PGA Show Industry Roundtable, Witnesses Wanted!

The PGA of America has some interesting things on tap for the annual Merchandise Show Jan 24-26 in Orlando. Some firsthand accounts would be nice since the transcripts and video tend to be pretty unreliable. Volunteers?

For Immediate Release:

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – A compelling schedule of presentations by industry leaders on the PGA Forum Stage will begin with LPGA Hall of Famer and 10-time major winner Annika Sorenstam joining The PGA of America and industry leaders following PGA of America President Ted Bishop's welcome remarks on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10:00 a.m. Sorenstam will open the three-day PGA Forum programming schedule with her unique insights on the future of golf and current growth-of-the-game initiatives.

Let's hope she doesn't show that picture of her injured digit on the big screen! Steve DiMeglio has the gory details if you have a strong stomach.

The schedule of presentations is diverse and will include Golf 2.0 initiatives such as PGA Junior League Golf, Tee It Forward, PGA Sports Academy and Get Golf Ready: The Robin Meade Experience, plus programs by COBRA PUMA GOLF and PING. Additionally, Friday's programming schedule will be begin with a featured State of the Industry Roundtable with panelists scheduled to appear including PGA of America President Ted Bishop, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, TaylorMade President and CEO Mark King and Golf Digest Chairman, Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde, National Golf Foundation President and CEO Joe Beditz, and Dottie Pepper, newly appointed member of The PGA of America Board of Directors, at 10:00 a.m.

"We're pleased that so many golf leaders, award-winning PGA Professionals and industry influencers are utilizing the PGA Forum Stage at the PGA Merchandise Show to address, discuss and move forward the business of golf during our industry's largest international business gathering," said PGA President Ted Bishop of The Legends Golf Club in Franklin, Ind.

2013 PGA Merchandise Show PGA Forum Stage Schedule highlights:

1:00 p.m.
Meet Golf Channel's New Morning Drive Team
Golf Channel President Mike McCarley will introduce the new, expanded cast of the network's popular Morning Drive show and provide a sneak peek of its new set at Golf Channel studios. Also, Gary Williams, Holly Sonders, Damon Hack and the new cast additions will form a panel to discuss the big stories for 2013, take questions from the audience.

Friday morning:

10:00 a.m.
Industry Roundtable Featuring: PGA of America President Ted Bishop, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, TaylorMade President and CEO Mark King, Golf Digest Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde, National Golf Foundation President and CEO Joe Beditz, and Dottie Pepper, newly appointed member of The PGA of America Board of Directors.