Lower participation costs for both exhibitors and buyers; increased exhibitor efficiencies; and an entirely new approach to a buyer-centered show floor are the primary initiatives launching at the 2009 PGA Fall Expo, 1-2 September at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"This is a perfect time and opportunity to pilot a new and better way of building business, at a lower cost, all on the show floor," said PGA Golf Exhibitions Group vice president and general manager Ed Several. "Through a series of extensive focus groups with our exhibitors, PGA Professionals, and golf buyers, we have identified an efficient and low cost platform to bring buyers together with sellers while offering insightful information to help the golf industry grow participation, increase rounds played and energize sales.
New, lower-costing exhibition and marketing alternatives, plus a new platform that offers brand exposure to golfers around the world are being introduced to help golf manufacturers more effectively build business among the thousands of influential buyers who typically attend the industry‘s annual fall marketplace.
The new, all-inclusive packages, offer every golf company a variety of marketing options at a lower package cost. In addition, in this world of "doing more with less," all options include built in "time savers" that make it easier than ever to exhibit with minimal preparation. Each option is designed to achieve specific goals including writing new business, generating leads, launching a new product and generating branding and exposure. Exhibitors also will be able to schedule product demonstrations, introductions and interactive buyer sessions on two new show floor stages. Interested companies can learn more details at www.pgaexpo.com/exhibit.
The PGA Fall Expo floor plan is taking on a new look for 2009 with PGA Professionals and golf retailers at the center of all the buying action. All buyer programs, including the well-attended education conference, will take place directly on the Show floor.
A central business networking platform will provide a hub to two new education stages and new exhibitor segmentation groupings. A comprehensive schedule of education seminars, interactive product demonstrations and professional networking events will drive traffic throughout the show floor.
The all-new indoor Golf Performance & Training Center will provide attendees with the opportunity to personally test equipment and training aids while a new pavilion for the centralized display of new golf merchandise will offer convenient, one-stop shopping and comparison of the industry‘s latest equipment, accessories and fashions.
For the first time, PGA professionals and golf retailers can take advantage of new cost-savings with complimentary registration for more than 20 education seminars in the PGA Fall Expo Education Conference.
Presented by recognized experts of The PGA of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers, topics will address current industry issues, inventory management, merchandising, teaching, business management, player development and more. PGA Professionals will continue to receive one MSR credit per seminar. PGA Professionals can earn up to 20 MSR credits for their participation in the PGA Fall Expo events and seminars.
Also, PGA Golf Exhibitions is negotiating low hotel rates, ground transportation between the PGA Fall Expo and coinciding Las Vegas "fashion week" trade shows, and all-inclusive attendee packages for airfare, accommodations, airport transportation and even dining. The PGA Fall Expo‘s most popular event, the 3rd annual PGA Fall Expo Welcome Reception, presented by Elations will again take place at The House of Blues on 1st September with complimentary food, drink and an entertainment act to be announced.
"The new PGA Fall Expo has so much to offer in value," said Several. "Lower costs, more return and a community of colleagues who are focused on driving the business of golf forward."
Simultaneous to fashion week in Las Vegas and the MAGIC™, MODA™, MRket®, and ACCESSORIES®: The Show*, the PGA Fall Expo annually attracts more than 4,000 international golf retailers to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The PGA Fall Expo features some 350 golf vendors and is packed with merchandise discovery, product comparison, trend spotting, equipment testing, education, career development and professional networking opportunities in a busy, compact schedule.
The PGA Fall Expo is an industry-only event and is not open to the public. PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders can register, book travel and learn more about the 2009 PGA Fall Expo at www.pgaexpo.com