PGA Merchandise Show-fact or fiction?

[John Kavanaugh]

I think of the PGA Show as "offense" and the GIS Show as "defense." Golf resides in the dialectic between these two organic principles. I love seeing the hype, the promise, the business and the technology of equipment (I am not so big on the apparel part, personally). Then a week or two later I like to see how the ground is being defended.  

Thank you, I couldn't have said it better myself...really, I couldn't.

[Tom Dunne]

John,

While the absence of three of the Big Five manufacturers (Titleist, TaylorMade, Cleveland) at this year's PGA Show doesn't mean they'll be pitching their tents in Atlanta next to the latest and greatest from Toro, it does hint at a slowly unfolding trend: namely, that the PGA Show has begun to look more and more like an apparel expo. It's not unreasonable to think that, were you to aim for the right half of the OCCC floor, you and Mr. Mucci might just have a field day.  

[A_Clay_Man]

Im not sure of this... but, are both shows closed to the public?

If so, why?

Seems insensitive and limiting if they are closed to the cash carrying public.

[Doug Sobieski]

Adam:

The PGA Show isn't a retail environment. Vendors are there to take orders from PGA Professionals and others in the industry, and to show off new products. There aren't booths set up with cash registers selling things. For the most part, the Show is the main opportunity for Professionals to see new products/apparel lines/etc., and many place their orders for the upcoming year. There is a LOT of traffic, even with it being closed to the public. If it were open to the public, it would become very difficult for the people that need to be there to get things done. Vendors would have a hard time telling who was just window shopping, and who was an actual buyer.

Regards,

Doug

[John_Cullum]

If you really want the royal treatment, try to swank a pass that is marked "BUYER"

[Tom Dunne]

Adam,

I've never been to the GCSAA (or GIS) Show (though I'd like to), it seems to me that this is by definition a trade show. Unless you're a super or somehow involved in the operations of a golf course, why would you want to buy this kind of equipment?

In the case of the PGA Show, I think at least part of it is that sometimes companies are showing prototype equipment that isn't yet available to the public. And while attendance has been down in recent years, it's still a fairly crowded place. The primary goal of the PGA Show is to introduce product to the media, golf professionals and other industry types, not to sell it right there on the spot. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to opening the doors to the public, but add the element of selling products there and I could easily see it becoming a zoo. After all, people can't buy the cars at the New York Auto Show, can they?

[Brian Noser]

John,

There is not one mention of a classic course in that statemenmt, A lot of ifs also. If it gets any longer, that is what I said. I guess if I go the the pga show I will figure out what the newest product is to, let me make that desicion if it is to long.

good luck at the GIS show have a good time

[Tony Petersen]

I will be in FL for the PGA show... Stop by the American Needle display and say "Hi."  

PS... It has nothing to do with defending the game, brown is beautiful or the like. Rather, for most it's a matter of livelihood, contacts and meeting that special someone who just happens to be a member at Pine Valley, Friar's Head, Sebonack, Sand Hills, Merion, Plainfield, Augusta, Fishers Island, Maidstone and CPC

[A_Clay_Man]

Tom, Doug,..Thanx.

I think the logistics of selling could be easily overcome. I'd bet you can order a car at the car show. Same principle could apply.

 Since the last day of the show is hardly crowded, why not open it up to the masses? I'm not advocating, just thinking out loud.

The exclusivity factor needs to be placed on a back burner during these hard times.

[John_Cullum]

Since we have hopelessly sidetracked this thread into a general discussion of the merits of the merchandise show, I have renamed it. We will start another thread on interest in the meet and greet.

Frankly, I have little to no interest in actually attending the show. I have been twice. last year Peter Kesslers son gave me a Perfect Club visor. I consider myself on the Perfect Club pro staff now. I can never top that.

[Andy Doyle]

... as awful a place as Atlanta is in Feb. (or any other time of the year).

Hey now, take it easy.

Andy