PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The industry's most important business issues take center stage at the third edition of the PGA Equipment Forum, Jan. 29-31, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. More than 40,000 industry professionals from some 75 countries are expected to converge at the PGA Show to hear from industry leaders.

PGA Professional best practices on business, merchandising and teaching are complemented by industry programs on emerging markets, employer programs, PGA equipment partner business presentations and industry initiatives on growing the game.

"More than ever before, the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show provides a perfect opportunity for PGA Professionals to work with industry leaders and share best business practices that will benefit everyone as we try to manage the changing economy," says PGA President Jim Remy of Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vt.

"Year in and year out, one of the real benefits of attending the PGA Merchandise Show is to exchange ideas and develop new practices that will lead to greater service and sales on both ends of the golf spectrum. The 2009 PGA Equipment Forum is delivering real solutions from respected leaders on the everyday challenges facing our industry."

PGA Equipment Forum Schedule
(as of 1/13/09, Subject to change and additional programming)

Thursday, January 29
9:30-9:35 a.m. Welcome by PGA President Jim Remy - Value of PGA Professionals
9:35-10:15 a.m. PGA Professionals Best Practices, Moderator: Jeff Beaudry, PGA
10:15-11:00 a.m. Value of a PGA Professional, Moderator: Phil Berry, PGA
12:00-12:50 p.m. Peer Insights and Emerging Markets
1:00-1:50 p.m. Callaway Golf Presentation Featuring Annika Sorenstam
2:00-3:00 p.m. Meet Your PGA Officers and CEO
3:00-3:45 p.m. PGA Teaching Best Practices -- Hank Haney, PGA

Friday, January 30
10:00-11:15 a.m. Play Golf America: Get Golf Ready Conference
11:30-12:20 p.m. PING - Lorena Ochoa & Club Fitter of the Year
12:30-1:20 p.m. PGA Teaching Best Practices - PGA Teacher of the Year
1:30-2:30 p.m. Titleist -- Titleist Performance Institute
2:30-3:30 p.m. PGA Merchandisers of the Year, Moderator: Jim Vincent

Saturday, January 31
10:00-10:50 a.m. PGA Best Practices in Generating New Private Club Members
11:00-11:50 a.m. PGA Best Practices in Managing Today's Economy
12:00-12:50 p.m. PGA Teaching Best Practices - PGA Teacher of the Year

The game's most influential leaders, including executives from worldwide PGAs, global golf companies and national golf organizations, join grassroots PGA Professionals and retailers to amass more than 40,000 attendees focused on growing the business of golf. More than 1,000 top golf manufacturers create the world's largest business-to-business golf event within 10 miles of Show aisles at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Participating exhibitors include golf's top market leaders such as adidas, Ahead, Antigua, Bridgestone Golf, Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Cutter & Buck, Gear For Sports, Greg Norman Collection, Nike Golf, PING, PUMA, Summit Golf Brands, Tehama, Titleist, Under Armour ~ plus some 400 companies new to the Show.

Interactive exhibits, product testing at the Indoor Demo Day, education seminars, Fashion Gallery presentations, industry awards, trend reports, professional networking, merchandising workshops, celebrity appearances, best practices presentations and more pack unprecedented value into the daily schedule of the industry's biggest week of golf business. The Outdoor Demo Day, Jan. 28, tees off the Show for PGA Professionals, media and invited guests to test equipment outdoors at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Fla. The PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31, is a trade only event and will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.