AGM will host retail conference, product preview reception,
retailing workshops and present the AGM Platinum Awards in Orlando
NORWALK, Conn. – The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) will celebrate their 25th Anniversary at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 21-24, in Orlando, Fla., and will host the AGM Orlando Retail Conference, the AGM Product Preview Reception, retailing workshops, plus present the annual AGM Platinum Awards, recognizing premier golf shops.
“The AGM is a longstanding and valued allied association in presenting educational and networking opportunities for PGA Professionals and golf retailers at PGA Golf Shows,” said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Senior Vice President and General Manager Ed Several. “We congratulate the AGM on their 25th Anniversary of providing exceptional services to their membership and the golf industry, and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”
The AGM 25th Anniversary events in Orlando will be held in conjunction with the 61st PGA Merchandise Show, the world’s most influential annual golf business event attracting more than 40,000 industry professionals and some 1,000 golf companies and brands to shine the spotlight on the newest merchandise among a myriad of golf business programs in four exciting and busy days of PGA Show Week.
“The PGA Merchandise Show is a prime opportunity for our membership to gather, learn best practices from one another and build on our successes,” said AGM Executive Director Desane Blaney. “This event will kick-off the celebration for our 25th anniversary year as the educational voice in merchandising and we look forward to marking the occasion with our members, vendor partners and industry friends.”
AGM Orlando Retail Conference
The AGM Orlando Retail Conference will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The conference includes a full day of timely, retail-related educational topics to enhance golf shop operations and profitability; the Annual Membership Meeting; Awards Luncheon and Tour of Clubs.
8:00 a.m. Welcome/Registration
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Annual Membership Meeting
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Workshops – Attendees Choose One
• The How & Why of the Buy – Top Buyers Panel, Vicki Bernstein, Facilitator
• Key Color Palettes – What’s New in Color for 2014-2015, Laurie Pressman, Vice President of The Pantone Color Institute
• Sunglasses 101 – What You Need to Know about Sunglasses, Stacey Dunn, Corporate Trainer, Maui Jim
10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Workshops – Attendees Choose One
• Golf 2.0 Initiative – Emphasis on Women in the Game, Lisa Arkin, Callaway Golf Apparel
• 10 Ways to Grow Your Accessories Business, Karen Giberson, President of the Accessories Council
• Ace Your Interview, Dan Denehy, President, and Barbara McAuliffe of Club Thinking Partners
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Keynote Address: Michael Leemhuis, CCM, CCE, PGA,
Congressional Country Club
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. AGM 25th Anniversary Luncheon and Member Awards
2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tour of Clubs
• Orange Lake Resort – Host: Brian Burnett, PGA
• Reunion Resort – Host: Kevin Baker, PGA
• Mystic Dunes – Host: Nick Slattery, PGA
The conference fee for members, co-workers and spouses is $125 per person as well as PGA, LPGA, CPGA, CMAA, GRAA and NGCOA members. Non-affiliated industry professionals may attend for $175 per person. PGA Professionals will earn 7 MSR Education Credits for attending. LPGA/CMAA credits to be determined. Register today at www.PGAShow.com.
AGM Vendor Partner members supporting the conference include: Abacus, AHEAD, Antigua, Barr Displays, Bobby Jones, Callaway Golf, Cutter & Buck, E.P. Pro, E.P. Sport, Fairway & Greene, FJ, Greg Norman Collection, Maui Jim, PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, Sport Haley, TaylorMade-adidas-Ashworth, Zero Restriction.
AGM Product Preview & Reception
The 7th Annual AGM Product Preview & Reception will be held on the eve of the PGA Show opening, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center Hall “A” Atrium. AGM members and PGA Merchandise Show attendees will have the opportunity, in a relaxed and social setting, to be among the first to see the newest trends and product lines from AGM Vendor Partners before the Show doors open.
AGM Workshops
In partnership with The PGA of America and PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, the AGM offers retailing workshops within the PGA Merchandise Show Education Conference, Jan. 22-24, at the Orange County Convention Center. The Education Conference offers four tracks of learning – teaching & coaching, leadership, player development and retailing – featuring golf’s most respected subject matter experts and industry leaders who will present in-depth 60-minute seminars.
PGA Professionals, AGM Members and industry attendees may review the comprehensive education schedule and register for a full conference pass, day pass or single sessions at www.PGAShow.com. Early registration savings are available through Dec. 12, 2013.
AGM Platinum Awards
The annual AGM Platinum Awards, recognizing premier golf shops from the private, public, resort and off-course sectors, will be presented during PGA Show Week on the PGA Forum Stage. The presentation of the awards will highlight several of the most creative initiatives and will honor the “best of the best” 100 golf shops and ties. (Day/time to be announced with the complete PGA Forum Stage schedule.)
About the Association of Golf Merchandisers
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and founded in 1989, the AGM is an international, professional association whose members include golf professionals, buyers, club managers, owners and suppliers to the golf industry. The AGM is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit corporation with a mission of education and it strives to educate golf professionals and buyers, elevate the golf merchandising profession, and enhance communication between buyers and vendor partners. Learn more at www.AGMGolf.org.
About the PGA Merchandise Show
The 61st PGA Merchandise Show, held January 21-24, 2014, in Orlando, Fla., will welcome some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf. The PGA Merchandise Show features a new day pattern in 2014 with the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, the world’s largest professional golf testing event, held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Orange County National Golf Center. During PGA Show days, Wednesday – Friday, Jan. 22-24, at the Orange County Convention Center, PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders will uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. The new hours of the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show are: Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The PGA Merchandise Show is organized in partnership with The PGA of America as a trade-only event. Learn more about the event at www.PGAShow.com and engage with us at:
Contact:
AGM: Desane Blaney, 602-604-8250, desane@agmgolf.org
PGA Merchandise Show: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
