Dozens of golf industry companies and organizations will join golf writers, editors and broadcasters this Sunday through Wednesday for the 28th Annual ING Spring Conference at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi, MS.

The non-profit International Network of Golf, the industry’s only media-based networking organization, conducts this annual gathering of media and golf companies and leaders. ING is “where the media and golf industry connect.”

The ING Spring Conference schedule is packed with networking, educational and golf events designed to help all attendees enhance their standing in the golf industry. Media will get a close-up look at the latest golf products and services, and relationships will be created and enhanced.

A full schedule awaits attendees. Highlights include:

  • APPOINTMENT SHOW: The ING One-On-One Appointment Show was created to place an emphasis on business relations between the media and golf companies, resorts, destinations and entrepreneurs. Participating companies set up tabletop displays and conduct private meetings held every 15 minutes. Media members use the time to gather story material, do interviews and nurture relationships.
  • DEMO LAB: The ING Demo Lab will take place on Monday morning at Shell Landing Golf Club. Companies with golf equipment and training aids set up on the range and putting green where attendees try the products first hand.
  • EDUCATION: Sessions include Marketing & PR, Social Media Marketing and more. Also, ING TALKS, structured like Ted Talks, returns.
  • GOLF: The World Amateur Golfers Championship, USA National Qualifier will take place Monday on the Davis Love-designed Shell Landing Golf Club. The top five finishers in this individual stroke play net competition will earn complimentary entry and accommodations in the World Amateur Golfers Championship, USA National Championship Aug. 2-4 at the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS. In recent years, ING Qualifiers John Duval and Jim Smith have won their flights in the National Championship and went on to represent the USA in the World Championship.

Also on Monday, the second annual ING Adaptive Golf Cup Challenge returns with a four-player team from ING taking on a four-player team from the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance. Also, the 11th Annual Durland Cup team scramble will take place The Oaks Golf Club on Wednesday.

  • NETWORKING: Several networking sessions are planned, including the Opening Night Welcome Reception and the Tuesday Night Banquet.

Major sponsor for this year’s conference include CHASE54 apparel, Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast, Visit Sebring and the host hotel, the IP.