Norwalk, Connecticut, United States: PGA Golf Exhibitions, in partnership with the PGA of America, has announced the shift to an all-virtual format for the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show, to be held from January 26-29, 2021.

Prioritising the health and well-being of the global golf community during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the decision was made with guidance and feedback from exhibitors, attendees, PGA Professionals, the PGA of America, key industry associations, vendor partners and additional event stakeholders.

The PGA Merchandise Show, the world’s largest annual gathering of the golf industry, traditionally hosts nearly 40,000 golf industry professionals from around the world to discover the newest trends and technology from some 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands.

In 2021, the 68th edition of the PGA Merchandise Show will instead drive business, education and networking through a cutting-edge, highly-interactive virtual experience and marketplace – which will feature new product launch events, dynamic exhibitor showrooms, commerce applications, education sessions, industry presentations, one-to-one meetings, group networking, special events, and special golf celebrity and influencer engagement programmes.

“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 PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Vice President Marc Simon.

“The 2021 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 capitalise on these innovative solutions to make the PGA Show even better moving forward.

“Recognising 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.”

PGA Professionals, golf retailers, industry leaders and manufacturers from around the globe will be able to attend the show from the safety of their homes, facilities or offices, and actively reconnect with the industry to drive substantial business results.

The easy-to-use platform will become available for appointment scheduling in mid-December, with full content provided live during PGA Show Week and available on-demand for an extended period of time after the Show concludes. The exhibitor marketplace will remain open on an on-going basis to help exhibiting companies and buyers drive commerce throughout 2021. Complimentary industry attendee registration details will be announced shortly.

“Working in partnership with the PGA Show team, we are pleased to continue the long-standing tradition of connecting PGA Professionals and the global golf community with a new virtual PGA Merchandise Show experience and marketplace in 2021,” said Suzy Whaley, President of the PGA of America, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“The interactive virtual format will allow even greater participation from all corners of the US 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.”