PGA Golf Exhibitions, in partnership with the PGA of America, has announced that the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show will switch to an all-virtual format due to the ongoing global pandemic.
Prioritizing the health and well-being of the global golf community, the decision was made with guidance and feedback from exhibitors, attendees, PGA Professionals, the PGA of America, key industry associations, vendor partners and additional event stakeholders. The virtual event will take place from January 26-29.
The PGA Merchandise Show traditionally hosts nearly 40,000 golf industry professionals from around the world to discover the newest trends and technology from some 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands. In 2021, the 68th edition will instead drive business, education and networking through a highly-interactive virtual experience and marketplace – which will feature new product launch events, dynamic exhibitor showrooms, commerce applications, education sessions, industry presentations, one-to-one meetings, group networking, special events, and special golf celebrity and influencer engagement programs.
Marc Simon, PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Vice President, said: “We are thankful to the PGA of America, exhibiting companies, attendees, PGA Professionals and industry partners for their strong support and guidance that has allowed us to develop this exciting reimagination of the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show.
“This year’s virtual PGA Show will offer unparalleled online engagement, connecting our industry to drive business and grow the game. Technology has brought us together in amazing new ways during the pandemic, and we plan to capitalize on these innovative solutions to make the PGA Show even better moving forward.
“Recognising the increased interest in the game and potential growth in 2021 and beyond, we are excited to return to Orlando in 2022 to combine the best of technology advancements with the invaluable experience of face-to-face connections. Together, we are evolving and have the opportunity to emerge stronger and better connected than ever before.”
PGA President Suzy Whaley commented: “Working in partnership with the PGA Show team, we are pleased to continue the longstanding tradition of connecting PGA Professionals and the global golf community with a new virtual PGA Merchandise Show experience and marketplace in 2021.
“The interactive virtual format will allow even greater participation from all corners of the US and around the world and, together, we can collectively make the most of the surging interest in the game. We share an optimistic outlook for the future of the sport and look forward to an exciting industry reunion when we all can meet face-to-face at the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show.”
PGA Professionals, golf retailers, industry leaders and manufacturers from around the globe will be able to attend the show from the safety of their homes, facilities or offices, and actively reconnect with the industry to drive substantial business results. The easy-to-use platform will become available for appointment scheduling in mid-December, with full content provided live during PGA Show Week, January 26-29, and available on-demand for an extended period of time after the show concludes. The exhibitor marketplace will remain open on an ongoing basis to help exhibiting companies and buyers drive commerce throughout 2021. Complimentary industry attendee registration details will be announced shortly.
Working closely with exhibiting companies, key industry associations and event stakeholders in the decision-making process, PGA Golf Exhibitions and the PGA of America experienced strong support for the 2021 decision and ongoing event support for 2022 and beyond.
Peter Broome, SVP Brand Management & Industry Relations for Acushnet, said: “These are extraordinary times that have required all of us as an industry to rapidly evolve and innovate the way we do things. The decision to shift to a virtual show in 2021 is the right one, made in the best interest, health and safety of everyone involved. While we look forward to getting back on the show floor in Orlando in 2022, our teams at Titleist and FootJoy are now focused on creating the most valuable and educational virtual experiences for PGA Professionals and our partners, as we work together in carrying our game’s momentum into next season.”
To pre-register for the virtual 2021 PGA Merchandise Show, click here.