PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. The economy has been good for the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show. “Good” because it has been a catalyst for an industry-wide collaboration of unprecedented resources to pull the golf industry through a challenging economic forecast in 2009. Multiple new and valuable programs await both exhibitors and attendees Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
Among the many new programs, the 56th annual global gathering of golf showcases the most major exhibitors and new product introductions since 2002; introduces multiple economic business best practices daily; expands employment programs and job postings; and offers new vendor exhibiting and marketing programs.
“Now more than ever, the PGA Show takes on a greater role as a catalyst for golf business in 2009,” said PGA Golf Shows Group Vice President & General Manager Ed Several. “Every PGA Professional, retailer and manufacturer attending the 2009 PGA Show can expect not one or two reasons to grow their business at the show, but more than enough tools, resources, contacts, seminars, special events, new products and more to make their trip worthwhile. 2009 is a year not to be missed as we think it will grow business for every attendee and vendor.”
2009 PGA Merchandise Show Features Include:
· More than 1,250 golf vendors, not-to-be-missed exhibitor show specials – plus major golf companies introducing new products including Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Bridgestone Golf, Wilson Golf, adidas, Nike Golf, Under Armour.
· PGA Equipment Forum Presentations on the Show Floor
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Industry Economic Presentations
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PGA Professional Business Best Practices
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PGA Equipment Partner Programs Featuring Top Professional Golfers
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Global Branding & Emerging International Markets
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PGA Employer Programs
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Industry Initiatives on Growing Golfers
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PGA Teaching Best Practices
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PGA Best Practices on Building Club Membership
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Education Conference of Economic Relevance
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Multiple seminars on inventory management, profitable promotions, driving cash flow, effective merchandising, player development, membership sales, financial planning and more.
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Additional seminars on teaching, golf operations, customer relations, personnel morale and more.
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Largest Employment Center & Job Posting Board
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The PGA Employment Center will be available to ALL attendees in 2009 and will include workshops, career counseling, PGA Job Finder and the largest job posting board in the industry.
· All New Fashion Gallery Added to Show Floor
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Daily Exclusive Apparel Collection Viewings – by top brands and up-and-coming designers
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Accessory Showcase – featuring all the latest golf apparel accessories
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Daily buyer receptions featuring the “Fresh Faces in Golf Fashion”
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Eco-Friendly Product Spotlight
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Art & Literature Area – daily book signings, meet-the-author opportunities
· Inaugural Outdoor New Product Center – devoted to previewing and hands-on demonstration of NEW products at the Outdoor Demo Day, Jan. 28, at Orange County National Golf Center. Also new, in 2009 the Outdoor Demo Day will be open exclusively to PGA Professionals and media beginning at 9:00 a.m. Invited key retailers will be able to join the event to test the latest equipment and accessories at noon. The Outdoor Demo Day closes at 5:00 p.m.
· Product Preview & Buyers Reception Featuring Free Live Entertainment
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On the eve of the Show opening, Jan. 28, The PGA of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers will host the 3rd Annual Product Preview & Buyers’ Reception featuring a product preview by AGM vendor partners and a complimentary concert by Dennis DeYoung formerly of Styx (presented by Elations).
· New PGA Show Travel Deals
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Hotels starting at just $88 a night, plus low airfares from the East Coast beginning at $175 roundtrip and the West Coast at $250 roundtrip (both subject to availability – rates as of 12/08/08 and travel must be booked atwww.pgashow.com). Visit the PGA Travel Desk at www.pgashow.com.
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 in upcoming releases.
For more information or to register for the 56th PGA Merchandise Show, visit www.pgashow.com.
Contact:
716.662.3855 | smajor@reedexpo.com
Jamie Carbone | PGA of America
561.624.8446 | jcarbone@pgahq.com