Alert to Exhibitors

Vice President and General Manager
Okemo Golf Division
Okemo Valley Golf Club
Ludlow, Vt.

President
The PGA of America

The PGA Merchandise Show is a grand celebration of our industry. I have been attending the Show more than 20 years and I always return home better prepared for the season. So, I strongly encourage PGA members to get energized and discover fresh ideas, from the latest in technology and trends to outstanding educational and networking opportunities. The Show is truly where it all happens.

- Jim Remy

PGA Head Professional
Hillendale Country Club
Phoenix, Md.

Vice President
The PGA of America

The PGA Merchandise Show works for me because of the great people in our industry. I have attended the Show for more than 25 years and eagerly look forward each year to seeing old friends, making new friends, seeing business acquaintances, sponsors and interacting with many others in Orlando. The incredible networking is what drives the Show for me.

- Allen Wronowski

Secretary
The PGA of America

The PGA Merchandise Show is an opportunity for our members to enhance their educational opportunities with the programs offered during the week. The Demo Day and ongoing merchandise show keep us on the cutting edge of technology and products. The Special Awards Night is the pinnacle of recognition for the best in The PGA! Overall, the week at the PGA Show is still one of the most fulfilling that we, as PGA members, can experience.

- Ted Bishop

PGA Owner

Lost Tracks Golf Club
Bend, Ore.

Honorary President
The PGA of America

For me, the PGA Merchandise Show is all about the new and exciting products and services that are available. Especially in these times, PGA members can take advantage of the many offerings at the Show that can help facilitate more activity at their facility when they get back. I know I do.

- Brian Whitcomb

PGA Golf Professional of the Year

Meridian Hills Country Club
Indianapolis, Ind.

I attend the PGA Merchandise Show to try and stay current on new merchandise and new trends. I see new companies that might not yet have a sales rep for our state. I also like to network with other professionals, attend educational seminars, look for special gift ideas for m/g events and favors for club events. I use it also as a way to expose my assistants to merchandise, vendors, and other golf professionals. It's also a way to spend time with my assistants and to say thanks for their hard work.

- Jack Barber

VP Retail & Marketing
Morton Golf, LLC

President
Association of Golf Merchandisers

Haggin Oaks - Bartley Cavanaugh - Bing Maloney

The PGA Merchandise Show is a tremendous training ground for our employees- from our PGA Professionals involved in teaching, club fitting and facility management, to our many merchandising and sales professionals. Where else can you send your staff to interact with so many manufacturers to gain the knowledge and expertise necessary to properly present the thousands of products we sell to our retail customers? The Show is simply a unique experience unto itself and an efficient way to prepare for the new calendar year and business cycle.

- Ken Morton, Jr.

PGA Director of Golf

2008 Merchandiser of the Year – Private Facilities

Congressional Country Club“I attend the PGA Show each year for three main reasons: 1) Networking- It gives me the opportunity to step outside of my day to day duties at Congressional Country Club and reconnect with my peers. I find it important to stay connected within the industry and share valuable information that will in turn help me in my job back home. 2) New products- I am constantly looking for new products or services that will benefit my members. From tournament prizes, favors or solutions, there are a plethora of items at the PGA Show. Apparel, is an important part of the Show. New designs and fabrications that might not be seen locally can be found at the PGA Show. Golf equipment is another focus for me at the PGA Show. The demo day really allows me and my team the chance to preview the latest equipment that the industry has to offer. 3) Education- Learning each day is the key ingredient to one's success. With so many talented professionals in our business and industry...taking advantage of educational opportunities can be rewarding on many levels. Bringing back home new ideas or a way of doing business is refreshing for the members and staff at our club. Keep reinventing yourself to avoid becoming stale and boring.

- John Lyberger

PGA Merchandiser of the Year - Resort Facilities

Sea Pines Resort
Hilton Head Island, S.C.

I attend the show for several reasons: First, to get fresh ideas for our shops by just walking the show previewing vendors. Second, I enjoy networking with my peers in the industry as well as talking to vendors about the direction and trends in the golf business. Lastly, I enjoy attending the Association of Golf Merchandisers meeting where I can find better ways to run our business, such as managing our Open to Buys, Visual Merchandising as well as great promotional ideas to generate sales. The most valuable part of the PGA Show is all about the people. What a great industry to have one common bond to communicate to each other which is the golf business? Its great talking to other golf professionals, buyers and vendors, exchanging ideas about improving the efficiency of retail sales in our golf shop operations.

- Caroline Basarab-Dennison

PGA Director of Golf

Mahogany Run Golf Course
St. Thomas, V.I.

Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands limits the amount of reps that can visit me. Attending the PGA Merchandise Show has done a lot for me such as keeping up on trends, meeting decision-makers first hand and the educational seminars are a must. During these economic times we are facing, it is worth every penny to attend this show. The Show gives you a wealth of information at your finger tips.

- Nevin Phillips