Programs for PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA Announced for the 66th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 23-25
LPGA, PGA TOUR, World Golf Foundation and WE ARE GOLF join PGA of America leaders, industry executives, popular social media influencers, touring players and top PGA Teachers as featured speakers and hosts
The PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA at the 66th PGA Merchandise Show will offer a full schedule of diverse programming from the PGA of America in collaboration with golf’s leading organizations, touring golf professionals, industry executives, social media influencers, and top PGA Teachers and Coaches at the annual “Major of Golf Business,” Jan. 23-25, in Orlando, Florida.
Presentations will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 23, with the Future of Coaching featuring PGA President Suzy Whaley, LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam and the LPGA’s Chief Teaching Officer Nancy Henderson. A presentation on the popular #inviteHER campaign will immediately follow and feature speakers from the World Golf Foundation, WE ARE GOLF, LPGA and influential executives shaping the growth of golf participation by women.
Additional first-day programming highlights include: the Sirius XM Town Hall featuring Greg Norman; a panel discussion on digital and social branding, featuring popular social media influencers and experts in the social media landscape; programming on the newest innovations and technology driving enjoyment of the game by Topgolf and Toptracer; and the newest technology by Club Car to enhance the on-course experience.
Day 2 presentations are headline by the Sirius XM Teachers Town Hall, featuring PGA Teachers and coaches Michael Breed, Debbie Doniger, Hank Haney, David Leadbetter, Jim McLean and Larry Rinker; and the return of the Live Fashion Show. The Show Week schedule concludes with presentations on “My PGA Journey,” an interactive PGA mentorship experience; diversity in the golf workforce; millennial perspectives on golf careers; college golf coach insights on recruiting and coaching; and the newest club fitting technology by Callaway Golf.
“The 2019 PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA offers a comprehensive schedule of presentations by many of the industry’s most successful leaders sharing topics that can advance the PGA Profession and drive industry business,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “We are pleased to welcome influential leaders from throughout the sport to present on the stage and connect with PGA Professionals, buyers and golf executives gathering in Orlando.”
Organized by the PGA of America, the PGA Forum Stage was introduced in 2007, to provide the game’s leaders with an unprecedented opportunity to reach the more than 40,000 attending international industry professionals on key matters that impact the business of golf. Those in attendance will roam nearly 10 miles of PGA Show aisles, featuring more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands displaying a wide range of products and services.
2019 Schedule – PGA Forum Stage presented by OMEGA
(subject to change, schedule as of 1/14/18)
Wednesday, Jan. 24
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
The Future of Coaching
The way we coach is evolving. Learn how and see what the PGA of America is doing to help grow sport participation for a lifetime.
- Suzy Whaley, PGA/LPGA – President, PGA of America; PGA Director of Instruction, Country Club at Mirasol; Owner, Suzy Whaley Golf
- Annika Sorenstam – 72-time LPGA Winner and 10-time Major Champion
- Nancy Henderson, PGA/LPGA – Chief Teaching Officer, LPGA
- Moderated by Charlie Rymer, PGA
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
#inviteHER
WE ARE GOLF and the LPGA Women’s Network have partnered in the launch of, #inviteHER, a nationwide campaign encouraging golfers to extend an invitation to a woman in their life to play golf. With the continued focus on women and millennials and their introduction to the game, the #inviteHER initiative has had a substantial impact since its initial launch in August 2018. The #inviteHER panel will include industry influencers on both the women’s and men’s side of the game who will come together to discuss the impact and potential of #inviteHER and how it’s overall success will positively affect all aspects of the golf industry.
Suzy Whaley, PGA/LPGA – President, PGA of America; PGA Director of Instruction, Country Club at Mirasol; Owner, Suzy Whaley Golf
- Steve Mona – CEO, World Golf Foundation
- Jane Geddes – Chair, WE ARE GOLF – Women’s Task Force
- Donna Orender – CEO, Orender Unlimited and Founder of Generation W
- Marvol Barnard, LPGA/PGA – National President, LPGA T&CP
- Cathy Harbin – Owner, Pine Ridge Golf Course – Paris, Texas
- Moderated by Ashleigh McLaughlin – Managing Director, LPGA Women’s Network
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
SiriusXM Town Hall featuring Greg Norman
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Leveraging the Game in a Digital Age
Learn from some of golf’s biggest influencers on how they leverage their personal brands and businesses in the digital space.
- Greg Norman, Professional golfer, major winner and entrepreneur
- Mel Reid, LPGA golfer
- Brodie Smith, Social media influencer and frisbee trick-shot artist
- Anne Detflesen, Digital Director of Production, PGA Tour
- Moderated by Brian Crowell, PGA
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Club Car Energizes Golf Experience with Tempo Walk
Club Car’s new Tempo Walk helps golfers rediscover the beauty of the golf course with a hands-free, autonomous caddie that offers GPS yardage, carries bags, coolers, and other accessories.
