A fresh approach to better serve the golf industry will make its debut at the 2006 PGA Fall Expo, Sept 12-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Based on feedback from PGA Professionals and industry leaders, every aspect of this years event has been enhanced to create three full days of sourcing, learning, sharing, competitive golf play, product testing and networking.
The 2006 PGA Fall Expo has relocated to the premier destination of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Convention Center (MBRC). This first-class convention center setting provides an unsurpassed Las Vegas venue for the introduction of golf products and trends by more than 300 of the industrys top manufacturers such as Callaway Golf, Nike Golf, Bridgestone Golf, Wilson Golf, Cutter & Buck, Fila, Jack Nicklaus Sportswear, Lilly Pulitzer, Tour Edge, Winn Grips and Yonex.
PGA Fall Expo activities begin on September 12, when the inaugural PGA Fall Expo Golf Outing & Testing Day tees off with a morning and afternoon shot gun tournament at the renowned Bali Hai Golf Club, the only course on the Las Vegas Strip and located next to the MBRC. This unique event allows PGA Professionals and other golf industry representatives to test equipment, apparel and accessories in actual playing conditions. Players will be able to test top products at each hole, vie for several prizes throughout the outing, including a hole-in-one contest for a car and a chance to win $10,000. Each participant will receive manufacturer tee gifts, beverages and a BBQ lunch.
The inaugural “PGA Fall Expo Trend Seminar,” which tees off Sept. 13, presents emerging equipment and apparel trends along with ways to profit from them. The seminar is free to all attendees. This new addition will feature “On & Off Course Retail Product Sales Trends from Golf Datatech,” presented by Tom Stine; “Todays Apparel Trends,” by Haysun Hahn of Futuremode; and “PGA Tools to Measure and Enhance Your Performance,” by Paul Metzler of The PGA of America. The forum will include both presentations and open discussions providing interactive opportunities to ask questions and learn how to turn trends into profit.
The PGA Fall Expos professional education program also has been re-organized to offer high-quality presentations by recognized industry experts in a more compact timeframe and affordable price. Featured seminars include “Visual Merchandising Tips for Equipment” by Ken Morton Jr., “Merchandise Pricing Strategies” by Tracy Moffatt, and “How To Do What The Best Retailers Do” by Tom Shay. Industry professionals can experience up to 10 seminars for a one-time fee of only $50. Seminars will be held throughout the days of Sept. 13 (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and Sept. 14 (9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.).
“The 2006 PGA Fall Expo has been organized in conjunction with The PGA of America and top industry leaders to provide industry professionals with the edge they need to stay ahead of the business,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President and Show Manager Ed Several. “The new tournament, new programs and new host facility simply underscore that the PGA Fall Expo is the place to be on the West Coast for everything that is golf and important to the success of PGA Professionals, retailers and manufacturers.”
Added PGA President Roger Warren: “With the exciting changes being made to enhance the overall value and experience of the PGA Fall Expo, PGA Professionals have even more reason than ever to go to Las Vegas this September. Like so many others, our industry continues to evolve and it is imperative that PGA members stay on top of the latest offerings on the market. This new Fall Expo allows them to do just that.”
The exhibition hall will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 13, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 14. It will feature an indoor golf range, a new equipment stage for in-depth equipment education presentations from leading equipment companies and the New Product Center where attendees can discover a diverse selection of new products in one setting.
To enhance networking, a cocktail reception will conclude the day on September 13 at The House of Blues. PGA Professionals, manufacturers, industry leaders and media will enjoy the opportunity to network with peers in a fun and relaxing setting while establishing the pulse of the industry for the new season ahead.
