PGA Merchandise Show and Two Co-Located Shows Wrap in Orlando
February 4, 2020
For the first time, the PGA Merchandise Show—the largest gathering of PGA professionals—co-located with National Golf Course Owners Association’s Golf Business Conference and Racquet & Paddle Sports Show. All three shows wrapped up last week to great success at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
“Being in the same place over the same week with PGA professionals and their leadership allows for organic and planned opportunities for collaboration,” said Jay Karen, CEO of NGCOA. “The NGCOA is helping to promote to our audience the value that PGA Members bring to their facilities… the more we can be in the same room together, talking about golf's biggest issues and opportunities, the better off we will all be.”
NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference, which is the industry’s largest annual gathering of golf course owners, is focused on education seminars, presentations and networking events. It will be co-located with the PGA Merchandise Show at OCCC for the next four years.
This year’s Merchandise show drew 7,800 PGA professionals, an increase of 5 percent over last year, and nearly 10 miles of interactive exhibit aisles. Outside the U.S., attendees most represented at the show were Canada, the U.K., Korea, Japan and China, according to show officials. A hub of product innovation, notable new items this year included Titleist’s T400 irons, Cobra’s Speedzone woods and drivers, Bridgestone’s new Tour B golf balls and more.
“The 67th PGA Merchandise Show kicked off 2020 with an exciting showcase of the latest golf innovations and merchandising strategies for the year ahead,” said Marc Simon, event vice president. “In addition to making important purchase decisions for the new season, PGA Professionals and buyers connected face-to-face to foster business relationships that will help to grow the business of the game moving forward.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the latest in golf lifestyle apparel and accessories from brands such as Adidas Golf, Peter Millar, Puma, Vineyard Vines and others. A live fashion show on Jan. 23 showcased trending styles, followed by a happy hour and reception.
“The PGA Merchandise Show brings the global golf industry together each year to drive forward our careers, our businesses and the health of the sport,” said Suzy Whaley, PGA president. “We thrive off the energy here at the PGA Show, as we collectively learn about golf's newest innovations, share best practices and connect as a community in the game.”
The Racquet & Paddle Sports Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions, was equally as exciting, welcoming 4,000 racquet industry professionals and drawing crossover attendance from golf and resort professionals at the PGA Show. Delegates had the chance to interact with 100 racquet-sport related exhibits, a multi-sport court and a table tennis tournament, as well as participate in educational programs.
To learn more about the next PGA Merchandise Show, which will take place Jan. 26-29, 2021, go here.
Photo credits: PGA Merchandise Show
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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