PGA Merchandise Show, NAMM Show Both See Upticks in Professional Attendance
January 28, 2014
Two wintertime shows heated up the trade show industry, with both the PGA Merchandise Show and the NAMM Show seeing an increase in professional attendance, compared with their events held last year.
The PGA Merchandise Show, produced by Reed Exhibitions, was held Jan. 22-24 and covered 1 million square feet of the Orange County Convention Center, including some 483,000 square feet of interactive exhibit and demonstration areas.
PGA Professional attendance grew by five percent, while overall industry attendance dipped slightly (by 5 percent) to total more than 41,000 PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders.
The top five countries (outside of U.S.) represented in attendance were Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and Korea. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, California, New York, Georgia and Massachusetts.
“We are very pleased with the rise in PGA Professional attendance, as they are important influencers to the business of our exhibiting companies,” said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Senior Vice President and General Manager Ed Several.
Next year’s show is on tap Jan. 20-23 at the Orange County Convention Center.
The National Association of Music Merchants' NAMM Show, held Jan 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center, saw a slight 2-percent uptick in overall buyer attendance, with 91,629 people flocking to the showfloor.
In addition, there were 1,533 exhibiting companies, marketing the second-highest exhibiting number ever, which represented 5,010 brands.
“As the global platform for the music products industry, the NAMM Show is an annual checkup for what is happening in the music marketplace worldwide,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.
He added, “A focus on doing business reflected confidence among buyers and manufacturers alike. Fortified with NAMM U education, networking and fun opportunities that only occur at the NAMM Show, NAMM Members expressed to me a renewed spirit for the year ahead. I believe that the stage is set for growth in 2014.”
Of the total attendance, there was a 6-percent increase in international attendees. Also this year, 636 exhibitors from 49 countries outside of the United States made up more than one-third of the total exhibiting companies.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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