PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Unparalleled business resources designed specifically to navigate the economy and plan for the year ahead await PGA Professionals, retailers, manufacturers and international golf business leaders during the 56th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31, in Orlando, Fla.
“While many are talking about the economy, the PGA Merchandise Show is doing something about it by offering a wealth of resources unlike any other business event,” said PGA Shows Group Vice President Ed Several. “A comprehensive education program, a multitude of manufacturer presentations, workshops by financial experts, peer networking, economic forums, PGA best practices and career counseling are just a few of the tools available to attendees as a catalyst for the business of the game.”
All the best companies, business executives, organizational leaders, retail experts and teachers of the game are collaborating to build an all-inclusive event that delivers the resources, solutions and ideas to turn the dial of participation and spending in golf. More than 45,000 industry professionals are anticipated to participate in a full three-day schedule of events, education and product presentations from more than 1,200 exhibiting companies.
“Today, more than ever, golf courses need to separate themselves from the competition by exceeding their customer’s expectations,” said PGA Professional and 2008 National PGA Merchandiser of the Year Mike Woods of Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, Calif. “Our team has been visiting the PGA Merchandise Show for over 30 years and every year the PGA Show gets better at providing a unique look at new and creative products to build retail excitement, seminars targeted at providing a better experience for our customers, and networking opportunities to share valuable information.”
In 2009, industry professionals can expect to:
• Benefit from more than 70 education seminars by industry experts to combat the economy including: “How to Dramatically Increase New Membership Sales at Your Club!”; “Financial Reality – Owning a Golf Course”; “Golf Economy Update”; “Staff Motivational Tools that Guarantee Improved Sell Through!”; “Trends in Developing, Building and Sales”; “Apply Revenue Management Strategies to your Golf Operations”; and “Increase Rounds through Effective Player Development.” (See the full education calendar here.)
• Learn new teaching and training skills, merchandising best practices and career enhancement tools during presentations by The PGA of America and The Association of Golf Merchandisers.
• Test the largest selection of equipment from the best manufacturers outdoors at Demo Day, Jan. 28, or indoors at the Equipment Test Center, Jan. 29-31.
• Hear from industry leaders during multiple economic forums right on the show floor.
• Preview top products from all the BEST companies in golf including Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Ashworth, adidas, Cutter & Buck, Greg Norman Collection, SportHaley/Ben Hogan, Ahead, Gear For Sports, Under Armour, Wittek, Easy Picker, Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha….over 1,200 total. (View the current exhibitor list here.)
• Discover the latest fashion trends at the new PGA Fashion Gallery featuring exclusive apparel collection viewings, accessory spotlight displays, golf art & literature and a new green initiatives exhibition.
• Find the newest merchandise conveniently in one setting at the New Product Center on the show floor and the inaugural New Product Showcase in the vendor village of the Outdoor Demo Day.
• Network with industry leaders and peers at a full schedule of special events.
• Build a business and a career.
Additionally, PGA Professionals can earn more than 20 MSR Credits towards their required continuing education program.
Market leaders such as Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, adidas, Cutter & Buck, Antigua, Bridgestone, Gear For Sports, Peter Millar, Tehama and many more are among some 1,200 participating golf vendors within 10 miles of Show aisles at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show. The game’s most influential leaders including executives from worldwide PGAs, global golf companies and national golf organizations join grassroots PGA Professionals and retailers to amass more than 45,000 attendees focused on growing the business of golf. Interactive exhibits, product testing, education seminars, fashion shows, industry awards, trend reports, professional networking, merchandising workshops, best practices presentations and more pack unprecedented value into the industry’s biggest week of golf business. The Outdoor Demo Day, Jan. 28, tees off the Show for PGA Professionals, media and invited guests to test equipment outdoors at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Fla. The PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31, is a trade only event and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Additional announcements regarding new and enhanced PGA Merchandise Show programs will be made.
For more information or to register for the 56th PGA Merchandise Show, visit www.pgashow.com.
Contact:
Sherry Major, PGA Golf Exhibitions 716.662.3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
Jamie Carbone, PGA of America 561.624.8446, jcarbone@pgahq.com