Fuse 2017, Day 1: Tom Kitchens Golf Classic, Hot Show and Annual Gala at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fuse 2017 was in full swing on its official first day of convention yesterday, Tuesday May 9th. Twelve teams comprised of rental professionals hit Moody Gardens Golf course at 8AM and enjoyed a beautiful waterfront golf course. The winners for the golf tournament and the Proximity marker winner are below. Click here for more photos of the golf tournament.

After the golf tournament attendees gathered in the ballroom of the Galveston Island Convention Center for the Welcome Reception and highly anticipated Hot Show Auction. APRO’s former president Lyn Leach emceed the auction as rental dealers bid on some of the greatest deals of the year. The half hour fast paced auction made $3.5 million. Click here for more photos of the Hot Show Auction.

APRO’s popular gala immediately followed the Hot Show where attendees were shuttled to Fisherman’s Wharf, located next to the island’s historic Strand District, the Tall Ship Elissa and the Galveston Cruise Terminal. Attendees enjoyed a buffet of the best seafood Galveston Island had to offer along with a night filled with dancing by a live band and commiserating with friends. Click here for more photos of the gala at Fisherman’s Wharf. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Fuse 2017 highlights including General Session, opening of the exhibit hall and the introduction of APRO’s new Executive Director Jill McClure (formal announcement to come soon) at the Fuse 2017 Awards Reception and Banquet. Fuse 2017 Tom Kitchens Golf Tournament winners: 1^st Place Joseph Fischer Randy Lewis Rich Morrow Wayland Russell 2^nd Place Daniel Singh Larry Carrico Larry Sutton Brett Wimberley 3^rd Place Chas Smithgall Charles Smithgall Paul Gibbons Jim Lee Longest Drive #1: Mark Blanchat Longest Drive #5: Lauren Talicska Closest to Pin #9: Jim Lee Straightest Drive #14: Natalie Leach Winners please pick up your awards at the APRO registration desk.