We have all heard that expression but maybe the show will not go on now or until the world gets control and brings an end to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Globally the golf industry hosts a variety of golf shows – both trade and consumer. As we all know the “Major” of all golf trade shows is the PGA Merchandise Show conducted at the end of January each year and the PGA Fashion and Demo Experience usually held in Vegas during the month of August. In Canada we have a variety of regional Fall Buying shows and in late winter consumer shows. There are also a number of smaller regional shows, close-out events, travel shows etc. Unfortunately, Covid -19 is creating some uncertainty within the industry and major decisions will have to be made shortly on whether to proceed and have organizers sign space commitment contracts with facilities or suspend shows for the near future.
For the PGA Fashion and Demo Experience scheduled for August 18-10, 2020 in Vegas at the Venetian Resort, Reed Exhibition the show owner said “after careful consideration and with guidance from health authorities and industry stakeholders will instead facilitate business connections through a series of digital programs starting in June with additional online offerings continuing throughout 2020.” In other words, the show is cancelled and they will provide digital programs.
For the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 26-29, 2021, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Reed Exhibitions is still planning on the annual Orlando show. How it will be conducted – and how it might look – in a Covid-19 world remains to be seen.
Currently Florida is setting new records each day with coronavirus cases and there is fear of a second wave this fall and winter. The borders remain closed and many think they will remain closed for many more months. People are hesitant to travel and want to avoid crowds. This all adds up to a problem for the show organizers as how many golf companies would take the chance to exhibit and how many people would take the chance to attend the show? Unfortunately, if the Merchandise Show does not take place in 2021, the Canadian PGA will have to create or find a new way for Canada Night.
For the Canadian buying and consumer shows, organizers are still showing their events taking place. However, due to the severe nature of this virus and how it spreads we are not sure how many people really want to attend any show in the near future. For the consumer shows many exhibitors are from the travel industry and a closed border creates a problem. Maybe its worth it to take the year off, keep everyone safe and come back in 2021 or 2022.
