Las Vegas, Nevada (August 22, 2013)–The annual PGA of America Fall Expo in Las Vegas was the place to find out about what's new in golf. It was one of the strongest events in show history, proving yet again how Las Vegas is the perfect place to hold worldwide conventions and events. Las Vegas CBS Sports Director Chris Maathuis took everything in and revealed some of the best and most innovative products, and organizers were thrilled with the overall event. "The combination of top-level apparel brands, the professional education programs, and the strongest showing of equipment companies at the PGA Expo in recent years provided PGA Professionals and attendees with new business, marketing and merchandising opportunities they can put to use immediately at their facilities," said PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions Event Director Marc Simon. "There was a tremendous takeaway over three days in Las Vegas for everyone who attended." Read on for Maathuis' video report. –By Brian Hurlburt. Follow @LVGolfInsider.
Market leaders such as Callaway Golf, COBRA PUMA GOLF, Nike Golf, PING, TaylorMade Golf and Wilson Golf among others showcased their newest equipment, while nearly 100 golf and resort lifestyle apparel brands featured their newest apparel collections. It Says Golf is a new golf apparel company from Las Vegas that made its Show debut. Anton Tielemans, founder of It Says Golf®, has been a graphic designer his entire life. His is creating symbols that speak in the most simplest of forms, mixed with his passion for the game of golf led him to develop this brand of lothing and accessories for avid golfers and golf fans who feel the same way. Check out more at itsaysgolf.com.
With an emphasis on technology advancements in equipment and teaching aids, the new PGA Expo Technology Symposium was very well received by a standing room-only audience of attending PGA Professionals. Golf World Equipment Editor Michael Johnson moderated two panel discussions – "Better Equipment Technology and How to Sell It to Your Customers" and "Teaching With the Latest Technologies." Panelists included some of the brightest minds in golf , including PING's Marty Jertsen, Callaway's Austie Rollinson, Nike's Tom Stites, TaylorMade's Benoit Vincent, FlightScope's Henri Johnson, Full Swing's Brian Farley, Foresight's Rick Cuellar, and GolfTec's Doug Rikkers. Additionally, the latest technology software providers also enjoyed a new platform to share information with attendees in the Tech Talk Live Demonstrations on the Main Stage. All of this info and products will makes its general public impact over the next few months.
A panel of influential merchandisers and PGA Professionals voted for the top three products of the New Product Zone, a specialty exhibitor pavilion displaying new products in one convenient setting:
• Glove Caddie
• The Swing Set Up
• Digital Print Mobile Case by Pukka
With the most extensive showing of leading golf brands and a significant increase in attending industry professionals, the 2013 PGA Expo proved to be a valuable platform for previewing new golf merchandise from some 200 vendors, testing the latest equipment; participating in hands-on, high impact teaching and business education programs and networking among peers during PGA Expo events, Aug. 19-21, at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.