NEWS
Dunning will introduce its Heritage Classic collection of 100-percent mercerized cotton polos in an array of traditional fall colors at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
Lija names LPGA player Leta Lindley as winner of its inaugural Tour Style Leaders Program grand prize, which is valued at $25,000.
Keri Golf announces the debut of an expanded accessories line for 2009 that will feature a new shuttle duffel and bucket tote, alongside the classic sporty tote, as part of its Matty Collection.
Pukka Headwear will introduce its new Pukka Remix Collection at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla. The collection is focused around 12 unique pieces of headwear.
Ecco will introduce its World Class Ltd. Edition, which features limited-production colors and patterns of its luxury golf shoe, at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
The PGA Equipment Forum, part of the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla., will feature best practices on business, merchandising and teaching, along with complementing programs.
Glove It will debut the Nicole Miller Studio Collection of golf cart bag and accessories at at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla.
Sabona, manufacturer of copper and magnetic bracelets, announces its new line of Q-Link bracelets for men and women, featuring the SRT-3 technology used by more than 350 tour players worldwide.
The 56th PGA Merchandise Show, set of Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla., will feature an all-new Fashion Gallery that will include the latest apparel, new designers and a schedule of special events.
Aerogreen Golf Shoes will debut its 2009 Exotic waterproof golf shoe collection at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31.
FEATURE
Trade show tips for non-dummies
By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer
We have all read the PGA Merchandise Show statistics - 10 miles of show aisles, 1,000 exhibits and 45,000 people all trying to see product, attend seminars, network and socialize in a mere three days. It just doesn't seem physically possible, and quite frankly, feels a little daunting even before our arrival.
Fear not.
Susan Friedmann is better known as The Tradeshow Coach and works with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Friedmann's offers some tips that should help maximize your experience at this year's PGA Show.
Before the show:
• Know what you want to achieve by visiting the show, and if your company is sending you, understand what your boss wants you to achieve by attending the show.
• Develop a plan of which exhibitors you want to visit and then organize your list into two parts - "must see" and "want to see" companies.
• Decide how much time you want to spend at the show and then at each booth. Allow extra time for browsing, distractions and waiting in lines.
• Find out who else from your company is going to the show and develop a plan to maximize your visit, especially at large shows.
• Know what information you need to have from each exhibitor. Research the different vendors to find out how they differ, and then determine what is most important to you. Then plan intelligent questions to ask them.
• Design a lead gathering form to research specific products/services in order to make accurate comparisons.
• Make appointments with exhibitors you really want to meet.
• Get a map of where exhibitors are located and prioritize your route.
• Take plenty of business cards to avoid filling out forms.
• Pack comfortable shoes and clothing to wear. Walking shows is extremely tiring.
• Take a light and comfortable carry-all bag for accumulated materials.
• Plan the seminars and workshops you want to attend.
At the show:
• Revise your plan at the show. The show directory and schedule often changes.
• Collect information that is of interest to you or request literature and samples be mailed instead of having to carry them.
• Know how to get to the convention center, along with the shuttle and cab routes and times.
• Tell exhibitors you are on a tight time schedule to avoid casual chatter and get straight down to business.
• Look for networking opportunities. Network with industry leaders. Get invited to exhibitor hospitality receptions. At workshops introduce yourself to people around you - hand out and collect business cards. Chat with people sitting at your meal table for more information.
• Skip overly crowded booths and plan to come back at the end of the day when traffic is slower.
• Check coats and bags so you don't have to carry them around.
• Carry a pad and pen to jot down important notes, or have a small tape recorder for note taking.
• Take a break after a few hours to get some fresh air. Air in convention halls is dry, stale and draining. Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.
• Write a trip report as you go along and summarize your notes every evening.
• Be prepared to push for answers to questions exhibitors are not prepared to answer.
• Avoid conversations with vendors you have no interest in.
• Leave the show about 30 minutes before closing to avoid long lines for buses and cabs.
After the show:
• Plan how you are going to implement information gathered.
• Be prepared to follow-up after the show for literature and sample requests.
Tips were reprinted with permission from Susan Friedmann, CSP, The Tradeshow Coach and author of "Meeting and Event Planning for Dummies." For information, visit www.thetradeshowcoach.com.
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