PGA Golf Exhibitions said the 2004 PGA Fall Expo gained 32% in PGA Professional attendance compared to the 2003 event with a 13% growth in PGA and non-PGA buyer attendance and a 7% increase in total industry attendance. A total of 4,202 industry professionals, primarily from the U.S. West Coast but also representing all 50 states and 26 countries, converged at the annual regional industry gathering.
“PGA Professionals and buyers came with a sense of optimism and a renewed energy that was apparent in overflowing aisles, a packed Demo Night, filled hitting bays, busy exhibits and full education seminars,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President and Show Manager Ed Several. “The support of major equipment and apparel companies, new and enhanced interactive events and a return to post Labor Day dates in Las Vegas seemed to drive these great results. We are confident that our focus on the needs and objectives of exhibitors and attendees is creating stronger, healthier business events for industry leaders to more efficiently conduct the business of the game.”
“Many of our PGA Professionals have given us very positive feedback regarding their experiences at this years PGA Fall Expo,” said PGA of America President M.G. Orender. “Quality exhibitors matched with a comprehensive education conference, Demo Night, ETC and a new focus on golf fashions made the PGA Fall Expo a valuable three days of business for PGA Professionals.”
Interactive programs like Demo Night, the ETC (Equipment Test Center) and fashion parades contributed to an exhibitor satisfaction level that quadrupled since last year (according to an independent exhibitor exit survey). Additionally, the rate of exhibitors planning to return to the PGA Fall Expo also more than tripled over last years post event survey.
Several said, “While we are thrilled with the success of new and enhanced event programs and with the improvements in industry participation, the post show exhibitor poll reveals what we are working so hard to achieve . customer satisfaction and loyalty to an industry gathering that efficiently and effectively helps golf manufacturers reach their business objectives. We are just as anxious to receive the post show attendee research and hope to earn continued good marks.”
The sold-out Demo Night was an unquestionable hit for exhibitors and attendees alike with some 450 industry professionals field-testing the products of 47 manufacturers late into the night at the Callaway Golf Center. The interactive programs continued on the show floor with 24 hitting bays at the new sold-out ETC (Equipment Test Center) and the 2,500 square-foot putting green. Both areas were busy each day with attendees personally testing equipment, balls and accessories of exhibitors. Three new Fashion Parades drew a great deal of attention when models showcasing the latest fashions toured the show floor.
Attendees praised the new education conference format where participation grew by 32% to include nearly 300 PGA professionals, retailers and industry leaders. The full day education conference, scheduled the day prior to the Expo, featured six professional tracks of 40 in-depth seminar topics covered in quality, condensed sessions.
The 2004 PGA Fall Expo featured 321 exhibitors.