- Mark Wagner, President at Club Car
- Nancy Lopez, LPGA golfing legend
- Kelley Brooke, LPGA, Bethpage State Park
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Shaping the Future of Golf: How Tracing Technology is Driving the Sport Forward
The innovative minds at Topgolf are leading the revolution on how fans approach golf. It’s gone all-in on tech to make golf fun and engaging, rooted in the capabilities of Toptracer technology. Whether it’s a new gamified experience, interactive viewing with real-time traces or a dramatically different practice format at the range, the industry is shifting how it interacts with golfers at every skill level. Learn how Topgolf has cracked the code on using technology to create engaging experiences for avid, casual and novice golfers around the globe.
- Andrew Macaulay, Chief Technology Officer, Topgolf
- Ben Sharpe, President, Toptracer
- M.G. Orender, PGA, Founder of Hampton Golf & PGA Past President
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
US Kids Top 50 Awards Ceremony & Reception
Thursday, Jan. 24
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
The Millennial Perspective: Attracting a Diverse Workforce
Learn first-hand from a multi-generational group of PGA WORKS Fellows about what matters most to them in their careers, and what they’re seeking from prospective employers and in company cultures. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes this group tick and be more equipped to shape your brand, work environment and culture in a way that’s attractive to Millennials from diverse backgrounds.
- Featuring insights from 10 PGA WORKS fellows
- Moderated by Rachel Melendez-Mabee, PGA WORKS Program Specialist
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Inclusion & Diversity: Crucial Ingredients for Innovation
Learn from the following subject matter experts why inclusion and diversity are crucial ingredients to your ability to innovate. Listen to relevant illustrations of businesses that have innovated through inclusion and diversity, and leave with tangible takeaways that you can implement in your own business to drive innovation.
- Porter Braswell, Co-Founder & CEO, Jopwell
- Monica Diaz, Former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Campbell Soup Company & ESPN
- Kristian Ribberstrom, Partner & Chief Experience Officer, The Medici Group
- Moderated by Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer, PGA of America
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
New Club Fitting Technology, presented by Callaway Golf
Live demonstration of the newest technology for club fitting with the “Callaway Fits Shaft Analyzer” and the “Odyssey Putter Fitting Tool.” Question & Answer session to immediately follow.
- Anthony Newville – Callaway Golf Technology Expert, Custom Fitting & Strategic Partners Manager
- Sean McCleod, PGA – Callaway Golf National Fitter of the Year
- Corey Newman – Callaway Manager of Custom Fitting and Custom Fitting Training
- Sean Toulon – SVP Callaway Golf, GM Odyssey Golf Brand
- Mike Shannon, PGA – Odyssey Brand Ambassador and Putting Expert
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Sirius XM Teacher Town Hall
Learn from some of the top PGA of America teachers and coaches in the game: Michael Breed, Debbie Doniger, Hank Haney, David Leadbetter, Jim McLean and Larry Rinker.
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
My PGA Journey Panel
Behind every successful PGA Professional is a mentor who provided guidance and advice throughout their career and golf journey. Join some of the most respected names in golf, in a fast-moving interactive panel session to introduce My PGA Journey, an interactive mentorship experience for PGA Professionals and students.
- Joe Assell, PGA — Owner/CEO, GOLFTEC
- Bob Ford, PGA — Head Professional/GM, Seminole Golf Club
- Jeffrey Grant, PGA — General Manager/COO, NCR Country Club
- Tim Mahoney, PGA — Director of Education, Troon Golf Academy
- Alice Miller, PGA/LPGA — PGA Teaching Professional, Dupont Country Club
- Josue Reyes, PGA — Director of Retail, Kohler Golf
- Trillium Rose, PGA/LPGA — Director of Instruction, Woodmont Country Club
- Rick Geritz, CEO, LifeJourney, Inc.
- Moderated by Scott Kmiec, PGA of America Senior Director of Employment
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Coaching and Recruiting From the Eyes of a College Golf Coach
- Insights from some of the most renowned college golf coaches.
- Moderated by Scott Kmiec, PGA of America Senior Director of Employment
5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
PGA Show Live Fashion Show – More than a dozen apparel and accessory companies will showcase their newest collections in a high-energy fashion show, emceed by Golf Channel’s Bailey Mosier. A PGA Show Fashion Show Happy Hour Reception immediately follows.
About the PGA Merchandise Show
The 66th PGA Merchandise Show, held Jan. 22-25, 2019, in Orlando, 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 Show Demo Day, the world’s largest professional golf testing event, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Orange County National Golf Center. During PGA Show days, Jan. 23-25, 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 PGA Merchandise Show, “the MAJOR of Golf Business,” is a trade-only event, not open to the public.
Learn more at PGAShow.com and engage on social.
Media Contacts:
PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions/Media: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions/Exhibitor: Mike Choma, (203) 840-5356, mchoma@reedexpo.com
PGA of America/Media: Michael Abramowitz, (561) 624-8458, mabramowitz@pgahq.com
