Ten reasons why you should attend the 2018 U.S. PGA Merchandise Show

    ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 26: The entrance to the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show held at Orange County Convention Center on January 26, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America)

    Running for over 60 years and the first gathering of the international golf industry each calendar year, the U.S. PGA Merchandise Show has become the premier event to grow your business and career in golf.  Approximately 1,000 golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from nearly 90 countries around the world will meet at the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf, held from January 23-26, 2018, in Orlando, Florida.

    During PGA Show Week, PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. The PGA Show is not open to the public – it is specifically for those in the golf trade.

    Why should you attend the show?

    Discover New Merchandise to Drive Your Business

    Explore more than 1,000 interactive exhibits within nearly 10 miles of Show aisles to uncover the latest products representing a wide spectrum of golf merchandise and services for your golf facility, retail shop and clubhouse.

    Test the Newest Equipment, Technology, Golf Innovations

    The 16th Annual PGA Show Demo Day on Tuesday, Jan. 23, tees off PGA Show Week featuring nearly 100 top golf companies within 200+ hitting bays, practice greens and the vendor village of the 42-acre Orange County National Golf Center.  The PGA Show Demo Day is open to PGA Professionals and media, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; to invited golf retailers noon – 5 p.m.  Testing opportunities continue during the PGA Merchandise Show at the country’s largest indoor golf range, the PGA Show Equipment Test Center.  Attendees can experience hands-on testing of the newest equipment and the latest advances in technology and design from leading golf companies within 47 hitting bays, a putting green and a PGA Short Game Challenge Area right on the PGA Show Floor.

    Drive Apparel and Accessories Sales

    As apparel and accessories continue to drive revenue in most golf shops, stay on top of the newest fashion trends and hottest accessories by exploring some 400+ exhibits in the PGA Show Apparel Hall.  Preview collections during the Association of Golf Merchandisers Product Preview & Reception on Tuesday evening, Jan. 23.  Attend designer presentations, receptions and special events in booths and arrive early for the best viewing during the Live PGA Fashion Show on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the PGA Forum Stage for an energetic and entertaining presentation of the newest collections on the catwalk.

    Become a Better Teacher

    Take advantage of multiple golf instruction workshops, demonstrations and classroom sessions from the industry’s leading golf teachers including:  Mike Malaska, Pia Nilsson, Mike Adams, Alison Curdt, Will Robins, Nancy Quarcelino, Dave Phillips, Lance Gil, Brett Meyer, Fred Shoemaker, Sean Hogan, David Donatucci, Kay McMahon, Mark Blackburn and many more.

    Be Informed of the Latest Industry Initiatives

    Grab a front row seat at the PGA Forum Stage to hear directly from golf’s most influential leaders during industry presentations.  The PGA of America and industry leaders utilize the PGA Forum Stage for important industry announcements and to address player development initiatives, new equipment introductions, golf employment, teaching best practices, merchandising ideas and more.

    Grow Your Business with Proven Best Practices in Operations and Executive Management –Attend a single session, a full conference day or take advantage of a full conference pass to the PGA Show Education Conference featuring national-level education programs to help PGA Professionals succeed in executive golf management and facility operations. More than 40 classroom sessions by the industry’s top business leaders will provide expert insight into proven business and operational strategies of successful golf facilities.

    Network with Peers and Influencers

    PGA and LPGA Professionals, golf retailers, manufacturers, designers, CEOs, media, distributors, facility owners, management company executives, celebrity endorsers, inventors and many more professionals representing nearly 90 countries in the broad spectrum of the global golf business come to Orlando for PGA Show Week.  Network with peers to learn trends and best practices; build new relationships to grow your business and establish new contacts to grow your career.

    Get into the Swing of Golf Fitness

    The PGA Show Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction area, presented by TPI and the Club Fitness & Spa Association, features nearly 100 exhibits with products designed to increase golf performance and focusing on the health benefits of golf.  Additionally, the PGA Show Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction stage offers a full schedule of daily presentations by golf fitness, instruction, wellness and nutrition experts.  During PGA Show Week, attendees also can take advantage of fitness-related certification programs by TPI and the Club Fitness & Spa Association.

    Expand Your Career Opportunities

    PGA Show Week offers countless informal career networking opportunities as well as complimentary PGA member employment workshops, mentoring programs for assistant professionals. New for 2018, an online industry job board and an onsite career fair for PGM  students. Explore your career path and build your resume at the PGA Merchandise Show.

    Know the Perks of Being a PGA Member

    There are many exclusive opportunities for PGA members at the PGA Merchandise Show including the opportunity to receive more than 40 PGA Required MSR credits, access to discounts for the PGA Education Conference program, attend complimentary workshops in the PGA Member Business Center, and save money on travel, restaurant, retail, concessions, entertainment and more through the PGA Perks program.

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    A graduate of Cardiff University’s highly respected post-graduate magazine journalism course, Andy has successfully edited four different publications across the B2B, trade and consumer sectors. He is skilled at all aspects of the magazine process in addition to editing websites and managing social media channels.