The 68th PGA Merchandise Show, a yearly staple for members of the golf industry, has been canceled because of concerns over the Coronavirus virus, PGA Golf Exhibitions announced in a release and on its website on Wednesday.
However, the show won’t go away completely because it will be held virtually on its original dates.
The event, which was first held on a small scale in 1954 but has grown to an extravaganza featuring more than 1,000 companies and some 40,000-plus industry professionals yearly, was scheduled for Jan. 26-29, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
“We are thankful to the PGA of America, exhibiting companies, attendees, PGA Professionals and industry partners for their strong support and guidance that has allowed us to develop this exciting reimagination of the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show,” said Event Vice President Marc Simon of PGA Golf Exhibitions. “This year’s virtual PGA Show will offer unparalleled online engagement, connecting our industry to drive business and grow the game.
“Technology has brought us together in amazing new ways during the pandemic, and we plan to capitalize on these innovative solutions to make the PGA Show even better moving forward. Recognizing the increased interest in the game and potential growth in 2021 and beyond, we are excited to return to Orlando in 2022 to combine the best of technology advancements with the invaluable experience of face-to-face connections. Together, we are evolving and have the opportunity to emerge stronger and better connected than ever before.”
The PGA Merchandise Show, organized by Reed Exhibitions in partnership with the PGA of America, will return to Orlando in 2022, the release said.
The virtual show will include the usual features of new product launch events, exhibitor showrooms, commerce applications, education sessions, industry presentations, one-to-one meetings, group networking, special events, and special golf celebrity and influencer engagement programs.
“Working in partnership with the PGA Show team, we are pleased to continue the longstanding tradition of connecting PGA Professionals and the global golf community with a new virtual PGA Merchandise Show experience and marketplace in 2021,” PGA of America President Suzy Whaley said. “The interactive virtual format will allow even greater participation from all corners of the U.S. and around the world and, together, we can collectively make the most of the surging interest in the game. We share an optimistic outlook for the future of the sport and look forward to an exciting industry reunion when we all can meet face-to-face at the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show.”
PGA Professionals, golf retailers, industry leaders and manufacturers from around the world will attend the 2021 show from their homes, facilities or offices, and actively reconnect with the industry to drive substantial business results.
PGA Golf Exhibitions said the easy-to-use platform for the show will become available for appointment scheduling in mid-December, with full content provided live during the week of the show, and will be available on-demand for an extended period of time after the Show concludes.
The exhibitor marketplace will remain open throughout 2021 to help companies and buyers drive commerce for the rest of the year. Complimentary registration details will be announced shortly.
