2011 PGA Expo attracts cutting-edge designers and apparel market leaders

The 2011 PGA Expo boasts more than 200 vendors from every sector of golf, a full hands-on demonstration and education schedule, plus multiple career and networking events, but having found its place in the heart of Las Vegas Fashion Week has created a heightened engagement by a myriad of apparel vendors and buyers coming to the Venetian Hotel Resort Casino, August 22-24, in Las Vegas.

"This year's PGA Expo has attracted several cutting-edge companies that we haven't seen before in Las Vegas," said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President John McGeary. ""Companies such as Ian Poulter, Straight Down, Travis Mathew, Sligo Wear, In Fiamme and Ecco, plus market leaders like AHEAD, Antigua, Bobby Jones, Callaway Apparel, Cutter & Buck, Fairway & Greene, Gear for Sports, Peter Millar, Sunice and Under Armour will be part of the PGA Expo. Their participation puts them in the heart of Fashion Week and in front of influential PGA Professionals, golf resort buyers and specialty retailers from across the fashion industry spectrum."

In addition to Fashion Week timing, the 2011 PGA Expo will be co-located with the MRket, MODA and ACCESSORIES: The Show events at The Venetian Resort providing convenience for buyers and new retail channel opportunities for vendors.

"PGA Expo essentially has become the golf, casual and resort-wear arm to the MRket show, which features more high-end, men's apparel," said McGeary. "Last year, more than 350 apparel buyers from Fashion Week events also explored the vendors of the PGA Expo. Plus, our attendee research finds that 60 percent of all apparel-buying PGA Professionals and AGM buyers visited the Fashion Week shows in previous years leading to significant convenience and added value for PGA Expo attendees."

To further support the launch of 2012 apparel spring lines and up-and-coming designers, the 2011 PGA Expo is introducing the new Fashion FOREward Spotlight, a dedicated interactive area in the apparel hall focusing on new trends, styles and designs. Offering a designer showcase, fresh programming each day and an industry meeting place, the Fashion FOREward Spotlight is designed as a resource for buyers to uncover the most sought-after merchandise and accessories for their market to drive soft-good sales.

Emerging designers, veteran brands and golf apparel market leaders will offer a mix of fresh design elements in the Fashion FOREward Spotlight to move forward golf performance, resort and lifestyle apparel. Fashion reporter Annmarie Dodd, veteran fashion writer, will emcee several of the programs and offer daily presentations on the latest trends, performance fabrics and mainstream styles influencing golf fashion retail.

Barr Display is the sponsor of the area and the Association of Golf Merchandiser's (AGM) Education Team will be offering mentoring opportunities for participating new apparel brands.

About the 2011 PGA Expo

The 2011 PGA Expo begins with a new Demo Night and industry networking party at the Callaway Golf Center, just off the Las Vegas Strip, on Monday, August 22. PGA Professionals, buyers and industry leaders attending the PGA Expo will be able to field test the newest equipment, training aids and accessories first hand, 5:00- 9:00 p.m., at the Center's two-tiered 113-stall lighted driving range, plus the putting and chipping greens. The Center's Divine Nine, a nine-hole lighted par-3 course, will be the site of a social golf outing and a Demo Night networking party will be offered throughout the facility.

More than 200 golf companies and brands will present and demonstrate their latest merchandise in the Venetian Ballroom on Tuesday, August 23, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 24, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Attendees can participate in the comprehensive education conference; test equipment right at the Golf Performance & Training Center; uncover the newest merchandise at the New Product Center; and network with colleagues among displays of the latest golf fashion lines in the new Fashion FOREward Spotlight.

Each Show day, the energy on the Show floor will be infused by numerous main stage presentations by industry leaders, golf fashion designers and PGA Professional instructors. Well-known golf instructor Butch Harmon and veteran NBC/Golf Channel broadcaster Mark Rolfing are among main stage presenters on the first day.

Also, the popular Elations Industry Reception will return the first night of exhibition events, Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the TAO Las Vegas in the Grand Canal Shoppes of the Venetian, with a new, complimentary Opening Night After-Party at LAVO in the Palazzo Las Vegas Resort.

Returning to the apparel industry's "Fashion Week" and the Venetian ballroom, the PGA Expo is positioned at the center of the MAGIC, MODA, MRket and ACCESSORIES: The Show events.