PGA Forum Stage

Located adjacent to the PGA Show Equipment Testing Center on the Show Floor, the PGA Forum Stage provided the pulse point on the business of golf - An "inside look" presented by a full body of professionals at the local, national and international level. Program topics were designed to provide a concentrated kaleidoscope of benefits tailored to facilitate Golf 2.0; through key initiatives on new equipment introductions, teaching best practices, merchandising ideas and much more.

2013 PGA Merchandise Show PGA Forum Stage Schedule

Thursday, January 24

10:00 a.m.	PGA President Ted Bishop Welcome Remarks Annika Sorenstam – Opening Presentation Annika Sorenstam shares her unique insights on the future of golf and current growth-of-the-game initiatives.
11:00 a.m.	Dottie Pepper and Ian Poulter Presentation Each will deliver keynote presentations on the state of the game and the business of golf from their perspectives. The presentation, moderated by NBC Sports and Golf Channel broadcaster Jimmy Roberts, will be followed by a question and answer period with Pepper and Poulter discussing competing at the highest level, under the most intense pressure.
12:00 p.m.	Put Me in Coach! – PGA Junior League Golf Interested in forming PGA Junior League Golf at your facility? This seminar will answer all of your questions about creating a team.
1:00 p.m.	Meet Golf Channel's New Morning Drive Team Golf Channel President Mike McCarley will introduce the new, expanded cast of the network's popular Morning Drive show and provide a sneak peek of its new set at Golf Channel studios. Also, Gary Williams, Holly Sonders, Damon Hack and the new cast additions will form a panel to discuss the big stories for 2013, take questions from the audience.
3:00 p.m.	COBRA PUMA GOLF Presents the 'Golf Feud' ~ hosted by celebrity John O'Hurley. COBRA PUMA GOLF athletes take part in a golf-themed Family Feud challenge highlighting the fun of golf for all, especially families. COBRA PUMA GOLF athletes' game winnings donated to charity.
4:00 p.m.	How to Grow Your Business with Women Golfers Bridget Brennan, author of "Why She Buys" and Stina Sternberg, Golf Digest Global Golf Director

Friday, January 25

10:00 a.m.	Industry Roundtable Featuring: PGA of America President Ted Bishop, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, TaylorMade President and CEO Mark King, Golf Digest Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde, National Golf Foundation President and CEO Joe Beditz, and Dottie Pepper, newly appointed member of The PGA of America Board of Directors.
12:00 p.m.	Get Golf Ready Turns Five – Panel Discussion with top PGA Teachers of the Year Panel discussion with top PGA Teachers of the Year about Get Golf Ready programming and implementation. Moderator: Michael Breed, PGA PGA Teachers of Year Panelists: Michael Jacobs, Neil Thompson, Chris Rowe, Glenn Deck
1:00 p.m.	Marketing and Merchandising to Women Find out how top PGA Merchandisers of the Year are capitalizing on the purchasing power of women. Moderator: Bridget Brennan PGA Merchandisers of Year Panelists: George Kariroff, Dale Smigelsky, Marianne Huning
2:00 p.m.	PING Technology Presentation
3:00 p.m.	Get Golf Ready: The Robin Meade Experience Get Golf Ready-branded programs can help you and your facility introduce the game to beginners. Robin Meade will be on hand to share her personal Get Golf Ready story and what's happened since the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Emcee: PGA President Ted Bishop Speakers: Robin Meade; Suzy Whaley, PGA; Michael Breed, PGA
4:00 p.m.	The Platinum Awards Recognizing Premier Golf Shops The Association of Golf Merchandisers will recognize leading golf shops from around the world, continuing the tradition of Golf World's 100 Best Golf Shops and the AGM Front Nine awards programs. Recognition will be given to the most creative entries from Public, Private, Resort and Off-Course Golf Shops.
5:00 p.m.	U.S. Kids Golf – Top 50 Kids Teachers Awards Presentation Annually, U.S. Kids Golf recognizes 50 elite golf professionals who have focused their careers to developing youth golf in their communities and are known for their overall excellence and commitment to serving youth. In addition, those who have demonstrated a long-lasting dedication to youth golf and have achieved this award on three of more occasions are recognized as "Master Kids Teachers" and are also recognized at this presentation.

Saturday, January 26

10:00 a.m.	Implementing Tee it Forward at Your Facility Learn how leading PGA Professionals are using the Tee it Forward message to positively impact the golf experience at their facilities.
12:00 p.m.	PGA Sports Academy powered by UnitedHealthcare Come see a live demonstration of the PGA Sports Academy's physical and golf-related activities. Special thanks to local Boys and Girls Clubs for participating.

*Schedule as of January 13, 2013. Subject to change.