|
• Exhibitor Product Launches & Company News
• Exhibitor News Conference Schedule
• Exhibitor Directory
Market leaders such as Callaway Golf, PING, Nike Golf, adidas, the Titleist Performance Institute, Srixon, Ahead, Cutter & Buck, Cleveland Golf, Antigua, Bridgestone, Gear For Sports, Tehama, Bobby Jones, POLO, Club Car, Greg Norman, Fairway & Greene, E-Z Go, EP Pro, Ashworth, Yamaha, Wilson Staff, Nickent, Imperial, Adams, Mizuno, Tommy Bahama, Bugatchi, Harry Vardon, PING Collection, Byron Nelson and many more are among golf’s top participating vendors at the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show.
•
PGA Golf Exhibitions has an outreach specifically to exhibitor PR representatives that allows us to request specific product category information on behalf of journalists. If you would like exhibitors to contact you for a Show-related story regarding a particular product category or angle, just let us know and we will share the details of your request in the next exhibitor PR email, scheduled for Jan. 2 & 9. Send requests to smajor@reedexpo.com.
Example: Golf Rocks Magazine, Stone Smith, stone@golfrocks.com - please send all relevant company and product information regarding training aids to Stone with “PGA Show Exhibitor” in the subject line. Deadline is Jan. 7.
• Overview Fact Sheet
• Calendar of Events
• Show News Releases
• Floor Plans & Maps
• Demo Day/Demo Day Map
• 91st PGA Annual Meeting
Emphasizing open governance and professional enhancement, The PGA of America stages the 91st PGA Annual Meeting, and the first in conjunction with the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 15-16, 2008, at the Orange County Convention Center. A morning Pro-Pro tournament is followed by an afternoon informal session on Tuesday, Jan. 15. The PGA Annual Meeting General Session is held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, with transportation provided to Demo Day at the conclusion of the General Session.
• Demo Day
On Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Demo Day features more than 80 top golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessory companies within 100+ hitting bays, practice greens and the vendor village of the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center. Demo Day special events, demonstrations, contests & prizes are offered exclusively for PGA Professionals, key retailers and media.
• PGA/AGM Product Preview & Buyers’ Reception
On the eve of the Show opening, Jan. 16, The PGA of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers will host the new Product Preview & Buyers’ Reception featuring a product preview by AGM vendor partners, an industry reception, plus a fashion show and evening entertainment presented by Puma.
• Indoor Demo Days
The Indoor Demo Days at the Equipment Test Center (ETC) are held at the massive indoor driving range located in Hall A of the Orange County Convention Center. The ETC features a scalloped design with 41 hitting bays, two putting greens, a practice pitching area and a full schedule of demonstrations and clinics. Attendees hit more than 400,000 balls at the ETC last year!
•
A resounding success in its inaugural year in 2007, the PGA Equipment Forum returns in 2008 to feature daily keynote presentations including:
• U.S. Golf Economy Forum, Jan. 17, 10:00 a.m. -- featuring new data on golf’s economic impact, state by state
• PGA Merchandisers of Year Roundtable, Jan. 18, 10a.m. – best practices in merchandising from top PGA retailers including:
 |
Adam Carney, Big Creek Golf & Country Club/South Central Section/Public Category 2007 |
|
Dirk Willis, Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run/Wisconsin Section/Resort Category 2007 |
|
Douglas Steffen, Baltusrol Golf Club/New Jersey Section/Private Category 2007 |
|
Brad Braden, Poppy Ridge Golf Club/Northern California Section/Public Category 2006 |
|
Michael Harmon, Secession Golf Club/Carolinas Section/Private Category 2004 |
• Adjustable Club Symposium, Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m. – The PGA of America has invited top industry executives representing the USGA, major manufacturers and top golf retailers to offer insight on the impact of the January 2008 adjustable club ruling of the USGA.
