Chief executives in golf equipment, manufacturing, broadcasting and print media, real estate and golf course ownership will participate in panel discussions focusing on issues affecting the game at the second annual PGA Business of Golf Conference, on 31st January at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The conference, sponsored by The PGA of America, is in conjunction with the 51st PGA Merchandise Show, the world’s largest golf exhibition, 29th January – 1st February
The PGA Business of Golf Conference is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the OCCC auditorium, located above the central lobby on Level 3. All attendees to the 51st PGA Merchandise Show may register online at www.pgaexpo.com to attend the conference. PGA Professionals attending the conference will receive credit for three Continuing Education hours.
PGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Awtrey will serve as moderator while the panel focus on several themes:
- Golf Manufacturing, Marketing & Technology – Featuring continued development of technological improvements in equipment performance and how manufacturers market game improvement.
- Real Estate and Travel – Featuring leading golf developers and resort destination officials discussing the role golf plays in selling their products and services.
- Growth of The Game – Featuring success stories from owner-operators, manufacturers and the media, which promote participation/frequency of play.
Many of the golf industry’s allied organizations are also hosting professional development programs, business meetings, award receptions and networking events in conjunction with the PGA Merchandise Show.
The Golf Range Association of America is staging the 11th Annual GRAA Golf Range & Short Course Conference & Exhibition on Wednesday 28th January. An industry cocktail reception and award ceremony honouring the top 100 golf ranges and top 50 golf instructors will be held that evening. The GRAA also is participating in the PGA Golf Exhibitions Conference throughout Show week.
The Association of Golf Merchandisers will again stage the successful AGM Retail Conference including their annual meeting, awards luncheon and industry reception on Wednesday 28th January. The AGM also is participating in the PGA Golf Exhibitions Education Conference with sessions open to all industry members.
Also utilizing meeting facilities and/or hosting educational seminars are:
- National Golf Course Owners Association
- National Association of Golf Tournament Directors
- United States Golf Fitness Association
- National Golf Foundation
- LPGA
- USGA
- International Network of Golf
- National Golf Buyers Association
- Women In the Golf Industry
- Professional Clubmakers Society
- National Golf Sales Representatives Association
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
- Golf Coaches Association of America
“We are pleased to work in partnership with golf’s allied associations to provide facilities and services that assist thousands of their members,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions vice president and show manager Christopher McCabe. “The widespread participation of these associations benefits nearly every attending professional and certainly contributes to the overall success of the Show.”
The 2004 PGA Merchandise Show welcomes a global audience of more than 40,000 PGA professionals, retailers and industry professionals. A full day of outdoor golf product demonstrations for PGA members and VIP buyers is followed by an expansive four-day education conference and the traditional four-day trade show featuring some 1,200 golf-related exhibitors. The Show will be open 29th January – 31st January from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on 1st February, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buyers can register online at www.pgaexpo.com or by calling 1-800-840-5628.