At the end of next January, a small army of golf professionals, companies, and fanatics will descend on the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida for the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show. Though it won’t feature another Mickelson/Woods showdown (though that would be amazing) it is far more valuable to anyone in the golf industry.
The 2019 PGA Merchandise Show features over 40,000 industry leaders from 79 countries worldwide. And the best part? Only PGA members, or people with close ties to the golf industry (including yours truly) can attend, which means that the PGA Merch show is a convention truly dedicated to helping golf professionals succeed. This event is intended to help industry professionals network with those in their industry, stay on top of the most important trends in golf technology, and make valuable connections with manufacturers and distributors.
Those invited to attend include:
- Procurement specialists for golf facilities and golf courses
- Golf course owners, managers, and presidents
- Golf/pro shop managers and owners
- Golf instructors and coaches
- PGA and LPGA professionals
- Any other golf industry professional involved in the buying or selling of golf related merchandise and equipment
Organized in 1954, the PGA Merchandise Show has steadily evolved into one of the premier trade shows in any industry. In October 2018 the PGA Merchandise Show was named the “Greatest Show of 2017” by Trade Show Executive from a field of 100 of the world’s premier trade shows. As PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price stated, “Each year… we strive to deliver tremendous value to PGA Professionals, manufacturers and industry leaders to drive the business of the game and to help the sport evolve.”
Education
The Show also offers an Educational Conference which gives course operators and golf professionals key skills to improve their business. Attendees can choose from 3 tracks tailored to specific needs: Executive Management, Teaching & Coaching, and Golf Operations. Featured speakers include Lance Gill, Nancy Quarcelino, and Mike Loustalot of the ORCA Report.
Why go?
When the PGA Merchandise Show calls itself “the MAJOR of Golf Business,” they’re not exaggerating. From the massive attendance to the high quality of vendors and presenters, this event is not one to be missed by any in the golf industry. If you think that this can help your course, you can register here. And when you’re in Orlando, stop by and say hi! We’ll be there too, soaking in as much as possible to help our business grow, too.