QOTD: Should the PGA Show be open to the Public?

[elwhippy]

Trade shows are rarely that much fun.

[Pulledabill]

As fmuch as I would like to say yes, I have to let them do their business. It woukd be nice to have a day or two for the general public or a similar show for the consumer.

 

I was in a golf shop yesterday in Eugene and spoke to their clothing buyer. He said they havent gone in a number of years as thete is no reason to anymore especially since they have already bought for the year.

 

Oregon does have a show in a few weeks but its not much really. Prompts excitement for spring for sure.

 

 

[LeoLeo99]

No. It's a trade show.

[platgof]

If the demand is there, 1st week all business, 2nd week public invited.

[deadsolid...shank]

What is B2B?

[storm319]

What is B2B?

 

Business to Business

[deadsolid...shank]

What is B2B?

 

Business to Business

 

Thank you.

[RSinSG]

I don’t care so much about the PGA show, but I’d sure like to get into the ShotShow.

 

Does the PGA show have Booth Babes? If so I take back what I just said.

[FairwayFred]

No. They let the public in one year and it was a huge mistake.

[caniac6]

It would be fun to go, but all the stuff I'd want to see will be in the golf shops in the next few weeks. So it's a no.

[youraway2]

Of course, NO, if they did they would be selling "drop shipped" to the public and bypassing their industry customer. So, i make an appointment, buy a clothing line, sets of irons, wedges, and when the merchandise arrives, my retail customer tells me they got it cheaper at the show. I don't think this would be good at all.

 

In fact, I think attendance should be better screened.

[bighitlama]

I don’t care so much about the PGA show, but I’d sure like to get into the ShotShow.

 

Does the PGA show have Booth Babes? If so I take back what I just said.

 

The firearms industry has the NRA show, and you don't have to be an industry insider. I've been to both and the NRA show is a great alternative. Does anyone know if the golf industry has an annual show for the rest of us? If not, maybe it's time... I would enjoy it.

[tphilp]

I don’t think you would get as much as you think from this. Prolly better they leave it as is for the industry

[bighitlama]

If the manufacturers set up hitting areas, it could be the ultimate demo weekend. Many manufacturers sell directly to the public now. I'd pay to go to it, but I'm a gear guy, love seeing and trying new stuff.

[Swisstrader98]

Huh?? It’s so easy these days for the average Joe to get into the show. I don’t think it’s nearly as restrictive as it used to be.

[golfandfishing]

If the demand is there, 1st week all business, 2nd week public invited.

 

I would love to see the public interact with a bunch of sales people on their second week of 12 hour workdays, dinners of passed appetizers at hosted happy hours and whiskey soaked nights chasing the interns from Troon Golf. The interactions would be splendid.

[CaddiesFault]

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Its busy enough as it is. 25-50% of the pros & distributors wouldnt go if public was allowed. Its not the point of the show.

 

That being said, you can find a way to go. A private club I used to work at sends a board member every year. Lots of random media ppl there too. You could start a website for $10, then pay the $170 or whatever for the badge and go as media.

[Swisstrader98]

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Its busy enough as it is. 25-50% of the pros & distributors wouldnt go if public was allowed. Its not the point of the show.

 

That being said, you can find a way to go. A private club I used to work at sends a board member every year. Lots of random media ppl there too. You could start a website for $10, then pay the $170 or whatever for the badge and go as media.

 

Agreed.

 

Would love to know what the actual stats are but the show is no longer “closed” to the public. I’ve been able to snag a pass each year I’ve wanted one and a pass for 3 of my friends as well. No issue.

[CAT GOLFER]

having shown up at the backend of festivals, competitions, and expos where the industry insiders come early and do their business then leave, those last few "public" days are a letdown. they could do like the watch industry, it's kinda public but business is by scheduled appt's.

[Interpol]

HELL no.

 

It's a trade show just like CES, and if you've ever been to CES you know how crazy it gets even without allowing the general public in.

 

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a policy that bans individual/private sales at the show.

[Barfolomew]

No interest in going where I'm not welcome...

[Gautama]

Definitely no for a the reasons listed...that's just not what these shows are for.

 

But I think an interesting question might be if they did something like a golf expo for the public, would people pay to go? And would they spend enough at the show to make it worthwhile for the manufacturers to attend? My guess is yes in the first part, but probably no to the second.

[cardoustie]

NO

 

There are consumer golf and travels show

 

Tradeshows in general are dying. Very costly to vendors

[farmer]

Look around for a farm show. You urban dwellers won't believe what you can see there.

[Ballgofarboy]

I think that is why there are DEMO days. I am with the rest, it probably would be fun to do though.

[mackepa]

If the manufacturers set up hitting areas, it could be the ultimate demo weekend. Many manufacturers sell directly to the public now. I'd pay to go to it, but I'm a gear guy, love seeing and trying new stuff.

 

The problem is the companies are down there with the intent on selling 30 drivers to one pro shop not one driver to a guy doing an 8 hour demo session. These companies bring in all their sales reps with the intent of setting up their accounts shop orders for the season and to be trained on new product.

[ChipNRun]

... Tradeshows in general are dying. Very costly to vendors

Good point. See link.

 

The problem is the companies are down there with the intent on selling 30 drivers to one pro shop not one driver to a guy doing an 8 hour demo session. These companies bring in all their sales reps with the intent of setting up their accounts shop orders for the season and to be trained on new product.

Not anymore. Most golf clubs and off-course shops have placed their initial mdse order by Thanksgiving. Most new business orders go to entrepreneurs and small businesses offering innovative items to all takers.

 

to be trained on new product. Yes, this definitely goes on.

 

GolfSpy covers shift in ordering: https://Not allowed because of spam.co...still-relevant/

 

Side Note: Fashion merchandise tends to dominate the Las Vegas show in August.