2011 PGA Expo attracts top vendors and buyers to packed event schedule

The final program and schedule of events for the 2011 PGA Expo is attracting top vendors, influential buyers and industry leaders to build a marketplace packed with merchandise sourcing, product testing and professional development, August 22-24, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Thousands of influential PGA Professionals, buyers  and industry leaders representing top golf destinations, renowned golf clubs, golf retail stores, mass merchandisers and golf organizations are expected to attend and take advantage of a robust schedule of 200-plus exhibits, product demonstrations, education seminars, industry presentations and professional networking events.

The industry gathering, now in its 27th year, begins with a new Demo Night and industry party on Monday, August 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Callaway Golf Center, just off the famous Las Vegas Strip.  Exhibits, education seminars and special events will take place at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on Tuesday, August 23, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 24, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  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.

“Each year we work hand-in-hand with The PGA of America, PGA Professionals and industry leaders to build an event that will provide educational, networking and product sourcing opportunities to move the business of golf forward,” said PGA Expo Industry Vice President John McGeary.  “We are especially pleased that in 2011, the PGA Expo is welcoming back influential business leaders and enticing newcomers to join us for what we expect to be a vibrant marketplace.”

Exhibits
A diverse gathering of golf market leaders, industry veterans and fresh newcomers will amass some 200 golf vendors representing equipment, apparel, accessories and golf services including:  Abacus, adidas Golf, AHEAD, Antigua, Ashworth, Bobby Jones, Callaway Golf, Carnoustie, Champ, Cutter & Buck, Easy Picker, Fairway & Greene, FILA, Flightscope, Foresight, Full Swing, Gear for Sports, Greg Norman, Imperial Headwear, IJP Design/Ian Poulter, Kasco, Peter Millar, PGA Authentics, Pima Direct, PING, Pukka, Quagmire, Second Skin, Straight Down, Sunice, Tehama, Tommy Hilfiger, Tour Edge, Travis Mathew, Under Armour, Yamaha, Yonex, Zero Restriction and more.

Buyers
The 2011 PGA Expo has attracted influential PGA Professionals and buyers representing top golf destinations, renowned golf clubs, golf retail stores and mass merchandisers. Learn more about attendees here. 

Demo Night
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. 

Schedule of Events
The 2011 PGA Expo schedule of events offers PGA Professionals and buyers access to a diverse menu of industry programs to build their businesses while sourcing a multitude of new merchandise. View the master schedule of events here.

Main Stage Presentations
Renowned golf instructor Butch Harmon, longtime PGA member and veteran NBC-Golf Channel broadcaster Mark Rolfing and TNT broadcaster Jim Huber bolster a strong main stage schedule of presentations at the 2011 PGA Expo.  Clubfitting, merchandising, growth of the game best practices and fashion trends complete a busy two-day schedule of presentations. View the main stage schedule here.

Networking Events
--Demo Night Industry Party: Monday, August 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Callaway Golf Center
--Elations Industry Reception-Tuesday, August 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m., TAO Nightclub/Venetian
The event's most popular networking event, the sixth annual industry welcome reception, sponsored by Elations supplement drink, is free to all PGA Expo attendees and features beer, wine, cocktails, martinis, hors d'oeuvres, and music. Please be sure to wear your show badge for admittance.
--Opening Night After Party: Tuesday, August 23, 10:00-11:00 p.m., LAVO Nightclub/Palazzo
Complimentary to all PGA Expo Attendees and Exhibitors ($20 entrance fee waived). Complimentary 1 hour open well bar ($45 value). Please be sure to wear your show badge for admittance.

Education Conference
The introduction of The PGA of America's new "Golf 2.0" strategic action plan is among a diverse new schedule of seminars designed to increase participation in and move forward the business of the game during the Education Conference of the 2011 PGA Expo.  The PGA Expo Education Conference is a collaboration of The PGA of America, Association of Golf Merchandisers and PGA Golf Exhibitions and includes tracks on General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction/Player Development, Retail and Professional Enrichment.

Fashion FOREward Spotlight
The new Fashion FOREward Spotlight is 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.

Focus on Fashion with Annmarie Dodd -- The Khaki Crusader contributing editor and AGM fashion consultant will speak to apparel leaders and visionaries about golf's ever-changing landscape.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011: 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
 
Forward Spin with Annmarie Dodd & the Association of Golf Merchandisers -- Designers, top merchandisers and Dodd, a golf fashion reporter, will dissect the industry's latest trends. Topics include: the latest in golf wear technology; interpreting spring 2012 trend forecasts; new names in the game; and the connection between what's worn by professional tour players and the everyday golfer.  
Tuesday, August 23, 2011: Noon-1:00 p.m., Main Stage
 
Fashion Foreward Spotlight participating companies include Daily Sports, Evan Golf, Golf For Kids, Grace for Game Golf, Kikkor Golf, Iconic, Pima Direct, Travis Mathews and Ecco.  Barr Display is the sponsor of the Fashion FOREward Spotlight area and the Association of Golf Merchandiser's (AGM) Education Team will be offering mentoring opportunities for participating new apparel brands.

Indoor Golf Performance & Training Center
PGA Professionals and golf retailers will have the exclusive opportunity to personally test the latest equipment and training aids within multiple hitting stations, a short game area and a putting green at the Indoor Golf Performance and Training Center, sponsored by Players Turf, located right on the show floor of the PGA Expo.  Indoor Golf Performance & Training Center participants include Callaway Golf, PING, Tour Edge, Yonex, Players Turf, Parfection Golf, FlightScope, Axis 1, GolfSwingFreak.com, Foresight Sports, Pro Sleeve Golf, Leaderboard, Golf Gruva LLC, Levi Tees Golf Gloves, Heal Packs, igolping, Tee2Greens Inc., Olympia

New Product Zone
Buyers looking for the latest equipment, apparel, training aids, tournament prizes and more will find a multitude of new products in one convenient setting within the New Product Zone right on the show floor (next to the main stage).  Additionally, the New Product Zone will organize new products by category and recognize the top-three best new products (as voted by VIP buyers).

Career Center
The 2011 PGA Expo Career Center is designed to connect qualified industry professionals with job opportunities at some of the most recognized companies in golf. Located on the show floor (end of #900 aisle), the Career Center includes: employer meeting rooms, job posting boards and PGA of America Career Consultants.

PGA Members
PGA Professionals can earn up to 18 MSR Credits by participation in education seminars, main stage programs, Town Hall, Demo Night and PGA Expo events.

PGA Expo Registration
Advance registration for the 2011 PGA Expo is open to industry professionals online at //www.pgaexpo.com/.  The PGA Expo is a trade industry-only event.  Onsite registration is available at the Venetian Ballroom with proper golf industry credentials.