Three industry leaders will examine the evolution, impact and future trajectory of women influencing the business of golf
FREEHOLD, N.J. — MET Marketing & Media Founder, Meredith Otero, will curate and moderate a special Women in Golf Leadership panel at the 2026 Sports Innovation Forum produced by Informa Connect, taking place October 28–30, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas.
The executive session will bring together three accomplished women representing distinct areas of the golf industry to examine the evolution of women in leadership, the influence women are having on the business of golf today, and where opportunities for greater impact exist moving forward.
The panel will feature:
- Jess McAlister, Founder, CATALYST9 & Owner, Women’s Golf Magazine-Americas
- Erica Espe, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, KemperSports
- Ali Putnam, Founder & CEO, A. Putnam
- Moderated by Meredith Otero, Founder, MET Marketing & Media
The conversation comes at an important point in the industry’s growth. According to the Women’s Golf Magazine 2026 Media Kit, women now represent 28% of on-course golfers and 41% of new golfers, underscoring the growing influence of women not only as participants, but as consumers, decision-makers and leaders within the broader golf economy.
“There are moments when an industry is reminded that progress cannot simply be measured by participation numbers or visibility. The conversations happening across golf right now reinforce why it is so important to examine who has influence, how women are represented and where leadership has the opportunity to shape what comes next. This panel isn’t about checking a box or simply having more women in the room. It’s about bringing accomplished women with different perspectives to the table for an honest conversation about the business, culture and future of golf.”
The Sports Innovation Forum convenes an intimate, invite-only audience of C-Suite+ executives, decision-makers and influential leaders spanning professional sports, collegiate athletics, venues, agencies, hospitality, media, technology and affiliated brands.
For Otero, bringing a golf-focused conversation into a broader sports-business environment is intentional.
“Golf has historically operated within its own ecosystem, but there is tremendous value in bringing this conversation into a room with leaders from across sports, hospitality, media and business. That cross-connection is exactly where ideas become relationships, relationships create access, and access can lead to opportunities that may not have been considered otherwise. It’s a philosophy that drives much of my work, and it’s exactly why I believe this conversation belongs in a room like this.”
Partnership Opportunities
As the conversation around women’s influence in golf continues to evolve, MET Marketing & Media is inviting select brands and organizations that believe in the importance of women’s leadership, representation and opportunity across the industry to support the panel and the broader message behind it.
Partnership opportunities are available for organizations looking to align with the conversation while gaining visibility among the Sports Innovation Forum’s highly curated audience of senior decision-makers across sports, golf, hospitality, media, technology and business.
For partnership opportunities, contact Meredith Otero at meredith@metmarketingllc.com or view the 2026 sponsorship opportunities below.
About MET Marketing & Media
Meredith Otero is the Founder of MET Marketing & Media, where she works at the intersection of strategic partnerships, media, relationship development and business growth across golf, sports and hospitality. With nearly two decades of experience in the golf industry, including more than a decade in private clubs, she has built her career around connecting people, ideas and opportunities in ways that create meaningful long-term value.
Meredith serves on the Board of Directors for Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI), mentors through the USA Basketball Foundation’s #WomenintheGame initiative, and was featured in KNOW Magazine’s inaugural 2026 Women in Sports issue. A writer, speaker, moderator and mentor, her work explores relationship capital, leadership, business development and the evolving influence of women across golf, sports and business.
Connecting People. Elevating Brands. Creating Opportunity.
About the Sports Innovation Forum
The Sports Innovation Forum, produced by Informa Connect, brings together sports marketing, events and industry professionals for three days of education, peer-to-peer learning, networking and immersive experiences focused on the evolving business of sports. Through executive conversations, case studies, panels and behind-the-scenes experiences, the Forum connects industry leaders and decision-makers to exchange ideas, explore emerging approaches and examine what is shaping the future of sports marketing, events and fan engagement.
The 2026 Sports Innovation Forum will take place October 28–30, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas.
Partnership & Media Inquiries
Meredith Otero
Founder, MET Marketing & Media meredith@metmarketingllc.com 908.433.6985
metmarketingllc.com
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Show your support for our Women in Golf Panel and get your Brand in the Room:
View Sports Innovation Forum 2026 Sponsorship Deck
