PGA Merchandise Show

axeman310 · January 16, 2007

General First-timer Questions

I know there is already a similar thread to this, but I am starting this one because the other only pertained to one subject (Mods can feel free to join the two or something).

Now that that's out of the way, I am going to the PGA show in Orlando on the 26th for the first time and have a few questions. In general, what should I expect? What charges will there be i.e parking, admission ( i have a pass) etc? What do I need to bring along with me?

Any input would be great

agoodgolfer · January 16, 2007

I know there is already a similar thread to this, but I am starting this one because the other only pertained to one subject (Mods can feel free to join the two or something).

Now that that's out of the way, I am going to the PGA show in Orlando on the 26th for the first time and have a few questions. In general, what should I expect? What charges will there be i.e parking, admission ( i have a pass) etc? What do I need to bring along with me?

Any input would be great

I think a lot of this can be found in the other thread but here is a quick run down.

Expect a HUGE confrence room with rows and rows and rows of companies you probably have never heard of. Mixed in with them are 15-20 of the top golf companies in the world. All the big companies will be there with product demos. Many of the no name booths will have freebies. Bring a backpack that you can pack full of stupid stuff like free tee's, magazines, towels, coupons, etc. There isn't a lot to pay for other then the basics - transportation and food. Its hard to recommend transportion/parking with out knowing more about your situation. If you're close to the confrence center, a cab may not be a bad idea as you won't have to deal with parking. Some of the other hotels have free shuttles back and forth to the conference center a few times a day. If you can, eat off site as the food inside is terrible and expensive. It would even be better to walk to one of the close hotels to eat, then eat at the center.

By far the best secret to the show is the off site demo day. I'm not sure where they've having it this year, but I'm sure with a little searching you can find out. All the major OEM's meet at a driving range in the area and have all their new products which you're able to test on the range.

Chris

axeman310 · January 16, 2007

Thanks for the info Chris. In terms of transportation, I live about an hour away and plan on just driving there in the morning

ryanpgm · January 17, 2007

Wear Comfortable Shoes! You will thank me later for this advice. A lot of walking, like 54 - 72 holes in a day walking.

ryanpgm · January 17, 2007

Wear Comfortable Shoes! You will thank me later for this advice. A lot of walking, like 54 - 72 holes in a day walking.

nickpoz · January 17, 2007

Agreed on the shoes. Also food is expensive inside so make sure you bring enough cash or credit card

dansrixon · January 17, 2007

I know there is already a similar thread to this, but I am starting this one because the other only pertained to one subject (Mods can feel free to join the two or something).

Now that that's out of the way, I am going to the PGA show in Orlando on the 26th for the first time and have a few questions. In general, what should I expect? What charges will there be i.e parking, admission ( i have a pass) etc? What do I need to bring along with me?

Any input would be great

I think a lot of this can be found in the other thread but here is a quick run down.

Expect a HUGE confrence room with rows and rows and rows of companies you probably have never heard of. Mixed in with them are 15-20 of the top golf companies in the world. All the big companies will be there with product demos. Many of the no name booths will have freebies. Bring a backpack that you can pack full of stupid stuff like free tee's, magazines, towels, coupons, etc. There isn't a lot to pay for other then the basics - transportation and food. Its hard to recommend transportion/parking with out knowing more about your situation. If you're close to the confrence center, a cab may not be a bad idea as you won't have to deal with parking. Some of the other hotels have free shuttles back and forth to the conference center a few times a day. If you can, eat off site as the food inside is terrible and expensive. It would even be better to walk to one of the close hotels to eat, then eat at the center.

By far the best secret to the show is the off site demo day. I'm not sure where they've having it this year, but I'm sure with a little searching you can find out. All the major OEM's meet at a driving range in the area and have all their new products which you're able to test on the range.

Chris

The demo day is Wed the 24th at Orange County National.

tarheel · January 17, 2007

demo day!!!

Sam-Tee-Time · January 17, 2007

FUN!

I loved it. The demo days and the indoor hitting area is spectacular, all the manufactuer booths are fun to visit, and it's a wonderful euphoria for a club junkie like me.

The small booths were all extremely friendly (mostly), and very anxious to show you their products, no matter how ridiculous some of them were. HOWEVER - the clothing reps will ignore you like an ugly child. I don't know why, though.

Overall, it's a fun, fun event, and I love it. Have fun!

ryanpgm · January 17, 2007

FUN!

I loved it. The demo days and the indoor hitting area is spectacular, all the manufactuer booths are fun to visit, and it's a wonderful euphoria for a club junkie like me.

The small booths were all extremely friendly (mostly), and very anxious to show you their products, no matter how ridiculous some of them were. HOWEVER - the clothing reps will ignore you like an ugly child. I don't know why, though.

Overall, it's a fun, fun event, and I love it. Have fun!

The clothing reps have their hands full that week with them displaying their fall/winter lines for the year. They have pretty much every golf professional Northern part of the country trying to order goods for the shop. This is a busy time for clothing reps. Don't take it personally, they just would rather talk to someone who is going to spend $10,000 with them in an hour's time.

Golf472 · January 18, 2007

I am going also. Get their early. Maximize your time and decide what you are willing to wait in line for. Many golf celebs will be there giving autographs, etc. I don't remember if a camera is allowed, anybody know?

Go to the hitting center early.

And bring your own food. I had the worst most expensive hotdog of my life there. :drinks: