The 2016 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience, Aug. 15-17, welcomed some 4,000 PGA Professionals, golf buyers and business leaders from 46 U.S. states and 30 countries to Las Vegas for three busy days of merchandise sourcing, product testing, education, professional networking and special events. PGA Professionals and buyers uncovered the newest products, trends and technology from more than 200 exhibiting golf companies and brands, including 50 companies new to the event, creating the event’s largest exhibition space since 2008.
Held in the second half of the golf season, and during Las Vegas Fashion Week, the 2016 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience spanned multiple Las Vegas destinations, to offer a premier business experience in the upscale settings of the Palazzo Ballroom of The Venetian, the nationally-recognized Cascata Golf Club and Topgolf Las Vegas, the flagship property of the popular and growing entertainment destination.
In addition to merchandise sourcing of the newest apparel, accessories, equipment and technology, the 2016 edition of the annual PGA Fashion & Demo Experience featured a full-field Pro-Pro Tournament, PGA Outdoor Demo Experience, Live Fashion Show, PGA Secretary Candidates Events, Education Conference, Opening Night Reception and an exciting, new After-Hours Industry Event at Topgolf Las Vegas.
“The PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is in ‘Year Three’ of an enhanced event concept created to bring PGA Professionals and industry leaders together in a more intimate setting, while creating an event that is fun, exciting and strengthens our golf community,” said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Senior Vice President and General Manager Ed Several. “From the full-field, seven-hole playoff Pro-Pro Tournament to a dramatic rise in Education Conference participation to a wildly successful new after-hours event at Topgolf – plus having the most exhibit space we have had in eight years – there was a tremendous positive buzz each day of the event.”
“It’s a good sign to see how the Las Vegas show has grown,” said PGA Vice President Paul Levy. “This PGA Show has found a good, solid niche. It comes at a good time for PGA Professionals throughout the west and southwest, many of whom are unable to attend the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January, because that is the height of their busy season. It is a great business, buying and networking opportunity, and this year, it was a unique opportunity for PGA Members to hear the ideas of our candidates for PGA national secretary.”
Participation in the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience Education Conference grew by 55 percent in 2016. Exhibit space grew to the event’s largest since 2008. Attendees came from 46 states and 30 countries and joined with a crossover of apparel buyers from Las Vegas Fashion Week trade shows, to build a strong buyer engagement with vendors on the Show Floor. The top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, Japan, Mexico, Korea and Switzerland. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida and Texas.
The next U.S. PGA Golf Show, the 2017 U.S. PGA Merchandise Show is scheduled for Jan. 24-27, in Orlando. The 2017 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience is scheduled for Aug. 14-16, in Las Vegas.
For more information on the 2016 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience and upcoming PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions events, visit www.PGALasVegas.com
U.S. PGA Merchandise Show www.PGAShow.com