The Pellucid Perspective - January 2015 - (Page 10)

golf industry shows Industry shows registering exhibitor upticks By Jim dunlap i t is a matter of some debate as to whether the golf industry and golf as a sport and a business are (a.) declining, (b.) bottomed out/plateau-ed or (c.) on the rise, but early returns for the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show next week ( Jan. 21-23) in Orlando seem to favor (c.). Ed Several, the executive director of show producer Reed Expositions, said that the 62nd edition of the show next week will mark the third year in a row for an increase in exhibitor space, and pre-registration attendance figures are trending up slightly from last year. While industry veterans will undoubtedly play the "It ain't like the old days" card, recalling the times when hundreds of white dinner jacketclad Titleist reps flooded the hall and companies vied with each other for the largest and most spectacular booth displays, an upward trend is an upward trend. "We'll have over 1,000 of the top golf companies and brands, including every major golf equipment company," Several said. "For instance, Cleveland-Srixon will be on the floor this year, not in meeting rooms off the floor as they were last year. In the apparel section, there has been an uptick in women's apparel and accessories in particular. Also, the fitness section is up with our FIT to W.I.N. pavilion, and there's a significant growth in technology products, including POS systems and software. We're pleased that our growth is coming from not only the traditional golf categories but also the technology and fitness areas." While the show will not hold any major surprises for veteran attendees, there will be some changes. Several said that the apparel section's Fashion Show, absent for six years, will return. The show has also introduced a PGA Professional Perks Program which offers discounts on food and beverage both at the Convention Center and at venues in the immediate area, as well as airfare discounts. Additionally, attendees will no longer have to fork out for complete Internet access; Reed Expositions and the PGA have bought out the wi-fi throughout the Convention Center, and will make it free to attendees. And for those having trouble navigating the nearly 10 miles of show aisles in search of specific vendors or amenities, the show offers a mobile app which will provide directions from user locations. And, for those annoying folks who apparently have never been on TV before, or who need to convince their boss that they actually attended the show, The Golf Channel's Morning Drive show will broadcast live from the show floor each day, no doubt offering numerous opportunities for passers-by to mug for the camera. "We also spent some time thinking about the food," Several said. "This year we'll offer gluten-free, healthy choices and for the first time, roving carts on the show floor. We call it 'Room Service' - if you can't leave your booth for lunch, you can call and place your order and receive your food within 30 minutes." While the annual PGA Merchandise Show gathering may seem overcrowded and chaotic to some, and unnecessary to others accustomed to doing their buying from local reps or online, Several said the opportunity to rub elbows with over 40,000 industry peers is a huge part of the show's appeal. "Golf is a face-to-face business," he said. "That's the show's value, and what continues to resonate with people in the industry. It's not just business, it's personal." sneak peek at the golf industry show The Golf Industry Show takes place a month after the PGA Show (Feb. 21-26) in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the show's first return to San Antonio since 1978. We will try to provide some of the highlights to look forward to in next month's issue, but we can tell you now that one of the show's most prestigious annual awards, the President's Award, will be given to Bear Trace Golf Club in Tennessee's superintendent, Paul Carter, who will also be honored by the USGA as one of that organization's Champions of the Game. And, of particular interest to those of us who scribble about golf, sports and life its ownself, legendary journalist and author Dan Jenkins will receive the Old Tom Morris Award for his contributions to the sport of golf. And, although major show sponsors the Golf Course Superintendents of America (GCSAA) and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) are traditionally closemouthed about attendance and exhibitor numbers, GCSAA Director of Communications and Media Relations Craig Smith did say that the show bookings have already exceeded the originally planned total space for exhibitors. Fear not - they found room for the overflow, and look forward to seeing industry folks in San Antonio. n while the show will not hold any major surprises for veteran attendees, there will be some changes. several said that the apparel section's fashion show, absent for six years, will return. 10 The Pellucid PersPecTive January 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Pellucid Perspective - January 2015

TOC
The FootGolf faceoff
What do GoDaddy.com and golf have in common? Now, Bob Parsons
Hack Golf initiative dormant, but not dead, TaylorMade says
Industry shows registering exhibitor upticks
State of the Industry preview: It’s not all bad news
Andrew Wood: Legendary indeed
December golf weather impact: Santa Claus came to town
Operators find hearts in San Francisco
Pebble Beach Resort adds TaylorMade as brand partner
WHIP it good?

The Pellucid Perspective - January 2015