At most conferences where networking is the ultimate goal, attendees are brought together in one room and left on their own to meet and exchange business cards.Appt-Perry-TK

The One-On-One Appointment Show at the ING Spring Conference takes it a step further, arranging a series of 15-minute, pre-scheduled meetings between people who can help each other grow in the golf industry.

The One-On-One Appointment Show will be one of the highlights at the 27th Annual ING Spring Conference returns to the World Golf Village May 21-25.

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.”

Anyone in the golf industry and media is invited to join ING and attend the conference. Call 407-328-0500 for details.

Nearly everyone at the conference can benefit from participation in the ING One-On-One Appointment Show, which will be held over two days at this year’s conference. It was created to place an emphasis on business relations between the media and golf companies, resorts, destinations and entrepreneurs.Room 3

Participating companies set up tabletop displays. Beginning Monday morning, private meetings will be held every 15 minutes, for nearly six hours over two days.

The exhibitor and the visiting media member or business attendee share the time, with the goal being to create win-win programs. At the very least, a business relationship is established or nurtured.

It is also a perfect time for writers to gather story material and TV/Radio broadcasters to do interviews. Several golf radio shows will take part in Radio Row during the Appointment Show. Each show will set up a table, and exhibitors will be brought to the table to do recorded radio interviews for future airings.

The ING staff gathers all meeting requests ahead of the conference and makes appropriate matches for the appointments. The entire schedule is determined and published prior to the show to allow for adequate planning time.Bridgestone Good

Another key element of the conference for exhibiting companies is the Demo Lab on Tuesday morning. Companies with golf equipment and training aids set up on the range and putting green where attendees try the products first hand.

The conference will feature a full schedule of networking and educational events, along with the Appointment Show and Demo Lab:

  • EDUCATION: The theme of this year’s educational seminars and workshops is “Golf: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.” Sessions include Marketing & PR, Social Media Marketing, and Golf In The Future.
  • GOLF: The WAGT National Qualifier on the Slammer & Squire course at the World Golf Village. This individual stroke play net competition will be divided into five flights. Winners of those flights will earn complimentary entry and accommodations in the World Amateur Golfers Tour National Championship Sept. 20-22 at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, IN.Durland Cup Winners1

One of the five ING qualifiers in 2016, Jim Smith, won his flight in the National Championship and went on to represent the USA in the World Championship in South Africa, expenses paid, where he finished third.

Also, the 10th Annual Durland Cup team scramble will take place on the Slammer & Squire on Wednesday.

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