The International Network of Golf is introducing a new networking concept called PayING It Forward at its 27th Annual ING Spring Conference May 21-24 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL.
The ING Spring Conference is the annual gathering of golf media and industry executives, and is conducted by the non-profit, media-based International Network of Golf. Anyone in the golf industry or media is eligible to attend.
While PayING It Forward is structured to promote relationship building, it goes well beyond that by encouraging the creation of instant beneficial programs between
attendees who have not worked together in the past.
The PayING It Forward program will kick off on opening night of the ING Conference, when attendees will be asked to link up with someone they have yet to work with. Following a discussion of their businesses and objectives, the attendees will create a plan to assist their new contact without expectation of reciprocation.
Attendees will be asked to share their plans with the ING staff prior to the conclusion of the conference, and then report back to ING once the plan has been facilitated.
“In today’s challenging business climate, it is more important than ever for individuals and companies to cooperate in a mutually beneficial way,” said ING Executive Director Mike Jamison. “That has always been the true essence of ING, and the PayING It Forward program will 
strengthen our objective of helping each other grow our businesses and careers.”
Along with the new PayING It Forward concept, the conference will feature a full schedule of networking and educational events, including the popular One-On-One Appointment Show, where exhibitors conduct a series of 15-minute meetings with media members and attendees of their choice. Also on the schedule:
- DEMO LAB: This is a wonderful opportunity for attendees to test the latest golf equipment and training aids on the practice range and green.
- 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. Speakers include short-game guru Dave Pelz,
who will also participate in the Demo Lab, and World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona. - 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. 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.
