An abundance of top golf vendors, new business programs, product testing and networking events await an anticipated 40,000 attendees – planning resources available at www.pgashow.com
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – With each New Year and each PGA Merchandise Show since its inception in 1954, the worldwide golf industry looks to its annual global gathering to drive business for the year ahead. Preparations are in earnest now for nearly 1,000 vendors, some 40,000 anticipated U.S. and international attendees and the world’s leading golf organizations as the 57th PGA Merchandise Show is just weeks away, Jan. 28-30, 2010, in Orlando, Fla.
“Especially in a recovering economy, PGA Professionals, retailers and golf leaders are recognizing the significance of utilizing the increasing abundance of resources available in one setting at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Group Vice President and General Manager Ed Several. “We saw a positive increase in pre-registration over the holiday break and a terrific response to both the expanded education conference and the new career fair. We are nearing the final days of discounted advance hotel and airfare rates and we anticipate many attendees finalizing their show plans this week to take advantage of the significant travel savings opportunities.”
The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show has evolved into comprehensive multi-purpose business platform since its roots in parking lots back in 1954. In addition to nearly 1,000 vendors representing every business sector of golf from market leaders to start-up companies, golf industry leaders will address key industry issues; industry experts will present timely education seminars and share relevant best practices; new golf employment initiatives will be launched; and professional networking will build important relationships.
Planning is essential to maximize participation value and a comprehensive guide to PGA Merchandise Show resources, events and vendors is available at www.pgashow.com. PGA Merchandise Show exhibits, demonstrations, seminars and special events will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., January 28-29 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on January 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information and to register, please visit www.pgashow.com.
Planning Highlights for the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show (details at www.pgashow.com):
Nearly 1,000 Golf Vendors
All of the BEST companies in golf including Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Cobra Golf, Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro, Zero Restriction, Greg Norman Collection, Under Armour, Gear for Sports, Callaway Apparel, Ahead, Club Car, Wilson Golf, Mizuno, Bridgestone Golf, Imperial Headwear, Antigua, E-Z Go, Cutter & Buck, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Divots Apparel, Yamaha, Peter Millar, Adams Golf, Yonex, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, SkyGolf, Dynamic Brands, Ben Hogan/Sport Haley, Sunice and many more.
Outdoor Demo Day
January 27, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Outdoor Demo Day features more than 90 top golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessory companies within 100+ hitting bays, practice greens and the vendor village of the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge. Demo Day special events, demonstrations and contests & prizes are offered exclusively for PGA Professionals, key retailers and media.
Indoor Demo Days
January 28-30, Show Hours – The Indoor Demo Days at the Equipment Test Center (ETC) are held at the massive indoor driving range located in Hall A of the Orange County Convention Center. The ETC features a scalloped design with 46 hitting bays, putting greens and a multitude of equipment demonstrations.
Career Fair
Connecting qualified industry professionals with job opportunities at some of the most recognized companies in golf, the Career Fair will be staged at OCCC within employer meeting rooms, the PGA Member Business Center, the Allied Associations Lounge, the Executives Club and the PGA Merchandise Show Career Fair Centre, Booth #2173. Review job openings, post a resume, utilize PGA Employment services, attend workshops and apply for positions with top companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Billy Casper Golf.
Industry Presentations – PGA Equipment Forum
The PGA Equipment Forum stage will feature the launch of WE ARE Golf, an industry-wide coalition for golf industry representation within U.S. government legislation. Additional presentations include new equipment introductions, women’s golf initiatives, golf employment, teaching best practices, merchandising ideas and more.
Education Conference
More than 65 seminars within the comprehensive education conference presented by the industry’s foremost experts in instruction, management, retail and, now, business categories such as social media, new technology and environmental issues that are influencing the business of the game. Seminars are filling quickly with many now in standing-room only status. Attendees may reserve seating and pay discounted advance registration at www.pgashow.com.
Special Nightly Events
Wednesday – AGM Product Preview & Reception – OCCC Room 330A-G
The Association of Golf Merchandisers host the 3rd Annual Product Preview & Reception, featuring AGM vendor partners, an industry reception with entertainment by the band “One Flew South” and presentation of Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Shops.
Thursday – PGA Awards Night – OCCC Linda Chapin Auditorium
The PGA of America presents their most prestigious national awards at PGA Awards Night including the First Lady of Golf Award, PGA Professional of the Year, PGA Merchandisers of the Year, plus additional national award winners.
Friday – “Elations Rocks the Joint” Industry Concert featuring Kansas – OCCC Linda Chapin Auditorium
The legendary rock group Kansas, which has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums and one platinum live album, will be performing their rock classics. All attendees invited; general admission seating.
Re-Designed Show Floor
With nearly 10 miles of Show aisles, the floor plan has been enhanced for better traffic flow and ease of navigation. Additionally, attendees will benefit from these special areas on the Show floor:
19th Hole, Presented by Full Swing Golf (#2757) Attendees can test their skills on a Full Swing Simulator and participate in a long drive and/or closest to the pin contest.
