More than 17,150 people saw the latest products and services available for the golf and club industries during the Golf Industry Show in New Orleans.
From Feb. 5-7, about 7,000 qualified buyers - those who can directly influence a purchase decision – and 765 exhibitors covered 257,900 square feet of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center's trade show floor.
“In just five years the Golf Industry Show has taken hold as a must-attend event,” show officials reported. “The feedback we receive continues to be positive. Attendees and exhibitors appreciate the team approach we promote and the enhancements we make to increase the event’s value."
In addition to a variety of displays, the show's silent auction also fared well. It generated more than $100,000 to support environmental stewardship programs including research and education to strengthen the compatibility of the game of golf with the natural environment. Additional proceeds will go toward player development programs, grants and scholarships to advance the club management industry, and providing young people the opportunity to learn golf and the life values the game represents.
Next year's show, which will be held in San Diego, will follow a different format. Based on feedback from attendees and exhibitors, the schedule will be modified so all education conferences and trade show events are held on weekdays. The trade show portion will be conducted Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 10-11, with virtually no competing events. Education conferences will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
In addition, the United States Golf Association (USGA) will join the show next year as a participating partner.
"We look forward to next year’s show in San Diego, the formal addition of the USGA and the format change that will be so beneficial to everyone involved in the event," show officials said.