PGA Merchandise Show and Two Co-Located Shows Wrap in Orlando
February 4, 2020
For the first time, the PGA Merchandise Show—the largest gathering of PGA professionals—co-located with National Golf Course Owners Association’s Golf Business Conference and Racquet & Paddle Sports Show. All three shows wrapped up last week to great success at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
“Being in the same place over the same week with PGA professionals and their leadership allows for organic and planned opportunities for collaboration,” said Jay Karen, CEO of NGCOA. “The NGCOA is helping to promote to our audience the value that PGA Members bring to their facilities… the more we can be in the same room together, talking about golf's biggest issues and opportunities, the better off we will all be.”
NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference, which is the industry’s largest annual gathering of golf course owners, is focused on education seminars, presentations and networking events. It will be co-located with the PGA Merchandise Show at OCCC for the next four years.
This year’s Merchandise show drew 7,800 PGA professionals, an increase of 5 percent over last year, and nearly 10 miles of interactive exhibit aisles. Outside the U.S., attendees most represented at the show were Canada, the U.K., Korea, Japan and China, according to show officials. A hub of product innovation, notable new items this year included Titleist’s T400 irons, Cobra’s Speedzone woods and drivers, Bridgestone’s new Tour B golf balls and more.
“The 67th PGA Merchandise Show kicked off 2020 with an exciting showcase of the latest golf innovations and merchandising strategies for the year ahead,” said Marc Simon, event vice president. “In addition to making important purchase decisions for the new season, PGA Professionals and buyers connected face-to-face to foster business relationships that will help to grow the business of the game moving forward.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the latest in golf lifestyle apparel and accessories from brands such as Adidas Golf, Peter Millar, Puma, Vineyard Vines and others. A live fashion show on Jan. 23 showcased trending styles, followed by a happy hour and reception.
“The PGA Merchandise Show brings the global golf industry together each year to drive forward our careers, our businesses and the health of the sport,” said Suzy Whaley, PGA president. “We thrive off the energy here at the PGA Show, as we collectively learn about golf's newest innovations, share best practices and connect as a community in the game.”
The Racquet & Paddle Sports Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions, was equally as exciting, welcoming 4,000 racquet industry professionals and drawing crossover attendance from golf and resort professionals at the PGA Show. Delegates had the chance to interact with 100 racquet-sport related exhibits, a multi-sport court and a table tennis tournament, as well as participate in educational programs.
To learn more about the next PGA Merchandise Show, which will take place Jan. 26-29, 2021, go here.
Photo credits: PGA Merchandise Show
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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