• Daily Manufacturer Presentations – daily manufacturer presentations on the latest equipment introductions, technology, clubfitting services, retail sell-through and merchandising by PGA Equipment Partners including:
|
Callaway Golf featuring Annika Sorenstam - Thursday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. |
|
Srixon featuring Jim Furyk – Thursday, Jan. 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Srixon PGA Staff Professional Q&A – Friday, Jan. 18 at 10:00 a.m. |
|
PING – Friday, Jan. 18 at 1:15 p.m. |
• Additionally, industry presentations on trends, merchandising best practices, teaching clinics and more will fill the PGA Equipment Forum stage schedule of events. Special presentations also include The PGA’s Golf In China (1/18 at 9 a.m.) and PGA Employment Opportunities in Non-Traditional Roles (1/19 at 10 a.m.).
• Fashion Fairway
The Fashion Fairway, sponsored by the 19th Hole Magazine, is the industry’s platform to bring the latest apparel trends to the industry spotlight. Multiple daily fashion shows reveal the latest lines of more than two-dozen top apparel companies. Four shows will be held daily at the fashion show stage located in the Apparel Hall of the Show floor on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 17 and 18, at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Saturday shows will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• New Fashion Designer Panels
Bringing a behind-the-scenes understanding of design, performance and merchandising techniques for the trendiest collections, the new Fashion Designer Panels will feature the top trends and hottest designers in golf apparel. Cocona steps up for the designer panel on Thursday, Jan. 17, following the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Fairway Fashion Shows and Tehama will take the designer panel stage on Friday, Jan. 18, also following the 11:30 a.m. show. Additional designers will be announced.
• AGM Designer Roundtables
Golf retailers also can round out their show schedules with the new AGM Designer Roundtables which attracted standing-room only attendance at their premier during the 2007 PGA Fall Expo. AGM Designer Roundtables will be held near the fashion show stage on Thursday and Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. and promise a valuable exchange of apparel-trend ideas related to technology/fabrications, color palates, merchandising programs and more.
• Education Conference by The PGA & AGM
Created by PGA Professionals and industry leaders uniquely for their peers, the 2008 conference features the largest number of PGA-Professional sessions focusing on industry trends, merchandising techniques, general management, career advancement and the business of teaching.
•
This 1,600 square-foot replica of a high-end working golf shop features a wide range of merchandise categories and hands-on learning models to provide retailing solutions. PGA Merchandisers of the Year and the Association of Golf Merchandisers award winners present retail best practices, share merchandising insights and offer proven strategies and advice on how to drive bottom-line earnings.
currently scheduled (more to be announced)
|
Thursday, January 17 – Resort Facility PGA Professionals & AGM Retailers TBA |
|
Friday, January 18 – Public Facility PGA Professionals & AGM Retailers
9:00am – 10:00am – Joseph Galan, Jr./New Jersey Section 2007
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Adam Carney/National 2007
3:00pm – 4:00pm – Kevin Edwards/Philadelphia Section 2007 |
|
Saturday, January 19 – Private Facility PGA Professionals & AGM Retailers
9:00am – 10:00am – Shim La Goy/Northern California Section 2007 |
|
Others TBA |
•
Daily sessions on the best practices in teaching will be offered to help PGA Professionals better brand themselves as teachers, promote and market their teaching services and grow teaching fees. Sessions will be moderated by Rick Martino, PGA Director of Instruction, with the Panel to consist of the three PGA Teachers of the Year.
Schedule is as follows:
|
Thursday, January 17 – 2:15P - 3:15P |
|
- Jim Hardy, 2007 PGA Teacher of the Year
- Todd Sones, GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher
- Mike Davis, 2007 Southwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year |
|
Friday,January 18 – 12:15P – 1:00P |
|
- Dom DiJulia, 2007 Philadelphia Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- Joe Plecker, Jr., 2007 Middle Atlantic Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- Kevin Weeks, 2007 Illinois Section PGA Teacher of the Year |
|
Saturday, January 19 – 11:15A – 12:15P |
|
- Suzy Whaley, 2007 Connecticut Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- Joe Sievers, Pacific Northwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year
- TBD |
•
The popular New Product Center provides a premium presentation of the industry’s top new products in one convenient setting. More than 350 companies and products are represented here every year in this designated area on the Show floor, which is open to new products only. Best new products are voted on by top PGA Professionals, retailers & industry leaders.
