New Product Launches, New Programs & New Exhibitors at the PGA Merchandise Show

Press Release

Posted 2005-01-10

NORWALK, Conn. – In just two weeks, more than 40,000 global golf industry leaders will converge in Orlando, Fla., to preview new product launches by major industry manufacturers, personally test and experience merchandise through new interactive programs and shape the future of hundreds of golf business newcomers at the 52nd PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 27-30, 2005.

Some 1,200 golf-related companies are making final preparations to offer attendees a chance to see their latest line-up of products and services including many that will be introduced in conjunction with the 2005 PGA Merchandise Show. Hundreds of thousands of golf-related products and services will be at retailers’ disposal in nearly 10 miles of Show aisles in the Orange County Convention Center. More than 500,000 net square feet will be devoted entirely to exhibit space.

“We are working closely with all of our exhibitors to effectively reach their customers and are especially pleased to provide a platform that companies like Callaway, Cleveland, Bridgestone and many others are utilizing for the introduction of their newest product lines,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President and Show Manager Ed Several. “The Equipment Test Center and Demo Day are ideal opportunities for key buyers to preview and personally test many of the new equipment products. The Fashion Fairway and Dream Golf Shop also offer apparel buyers a chance to see the latest fashions in action and merchandised in an true golf shop setting.”

The recent introduction of programs like Demo Day and the Equipment Test Center – the world’s largest indoor driving range – have energized Show week along with daily fashion shows, a Dream Golf Shop, Pro-Pro Tournaments for PGA Members, an expansive education conference, the 19th Hole, The Golf Channel’s Live Broadcast Tower and the “Hot Zone” New Product Center. Interactive exhibits alone account for an additional 200,000-plus net square feet of Show floor space.

Along with new products and new programs, the Show will feature some 400 new companies. All exhibiting companies combined now surpass the total number of exhibitors in 2004 with three weeks still to go until the 2005 Show. Each year the PGA Merchandise Show hosts hundreds of new companies hoping to break into the golf industry. The Show has been a proven launch pad for well-known brands like Ahead, Gear For Sport, Ogio and many more.

Organized in partnership with The PGA of America, the 2005 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 27-30, will host more than 40,000 PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders to preview the products and services of some 1,200 golf-related exhibitors within 500,000 net square feet of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Some 4,000 PGA Professionals, invited key buyers and media will kick off the industry gathering by field-testing products of some 60 exhibitors at the annual Golf Demo Day, Jan. 26, at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to attend the annual expansive education conference offering more than 75 industry seminars. An unparalleled industry gathering, the PGA Merchandise Show also offers daily fashion shows, the world’s largest indoor equipment test center, The PGA Business of Golf Conference, New Product Centers, a Golf Memorabilia Display, specialty exhibitor pavilions, The PGA Employment Center, a Pro-Pro Tournament Series, and the annual PGA Awards Night. For more information or to register, please call 1.800.PGA.EXPO or visit www.pgaexpo.com.

The PGA Merchandise Show, organized in partnership with The PGA of America, is one of four leading golf trade shows in PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions’ global golf portfolio including the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas; the Ontario PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Toronto, Canada; and the PGA Merchandise Show of Australia in Queensland.