Business View Magazine - November 2016

Business View Magazine - November 2016 31 “Trade fairs have been around since medieval times,” says Ed Several, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions. “And it’s always been about people meeting face-to-face to learn, to discover, and to solve problems. The PGA Merchandise Show is really an opportunity for the golf industry to gather; to discuss different ways of growing the game; to explore new products; to be able to get information that you can’t get by simply going online or researching. It’s an opportunity for people to learn from experts and to see the latest products, not just on screen on a computer, but to be able to touch them, test them, and talk to the designers of those products. At the end of the day, we’re about bringing people to- gether to make connections; to further their business goals and objectives; to advance their careers; and to grow the economy.” In 2016, the PGA Merchandise Show attracted more than 42,000 PGA professionals, retailers, and golf business leaders from 91 countries around the world. The top five countries (outside of the U.S.) represent- ed in attendance were Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, and Germany. The top five U.S. states represented in attendance were Florida, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The next PGA Merchandise show will be held in the Orange Coun- AT A GLANCE WHO: The PGA Merchandise Show WHAT: Annual trade show for the golf industry WHERE: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida WEBSITE : www.pgashow.com