•
The fifth annual Pro-Pro Series, open to two-player teams in a best-ball format, will provide PGA Professionals with fun and competitive playing opportunities during Show week at top Orlando golf courses.
|
Tuesday, Jan. 15, Hunter's Creek Country Club & Timacun Golf Country Club |
|
Wednesday, Jan. 16, Harmony Golf Preserve, Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, & Reunion Resort Golf Course |
• PGA Awards Night
The PGA of America presents their most prestigious national awards at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, honoring Nancy Haley as the 2008 honoree of the annual Ernie Sabayrac Award, plus the PGA Merchandisers of the Year & PGA Professional of the Year.
• PGA Award Winners Announcement
• Ernie Sabayrac Award - Nancy Haley
• PGA Herb Graffis Award
• Player of the Year
• PGA Section Short Game Challenge
PGA Professionals and Apprentices will have the opportunity to compete amongst their peers by testing their chipping and putting skills in the PGA Section Short Game Challenge. Supported by PGA partners Callaway Golf, PING and Srixon, the PGA Section Short Game Challenge will be conducted near the ETC. The competition features a $13,500 total purse, with all prize money going to the winning PGA Sections
•
The PGA of America State of the Association news conference featuring PGA President Brian Whitcomb and PGA CEO Joe Steranka is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 17, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Room 312AB.
•
PGA assistant professionals, apprentices and PGM students are invited to a special future leaders series of free career workshops and the new PGA Mentor Lunches held Thursday and Friday, Jan. 16 & 17.
•
More than 400 companies new to the PGA Show garner the attention of retailers looking for fresh, new merchandise and this year many of those new companies will be easier to find in the “New Company Discovery Zone.”
•
The PGA Magazine Travel pavilion returns in 2008 and features more than a dozen international destinations and daily special events to promote international golf travel & tourism revenue.
•
While the PGA Merchandise Show floor is organized by product categories, several specialty exhibitor pavilions allow attendees to easily locate products and services in one convenient setting. 2008 pavilions include: Teaching, Training Aids and Golf Fitness Pavilion; PGA Magazine Travel Pavilion; Tournament & Outing Pavilion; Food and Beverage Pavilion; and multiple International Exhibitor Pavilions.
•
Tehama and Izod G will host a special designer panel and tribute to Nancy Haley, the 2008 PGA award winner of the Ernie Sabayrac Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Golf Industry at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at the Fashion Show Stage. Special media seating will be available, one-on-one interviews with Nancy may be arranged directly with Amy Yanda at mailto:amy@spincreativestudio.com.
•
The perfect place to network on the Show floor, make new contacts and greet old friends. This popular gathering spot features a Full Swing Golf Simulator, the Club Car Experience, and a place to unwind and network with your fellow professionals.
•
PGA Partner revenue incentives and business solutions take center stage in this interactive pavilion featuring PGA of America licensees and partners of Golf Retirement Plus, PGA Golf Properties and PGA Advantage Plus.
•
Workshops to attract, retain and motivate employees are staged at the PGA Employment Center. PGA Apprentices and Members have access to career counselors and all industry professionals have access to PGA Job Finder.
•
Golfweek’s Golfest consumer demo weekend, Jan. 12-13, features golf clinics, games, product previews and meet and greets with touring professionals for thousands of amateur golfers at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge.
• ING Presentations
The 15th Annual ING Media Awards Presentation Press Conference will be announced on Thursday, January 17 at 12:30 p.m. The 15th Annual ING Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference is Jan. 18 at 12:30 p.m. All ING activities will take place in ClubING, Room 309-A, at the Orlando Orange County Convention Center
•
January 17th , 4.30-6.30pm, Show Media Center (Room 311)
Media are invited to enjoy fine wines & hors d'oeuvres and meet the Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales 2010, Mr John Jermine, to find out the latest news on the next European venue for golf’s most prestigious event.
Go to the media registration page at http://www.pgashow.com/ to register.
•
Advance media registration remains open to all media through January 7. Badges will not be mailed but may be picked up on site in the Media Center (OCCC, Room 311). Go to the media registration page at www.pgashow.com to register. After January 7th, media may register on site in the Media Center with proper media credentials and photo ID.
