Lower participation costs for both exhibitors and buyers; increased exhibitor efficiencies; and an entirely new approach to a buyer-centered show floor are the primary initiatives launching at the 2009 PGA Fall Expo, Sept. 1-2, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
“This is a perfect time and opportunity to pilot a new and better way of building business, at a lower cost, all on the show floor,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Group Vice President and General Manager Ed Several. “Through a series of extensive focus groups with our exhibitors, PGA Professionals, and golf buyers, we have identified an efficient and low cost platform to bring buyers together with sellers while offering insightful information to help the golf industry grow participation, increase rounds played and energize sales”
New, lower-costing exhibition and marketing alternatives, plus a new platform that offers brand exposure to golfers around the world, are being introduced to help golf manufacturers more effectively build business among the thousands of influential buyers who typically attend the industrys annual fall marketplace. The new, all-inclusive packages offer every golf company a variety of marketing options at a lower package cost.
The PGA Fall Expo floor plan is taking on a whole new look for 2009 with PGA Professionals and golf retailers at the center of all the buying action. All buyer programs, including the well-attended education conference, will take place directly on the Show floor. A central business networking platform will provide a hub to two new education stages and new exhibitor segmentation groupings. A comprehensive schedule of education seminars, interactive product demonstrations and professional networking events will drive traffic throughout the show floor. The all-new indoor Golf Performance & Training Center will provide attendees with the opportunity to personally test equipment and training aids while a new pavilion for the centralized display of new golf merchandise will offer convenient, one-stop shopping and comparison of the industrys latest equipment, accessories and fashions.
For the first time, PGA Professionals and golf retailers can take advantage of new cost-savings with complimentary registration for more than 20 education seminars in the PGA Fall Expo Education Conference. Presented by recognized experts of The PGA of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers, topics will address current industry issues, inventory management, merchandising, teaching, business management, player development and more. PGA Professionals will continue to receive one MSR credit per seminar. PGA Professionals can earn up to 20 MSR credits for their participation in the PGA Fall Expo events and seminars.
Also, PGA Golf Exhibitions is negotiating low hotel rates, ground transportation between the PGA Fall Expo and coinciding Las Vegas “fashion week” trade shows, along with all-inclusive attendee packages for airfare, accommodations, airport transportation and even dining. The PGA Fall Expos most popular event, the 3rd annual PGA Fall Expo Welcome Reception, presented by Elations will again take place at The House of Blues on September 1 with complimentary food, drink and an entertainment act to be announced.
