The 29th Annual ING Spring Conference is headed to the land of racecars, orange groves and hidden gem golf courses next May.
Casey Hartt, marketing consultant for Visit Sebring, announced that this annual gathering of media and golf industry executives is set for May 19-23, 2019 at the SEVEN Sebring Raceway Hotel Hotel and Conference Center in Sebring, Florida. The announcement was made at the 28th edition of the ING Spring Conference on May 22 at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi, MS.
The non-profit, media-based International Network of Golf conducts the conference, which features product testing, educational workshops, golf tournaments and numerous networking sessions.
“We are thrilled that ING has selected Sebring as the Spring Conference location for May 2019,” said Hartt. “We look forward to hosting golf media and golf industry representatives from across the U.S. at the home of the Citrus Golf Trail.”
Sebring, Florida is mainly known as the home of the oldest and most famous road-racing course in America, Sebring International Speedway. Every March since 1951 the best drivers in the world have gathered there for the 12 Hours Of Sebring, an endurance race second only to Lemans in worldwide prestige.
There is more to Sebring than racing, however. Attendees will have the pleasure of exploring an area that is reminiscent of pre-Disney Florida – lots of history among the citrus groves. The site is about an hour south of Disney, and 90 minutes from the east and west coasts of Florida.
“The ING attendees who have yet to visit the Sebring area will be pleasantly surprised by what they see,” said ING Executive Director Mike Jamison. “I know I was. This region of Florida provides a beautiful stroll through history – pre-Disney. The golf courses are set among Orange groves and stately stands of trees and natural landscape. And the folks who live and work in the region are warm and welcoming. Sebring will prove to be a diverse and memorable host.”
Activities abound. You’ll find nearly 100 crystal clear lakes for fishing and boating, one of Florida’s oldest state parks, and a reminder of why everyone loves authentic Florida. The gently rolling hills, orange groves and charming small towns make this a relaxing country getaway with a convenient, central location.
There are also a dozen outstanding golf courses in the Sebring area, home of the Citrus Golf Trail. ING members will experience two of the top courses. Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club will host the Demo Lab and first day of golf tournaments on Monday, and Highlands Ridge North will host the Durland Cup on Wednesday.
Sun ‘N Lake features 36 holes of diverse championship golf featuring the work of designers Don Dyer and Charles Ankrom. It has hosted on a regular basis events from the Canadian and Latinoamerica PGA Tours. Highlands Ridge North was designed by world-renowned architect Dave Harman who patterned it after Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand, which was recognized as Golf Digest’s Best New International Course of 2001.
Maneuver the legendary hairpin turn at Sebring International Raceway and you’ll find the Château Élan Hotel & Conference Center. With trackside viewing and golf packages, this hotel and spa is the perfect place for a vacation or conference. The Hairpin Lounge off the hotel lobby will provide a comfortable nightly gathering spot for ClubING.
This will be the seventh ING Spring Conference to be conducted in the state of Florida.
For its 29th Annual Conference, ING is planning an extensive schedule, including the ever-popular One-On-One Appointment Show, the Demo Lab, golf tournaments and all the educational and networking sessions ING is known for.