If early returns are correct, the 5th Annual ING Fall Media Forum proved to be a success worthy of the bright lights of its host site, Las Vegas.
The Sept. 10-13 conference, held in conjunction with the PGA Fall Expo, attracted over five dozen energetic ING members, many of whom stayed over for the next two days to attend what appears to have been a successful PGA event.
The next ING gathering is the 17th Annual ING Spring Conference June 3-7, 2007 at beautiful Turning Stone resort & Casino, home of the B.C. Open.
Following are some highlights from the ING Fall Media Forum:
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Regional and niche magazine publishers received some outstanding advice from a panel of experts regarding coverage of the golf apparel industry. Patricia Dahan of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Willie Choma, a buyer representing Harrah’s Golf among others, and Vegas Golf Magazine Publisher Ray Hurtado outlined programs that could eventually lead to revenue for three key participants – the magazine, the clothing company and the pro shop or retail store that sells the product.
Companies wishing to grow their businesses via the Internet took a great deal away from a session on the first morning of the Fall Media Forum. Charlie Mandel of Rankmark, Ed Travis of Florida Golf Journal and Patrick Coulson of Golf Buzz discussed opportunities based on Internet activities. Most of the discussion centered on how magazines can step up, but all businesses had something to learn from this solid session.
TOPIC BREAKFASTS
Regional and niche media were again in the spotlight, welcoming business prospects during a drop-in breakfast format. Fourteen media outlets took part. The annual Solutions Breakfast was again a popular element of the conference. Topics included Web Site Enhancement (led by Dan Perry), Women In Golf (Debbie Steinbach), Sharpen Your Mental Game (Gloria Spitalny), Improving Magazine Content (Ed Travis), Planning The ING Conference Experience (John Glozek).
GOLF TOURNAMENTS
Team Golf Kart Kaddy took top honors by one stroke in the ING Team Tournament conducted within the PGA Fall Expo event held at Bali Hai. Pete Juricic’s two two-player teams topped Executive Director Mike Jamison’s two teams by one stroke, while Golfpac Travel finished third, headed by David Turley and Robert Vintilla. The teams were among 10 drafted the night before at a reception at Las Vegas Paiute Resort. Other team sponsors included Cascata Golf Club, Golf Mesquite, National Hole In One Association and A&C Marketing.
Speaking of Paiute Resort, the Wolf Course provided an outstanding golf experience for our Triple Play Mixer on Monday, won by Daniel Marcko and Tony Rossignol. The Wolf Course is one of three Pete Dye designs at the beautiful golf club northwest of Las Vegas. A terrific layout was matched only by its conditioning and by the service provided by General Manager Pat O’Hara and his staff. The Wolf is a must-play in Las Vegas.
Also, the Kickoff Putting Challenge on the dramatic lighted putting course at Angel Park was won by Ed Travis of Florida Golf Journal.
BEST NEW PRODUCT
Kudos to Pete Juricic. His product, the Golf Kart Kaddy, won Best New Product honors at the PGA Fall Expo. Golf Kart Kaddy acts as an extender for the golf bag, helping it to rest at an angle while sitting on the golf cart to give golfers better access to clubs and pockets.
Contact:
Mike Jamison
407-328-0500
mike@inggolf.com