Location, location, location.
It’s an expression you hear all the time in the real estate business.
It’s also one that the organizers of the Golf Industry Expo pay a lot of attention to. And for the last five years that decision has been relatively simple.
The Golf Industry Expo, with a new viewing day, returns to the Nottawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre just outside Alliston, Ontario on November 1-3.
“In developing the model for the Expo we always wanted to support the golf industry and give back by running it at a golf course location,” says Randy McDonald owner-operator of Pro Shop Magazine, and co-producer of the Expo with Kevin Purcell, executive director of the PGA of Ontario.
“I think we are the only golf buying show that helps exhibitor sales by providing substantial cash incentives to increase buying and writing orders during show hours,” said McDonald.
“The first year we held the Expo at Lionhead Golf Club in Brampton and the new show model was very successful. For the second year we had more demand for space and outgrew the available space.”
When searching for a larger location the organizers found that the Nottawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre ticked off all the boxes and then some.
The resort features a 36-hole golf course and the inn offers plenty of accommodation space for buyers and sellers. The exhibition facility was large enough to accommodate the growth of the Expo.
And then there was the location, location, location.
“We knew it would have to be in the general Toronto area but we also knew that people really hate Toronto traffic and high costs,” said McDonald.
“This location is just off Highway 400 about forty minutes north of Toronto, so it’s central for golf professionals, owners, superintendents, managers and exhibitors coming from southwestern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and the near north, as well as the Greater Toronto Area, and you can get there by skirting around Toronto.”
McDonald also points out that by having the Expo outside of Toronto they can provide exhibitors with lower costs to attend and exhibit.
Purcell adds: “And by having the Expo in November it’s more likely that golf courses will be closed, making it easier for golf professionals to attend, which they have been doing in ever increasing numbers every year.”
McDonald says “a key ingredient to the model of the Golf Industry Expo is we give back to help both exhibitors and attendees. We offer a low exhibit cost, free educational seminars, plus award up to $8,000.00 in cash payments from $500.00 – $1,000.00 to buyers every few hours with our Buy, Spin and Win wheel.
“In addition, for the first 100 unique facilities who register and buy, we provide PGA of Ontario members a free night of accommodation. And at the end of the second day, we celebrate the season and create a networking atmosphere for attendees and exhibitors by organizing the popular mini-putt tournament with a purse of $1,500.00.”
For 2017, the Expo is expanding to include a new viewing day on November 1 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. For attendees coming to view, a variety of instant prizes will be awarded during show hours, so everyone is encouraged to register and attend the Golf Industry Expo.
For information on the educational seminars and show details, visit the Expo website at www. golfindustryexpo.com
