Reed Exhibitions has cancelled the 2020 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience, which had been scheduled for August 18-19, at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, due to the Coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile, Golf Inc. announced that it will hold a hybrid live and virtual Strategies Summit at La Quinta Resort & Spa on Sept 14-16th.
While the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando has been very successful for Reed, the Fall show has failed to pull a large audience from outside the West Coast, and it is a large event that weas faced with more social distancing challenges. Instead of a live show, Reed will “facilitate business connections” through a series of digital programs starting in June.
“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of the golf community at PGA Show events,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Event Vice President Marc Simon. “We are simultaneously steadfast in our dedication to help support the golf industry right now. In partnership with the PGA of America, we will introduce details soon regarding a number of virtual and digital options to help connect and re-engage the golf industry, and support PGA Professionals, attendees, exhibitors and associations.”
The Golf Inc. Strategies Summit is a much smaller event, typically pulling 350 attendees for educational sessions and networking. The magazine is planning a smaller event that will feature distance spacing in session rooms, scaled-down networking events, and scheduled meetings with sponsors and exhibitors. Attendance will be capped to ensure attendees can maintain six-foot spacing.
“We feel confident that we can provide an environment where onsite attendees can learn and safely network with other industry leaders,” said Katina Cavagnaro, Publisher of Golf Inc. “Attendees who prefer not to mix with other people or travel can attend virtually and get the same high-quality education.”
The virtual version will feature the same educational sessions and give attendees the option to schedule virtual visits with sponsors and exhibitors. The Summit’s educational sessions will focus on the state of the industry, strategies for thriving in the new normal, and successful case studies.
Reed worked with the PGA of America and the Southwest PGA Section to determine their best course of action.
Reed Exhibitions also announced a contribution on behalf of PGA Shows to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, established to provide short-term assistance to workers in the golf industry who are the backbone of the sport and face significant financial hardship.
“While we certainly wish we could stage this year’s PGA Fashion and Demo Experience, the health and well-being of everyone involved is our highest priority,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “Situations like these spark innovation and new solutions, and we’re excited to partner with Reed Exhibitions to present creative strategies for the golf industry. We value their global business resources and are working together to develop new opportunities for our PGA Professionals, industry buyers and exhibitors to interact and prepare for the industry’s rapid changes. Additionally, we sincerely appreciate Reed Exhibition’s donation to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, in support of golf industry professionals who are facing financial hardship.”