The PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions, is addressing the changing golf business environment by introducing a new schedule of events and business partner programs, including the new PGA Equipment Forum at the January 2007 PGA Merchandise Show & Convention in Orlando, Florida.
As a direct result of the new programs and events, major equipment and apparel manufacturers have announced their renewed participation in the 2007 event. The exhibition has been cut to three days, with no Sunday opening at all.
Leading the list of new programs is the new PGA Equipment Forum, an interactive platform introduced by The PGA of America for PGA equipment partners. The PGA Equipment Forum is designed to help PGA professionals drive profitable retail sell-through at PGA Member facilities through manufacturer presentations on equipment technology, club-fitting services and company incentives to grow equipment sales.
The improved show platform and new programs have resulted in the continued support by major equipment companies such as Callaway Golf Company, exhibiting for the 24th consecutive year, and TaylorMade Golf, returning after a three-year absence. Top apparel companies including Tehama/Izod G and Gear For Sport have signed multi-year participation agreements while other apparel companies like Jamie Sadock are returning to join the more than 1,200 golf-related companies at the industry convention.
A new PGA Merchandise Show week schedule features a revised exhibition hall schedule. Based on feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, the exhibition hall now will be open Thursday to Saturday, 25-27 January, with no Sunday exhibition hours. The exhibit hall will remain open one additional hour each day, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., with new exclusive buying hours where no conferences or off-floor exhibit activities will take place. While the new exhibit hall schedule reduces the total number of exhibition hours by just three hours, it will result in one less hotel room night and associated expenses for exhibitors and visitors.
Additionally, the Dream Golf Shop has been re-shaped to become The PGA Dream Golf Shop, a collaboration of PGA professionals and major apparel manufacturers that will feature prominent PGA professionals, merchandising techniques by major manufacturers and hands-on learning to increase apparel sales.
“As The PGA of America’s largest member gathering and a long-established business institution for the game, the continued evolution of the PGA Merchandise Show to better serve PGA members and the industry is extremely important to us,” said PGA of America chief executive officer Joe Steranka. “Each and every program, service and event is receiving focus on how we can affect growth in golf participation, careers, business and the overall health of our international industry.”
Added PGA Golf Exhibitions vice president and show manager Ed Several, “The PGA Show will continue to offer the best platform to book orders, network and discover the latest trends and new products. However, as industry needs change the PGA Show will evolve to best meet the needs of PGA professionals and the golf industry. In addition to The PGA Equipment Forum, the PGA Show will offer many additional enhancements to allow golf industry professionals to improve their business and careers.”
Since its inception in 1954, the PGA Merchandise Show has served the golf industry as an important forum for its business leaders to gather becoming the world’s most comprehensive golf trade show and convention. The PGA Merchandise Show and Convention will once again welcome more than 40,000 industry professionals, 24-27 January in Orlando.
PGA Golf Exhibitions www.pgashow.com
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