire HETMA community.
We owe a huge thank you to everyone involved in the planning and execution of this year’s tournament. From the sponsors to the golfers, the volunteers, and the PRISM winners, every individual contributed to making this event a success. And of course, none of it would have been possible without the dedicated team behind the scenes, working tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 HETMA Golf Tournament at Pete Dye Dunes was a day filled with challenges, triumphs, and community spirit. Despite the extreme heat, everyone came together to support HETMA’s mission and to celebrate the AV industry in higher education. We are deeply grateful to Joe and Amy for their hospitality, to all our sponsors, and to every participant and volunteer who made this event possible.
This year’s tournament was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to see how we can make it even better next year. Until then, thank you again for your continued support of HETMA and our mission to shape the future of the AV industry through education, collaboration, and innovation.