•
A NEW Public Relations program to assist media with expert merchandising insight at the PGA Merchandise Show by walking specific product areas of the show floor with PGA Merchandisers of the Year. Please RSVP to Sherry at smajor@reedexpo.com to register for the time/product category of your choice.
|
Day 1 - Thursday January 17th
8:00am – 9:00am – Golf Equipment and Club Fitting -- Shim La Goy, Northern California Section 2007
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Apparel - Adam Carney, National 2007 MOY |
|
Day 2 – Friday, January 18th
9:00am – 10:00am – Joseph Galan, Jr./New Jersey Section 2007
8:00am – 9:00am – Training aids/golf fitness - Joseph Galan, Jr., New Jersey Section 2007
2:00pm – 3:00pm – New Products - John Lyberger, Jr., Middle Atlantic Section 2007 |
|
Day 3 – Saturday, January 19th
8:00am – 9:00am – Lifestyle Products – Timothy Murphy, Aloha 2007 MOY |
•
Radio media outlets are able to broadcast live from the show floor during show hours. Contact Sherry at smajor@reedexpo.com today to reserve a time period and request phone/electrical needs.
•
Photo studios near the Media Center are available by advance reservation. Please contact Sherry at smajor@reedexpo.com to reserve studio space.
•
Please note that media lunch service will now be offered in the Media Center at a reduced cost for all media. This service is similar to that offered to PGA Members in the PGA Member Business Center with the goal to increase the quality of lunch food available to media. A wide variety of lunch options will be offered at $12 and less. Complimentary continental breakfast will continue to be offered.
•
A guided catwalk tour for media photographers will be scheduled the first two days of the Show (Jan. 17-18) at 11:00 a.m. Please sign up in the Media Center, as space is limited.
•
|
Hours: Jan. 15: 1-5 p.m.
Jan. 16: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Jan. 17-19: Opens daily at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. |
|
Contact Information: We will post all messages and faxes on the media message board.
Phone: 407.685.5003
Fax: 407.685.4457 |
|
A light breakfast (7:30 - 9:00 a.m.) and lunch (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) will be served daily (Jan. 17 - 19). |
|
High-speed T1 lines for filing as well as a desktop computer, printer and separate Internet search & surf station - available in the Media Center. |
|
Private interview/meeting office is available to editorial media by reservation. |
|
An exhibitor library of media materials will be located in the Media Center. |
|
Two exhibitor news conference rooms will run on the half-hour (see schedule above). |
|
PGA Merchandise Show spokesperson - Please schedule requests for a PGA Merchandise Show spokesperson with Sherry Major in advance by email at smajor@reedexpo.com or on site. |
•
We would be happy to help with exhibitor contact information and, when we are able, assistance in scheduling a meeting with an exhibitor spokesperson. Contact Sherry.
• PGA Golf Exhibitions will distribute a daily media newsletter during Show days that will include that day’s summary, Show announcements, PGA announcements & links to exhibitor releases, photos, pga.com webcast and more. If you would like to be included on the newsletter distribution list, please contact Sherry at smajor@reedexpo.com.
•
A media photo CD will be available to attending journalists on the final afternoon of the Show (Jan. 19). Please advise Sherry or Leigh if you’d like to reserve a copy. For those not attending, please also let us know if you would like us to ship one to you following the Show. Also, photos will be available on http://www.pgamediacenter.com/ for immediate access.
• PGA Media Center . com
The PGA of America’s online media resource contains all PGA Golf Exhibitions news releases, a selection of photos and the event logo for media editorial use.
•
This close to the event, finding good, close to the OCCC housing can be challenging. If you haven’t made your reservations, we can help. Just phone 800-PGA-EXPO.
•
A concierge service is available to all attendees in the grand lobby. Airport shuttle service is available from the OCCC to the MCO Airport on Saturday (see posted schedule). Package shipping service also is available throughout the Show at the business centers located throughout the convention center.
•
We are here to help make covering the Show, The PGA and the exhibitors…. easier. Let us know what we can do!
|
