PGA Merchandise Show Offers the Industry a Blueprint for Growth in '10

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Influential golf manufacturers will exhibit; international leaders will address industry issues, timely education seminars and relevant best practices will be offered, new golf employment initiatives will be launched and professional networking will build important relationships as a blueprint for industry growth in 2010 will be established at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 28-30, 2010, in Orlando, Fla.

The PGA of America and PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions announced today the general scope of the 57th annual industry gathering that is expected to bring together more than 1,000 golf vendors and some 40,000 golf business professionals from around the world to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando.

"From the beginning, the PGA Merchandise Show's growth evolved through the teamwork of PGA Professionals and industry leaders," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "The Show remains a critical forum for all who serve as caretakers of the game. As we enter 2010, sustaining that teamwork has never been more vital as we focus on expanding our respective business opportunities both at home and throughout the world."

"In planning the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, our goal is simple -- offer engaging content delivering real-life value to every type of facility and golf professional, so that when an attendee returns from the PGA Merchandise Show they can produce an immediate, positive impact on their business and the health of the game overall," said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Group Vice President and General Manager Ed Several.

The 2010 PGA Merchandise Show will include:

(Details will be updated regularly in ongoing announcements and at pgashow.com).

1,000+ Golf Vendors & the Opportunity to Explore What's New:

More than 1,000 golf companies all under one roof to personally meet with market leaders and discover emerging companies new to the market.

Top vendors include: Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro, Zero Restriction, Greg Norman Collection, Under Armour, Gear for Sports, Callaway Apparel, Ahead, Club Car, Wilson Golf, Mizuno, Bridgestone Golf, Adams, Imperial Headwear, Antigua, E-Z Go, Cutter & Buck, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Divots Apparel, Yamaha (see updated list at www.pgashow.com)

65+ Education Seminars & Pro-to-Pro Best Practices:

More than 65 educational seminars including: "Technology for Player Development Programs," "PGA World Junior Player Development Strategy," "Where is the Golf Property Market Now?"

Participate in Pro-to-Pro best practice sharing forums in merchandising, teaching, management and more -- all designed to provide golf professionals with peer-proven ideas that give them the edge to be the best experts in the game and business of golf.

Outdoor & Indoor Demo Days - Largest PGA Professional Testing In The World:

Outdoor Demo Day features more than 90 top golf companies within 100+ hitting bays, practice greens and the vendor village of the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center.

Wednesday, January 27

9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. -- PGA Professionals & Media Only

12:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. -- PGA Professionals, Media & Invited Retailers

Indoor Demo Days features a scalloped design with 47 hitting bays, two putting greens and a practice pitching area for personally testing the latest products right on the Show floor.

Keynote Presentations & Program Introductions:

Golf leaders will address issues impacting golf including international growth initiatives, U.S. government legislation, the USGA Grooves Ruling, social media applications to drive golf revenue, the women's golf movement, plus teaching & merchandising best practices. Leading manufacturers will offer new profit-making programs including club fitting, ball fitting and short game revenue programs to meet the needs of every size facility.

Inaugural Career Fair:

Major industry employers on hand to conduct interviews

Resume building, career workshops

PGA presentations on Your PGA Blueprint, new PGA employment programs, plus PGA Employment Consultants on hand to provide immediate employment assistance

Industry Special Events & Networking:

AGM Product Preview, Wednesday, January 27th, OCCC

On the eve of the Show opening, the Association of Golf Merchandisers will host the 4th Annual Product Preview & Buyers' Reception featuring a product preview by AGM vendor partners, an industry reception and the presentation of the Golf World's 100 Best Golf Shops and the AGM's Front Nine Awards.

PGA Awards Night, Thursday, January 28th, OCCC

The PGA of America presents their most prestigious national awards at PGA Awards Night including the First Lady of Golf Award, PGA Professional of the Year, PGA Merchandisers of the Year, plus additional national award winners.

NEW Industry Concert, Friday, January 29th, OCCC

Details announced 11/20 on a brand new concert featuring an international 70s rock band sensation -- free to all Show attendees.

Industry professionals may register for free in advance of the Show, take advantage of early travel discounts and find detailed event information at www.pgashow.com.