An impressive roster of media outlets are among the early commitments for the 27th Annual ING Spring Conference, scheduled for May 21-25 at the World Golf Village and Hall Of Fame Museum.
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.
Among the early media commitments for the conference is The Met Golfer, which won the ING Industry Honors award in the Publications Category at the January PGA Merchandise Show. Editor Jeff Neuman will be on hand for the four days of meetings, seminars, networking and golf.
Also registered is the TV Show Category winner, The Traveling Golfer with host Tony Leodora, who is joined by producer Jamie McWilliams and Golf Talk Live radio show producer Eddie Caiazzo.
Another award-winner, The Back 9 Boys radio show with host Rich Styles, has committed to attend, as has multiple award-winning golf writers Mike Kern from the Philadelphia Daily News and Ed Travis of the A Position.
Other media outlets committed include The Golf Insiders Radio Show, Golfing Magazine, New England Golf Monthly, Golf Gear Weekly, ProGolfWeekly.com, Southern Golf Central Magazine, GolfBucksCounty.com, IntoTheGrain.com and ESouthernNews.com.
World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will speak to the ING attendees on various topics, including what the golf business might look like in five years. That fits the conference theme, GOLF: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Mona joins golf’s foremost authority on the short game and putting, Dave Pelz, as guest speakers at the conference. Pelz tirelessly studies the game to help golfers use practical techniques to shoot lower scores. His current project is a breakthrough system for Green Reading. Pelz also coaches three top players on the PGA Tour and serves as brand ambassador for Cleveland Golf and Srixon Golf.
Also on the ING Spring Conference schedule:
DEMO LAB: Companies with golf clubs, putters, training aids and instructional programs, including Dave Pelz, get space on the range and putting green to display product. Attendees, including dozens of golf writers, b
roadcasters and editors from media outlets across America come through the Lab to capture first-hand knowledge of the equipment. There is also a skills challenge during the Tuesday morning session.
ONE ON ONE APPOINTMENT SHOW: The most popular element of the conference year in and year out, this tabletop show is where exhibitors conduct a series of 15-minute meetings with media members and attendees of their choice.
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 Aug. 3-5 at ChampionsGate Resort in Kissimmee, FL.
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.