PGA Partners & Allied Associations (aisles 4100 and 4600) Offers access to PGA Partners business solutions, PGM Universities, and allied golf organizations.
NEW Executives Club (aisles 1900 and 2200) An exclusive opportunity for Owners, Employers, General Managers and PGA Head Professionals to experience an intimate business and networking environment on the Show floor.
NEW PGA Magazine Connectivity Lounge (aisle 2600) PGA Professionals and golf facility managers can build marketing value through social media best practices and all-day access to a respected expert in social media applications.
New Exhibitor Discovery Zone (aisles 3500 and 3800) Attendees can find many companies new to the PGA Show in one convenient location.
New Product Center (aisles 3500 and 3800) Hundreds of new products are conveniently located in one place.
Teaching, Training Aids & Golf Fitness Pavilion (aisles 300 and 1000) showcases products or services specifically designed for teaching, training, coaching and golf fitness.
PGA Member Services & Events
The PGA Merchandise Show is the largest, single gathering of PGA Professionals throughout the year. Every aspect of membership service is available at the PGA Merchandise Show. Comprehensive PGA Professional services are available in The PGA Member Business Center (OCCC – 4th floor, Valencia Room). Free workshops are provided. PGA Mentor lunches for apprentices and assistants are held daily. PGA Professionals may participate in the PGA Section Short Game Challenge for daily cash prizes to their Section at the ETC. A PGA Member Town Hall with Association leadership is held. In all, more than 20 MSR Credits may be earned by PGA Professionals for their participation in various PGA Merchandise Show events and programs.
Allied Association Programs
Multiple allied golf associations are staging meetings, seminars and special programs at the PGA Merchandise Show including: National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Clubmakers Association, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Association of Golf Merchandisers, Golf Coaches Association of America, Golf Range Association of America, National Golf Foundation, National Golf Sales Representatives Association, National Golf Buyers Association, The Golf Event Managers Association, International Clubmakers Guild.
Celebrity Appearances
Many exhibiting companies will host renowned PGA teachers and PGA and LPGA stars at the PGA Merchandise Show. Early commitments include: Paul Azinger, Peter Jacobsen, Hank Haney, Natalie Gulbis, Tony Jacklin and Nancy Lopez. Traditionally, the celebrity appearance schedule formally organizes in early-January. Updates will be made at www.pgashow.com.
Show Vendor Specials, Contests & Give-Aways
Hundreds of PGA Merchandise Show golf vendors are offering significant show specials for orders placed during show days; give-aways from their booths and a variety of contests with significant prizes for attending professionals. Learn about all of these vendor promotions at www.pgashow.com.
Special Events
Many exhibitors and participating organizations will be holding special events in their booths, on the show floor, in meeting rooms, at Outdoor Demo Day and at nearby restaurants during the evenings. The Show schedule is updated weekly at www.pgashow.com. Some events include:
̢?? PGA Show Grand Opening – Special Celebrity Guest – January 28, OCCC Grand Lobby – 8:00 a.m.
̢?? ING Industry Honors Program & 20th Anniversary – January 29, OCCC Room 309A – 12:30 p.m.
̢?? Guinness Record World Attempt for Most Balls Hit in a 12-Hour Period – January 27, Outdoor Demo Day
̢?? AGM Conference – January 27, OCCC Room 330 – 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
̢?? GRAA & Golf Range Magazine Solutions Summit – January 27, OCCC Room 110A-B – 3:00 – 8:30 p.m.
̢?? PGA Magazine Merchandisers of the Year Conference – January 24-26, Reunion Resort (Invitation Only)
̢?? Pro-Pro Tournaments – January 26-27, Various Orlando golf courses (Register at www.nfpga.com)
̢?? World PGA Alliance – January 30 – February 2, Orlando (Invitation Only)
About the PGA Merchandise Show
Since its inception in 1954, the PGA Merchandise Show has become the world’s most influential golf trade show and the global summit for the business of golf. In January 2010, influential golf manufacturers will exhibit; international leaders will address industry issues; timely education seminars and relevant best practices will be offered; new golf employment initiatives will be launched; and professional networking will build important relationships.
More than 40,000 industry professionals from some 75 countries will source the newest golf merchandise from nearly 1,000 golf vendors within one million gross square feet of interactive exhibit space of the Orange County Convention Center, Jan. 28-30, 2010. On January 27th, the 8th Annual Outdoor Demo Day provides the setting for the world’s largest professional testing event as nearly 90 golf vendors demonstrate product attributes exclusively for PGA Professionals and invited retailers at the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center.
Additional announcements regarding new and enhanced PGA Merchandise Show programs will be made. For more information and to register to attend the 57th PGA Merchandise Show, visit www.pgashow.com.
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The PGA Merchandise Show, organized in partnership with The PGA of America, is one of three leading golf trade shows in PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions’ golf portfolio including the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas and the Ontario PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Toronto, Canada.
Contact:
PGA Merchandise Show: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
PGA of America: Jamie Carbone, (561) 624-8446, jcarbone@pgahq.com
