Las Vegas, United States: The 2018 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience welcomed thousands of PGA Professionals, industry leaders and lifestyle specialty retailers from 43 American states and 20 countries to Las Vegas for three days packed with merchandise sourcing, product testing, education, professional networking and special events.
The annual three-day industry gathering, coinciding with Las Vegas Fashion Week and multiple fashion trade shows, featured nearly 200 participating brands and companies, a comprehensive Education Conference and multiple special events at the premier host venues of TPC Las Vegas, Topgolf Las Vegas and The Venetian Hotel.
Participating companies included up-and-coming designers, entrepreneurs entering the market, veteran golf manufacturers, established apparel brands and market leaders.
“We were pleased to host an enthusiastic audience of influential PGA Professionals and buyers at the 2018 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience who came to source the latest fashions, accessories and technology to help drive golf facility, resort and lifestyle specialty retail,” said Marc Simon, PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President.
He added: “The positive response to the comprehensive mix of vendors, national-level business programmes and networking events reinforces the tangible value of connecting with peers, forging new business connections and strengthening established relationships in person at the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience.”
During the Education Conference, industry experts presented topics ranging from instruction best practices and career growth initiatives to retail success and business solutions. Certification programmes also were offered by the PGA of America and the Association of Golf Merchandisers.
In all, the comprehensive Education Conference offered more than 20 classroom sessions focusing on teaching and coaching, golf operations and executive management. PGA Professionals were able to earn up to 20 MSR credits through participation in PGA Education and PGA Fashion & Demo Experience programmes.
“Don Rea’s seminar on data analytics and how to use data to deliver a proper fee schedule and programmes at each type of facility was one of the best seminars I’ve experienced, and I’ve been attending the education classes in Las Vegas for 10 years,” said Chilo Mendoza, PGA Professional and Director of Operations for Topgolf in El Paso, Texas.
“The level of the speakers at the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience this year was exceptional. I picked up so many best practices that will help myself and my staff as we continue to grow the game at our facilities. We also discovered several new companies on the PGA Show floor that we will be doing business with, so it has been a really successful trip,” added Mendoza.
The PGA Fashion & Demo Experience will return to the Palazzo Ballroom at The Venetian, Topgolf Las Vegas and TPC Las Vegas, from August 12-14, 2019.