Prioritizing the health and well-being of the global golf community during the ongoing pandemic, the decision was made with guidance and feedback from exhibitors, attendees, PGA Professionals, the PGA of America, key industry associations, vendor partners, and additional event stakeholders.
The PGA Merchandise Show, the largest annual gathering of the golf industry, traditionally hosts nearly 40,000 golf industry professionals worldwide and exhibits the latest trends and technology from some 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands. In 2021, the 68th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show will instead drive business, education and networking through an interactive virtual experience and marketplace.
“We are thankful to the PGA of America, exhibiting companies, attendees, PGA Professionals and industry partners for their strong support and guidance that has allowed us to develop this exciting reimagination of the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Vice President Marc Simon. “This year’s virtual PGA Show will offer unparalleled online engagement, connecting our industry to drive business and grow the game. Technology has brought us together in amazing new ways during the pandemic, and we plan to capitalize on these innovative solutions to make the PGA Show even better moving forward. Recognizing the increased interest in the game and potential growth in 2021 and beyond, we are excited to return to Orlando in 2022 to combine the best of technology advancements with the invaluable experience of face-to-face connections. Together, we are evolving and have the opportunity to emerge stronger and better connected than ever before.”
“Working in partnership with the PGA Show team, we are pleased to continue the longstanding tradition of connecting PGA Professionals and the global golf community with a new virtual PGA Merchandise Show experience and marketplace in 2021,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “The interactive virtual format will allow even greater participation from all corners of the U.S. and around the world and, together, we can collectively make the most of the surging interest in the game. We share an optimistic outlook for the future of the sport and look forward to an exciting industry reunion when we all can meet face-to-face at the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show.”
PGA Professionals, golf retailers, industry leaders and manufacturers worldwide will be able to attend the show virtually to actively reconnect with the industry. The platform will become available for appointment scheduling in mid-December, with full content provided live during PGA Show Week, January 26-29, 2021, and available on-demand for an extended period of time after the show concludes.
The exhibitor marketplace will remain open on an ongoing basis to help exhibiting companies and buyers drive commerce throughout 2021. Complimentary industry attendee registration details will be announced shortly.
“These are extraordinary times that have required all of us as an industry to rapidly evolve and innovate the way we do things,” said Peter Broome, SVP Brand Management & Industry Relations for Acushnet. “The decision by the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions to shift to a Virtual Show in 2021 is the right one, made in the best interest, health and safety of everyone involved. While we look forward to getting back on the show floor in Orlando in 2022, our teams at Titleist and FootJoy are now focused on creating the most valuable and educational virtual experiences for PGA Professionals and our partners, as we work together in carrying our game’s momentum into next season.”
Photo courtesy PGA Merchandise Show
