Surviving (and Thriving) at the PGA Show: Tips from a PGA Show Veteran
Orlando, Florida—This is my first time in ages not being tied to the booth, so as I think about how to make the most of my newfound freedom, I realized this might actually be my 21st PGA Show. (Unconfirmed—I lost count somewhere along the way.) Over the years, I've made so many memories and connections. Fun fact: I even met my wife in 2009 during one of my PGA Show trips to Orlando. But that’s a story for another time…
If it’s your first time at the show, here are a few very basic tips to help you get the most out of this years trip.
Tip 1: Make a Plan
Decide what you must see and map it out. Prioritize the most important stops first because with over 300+ exhibitors and miles of walking (plus plenty of distractions), time goes fast. A plan is your best friend. Luckily, the PGA Show website makes it easy. Head to the Exhibitors Director on PGAShow.com, search for the vendors you’re interested in, and click “Add to Plan.” On the upper right hand corner you will see a place to download your list. Boom—instant itinerary!
Tip 2: You Gotta Eat
You’ll need to fuel up for these all-day events, but here’s the thing: food options at the conference aren’t great—and they’re pricey. If you’re not tied to a booth, try to get out. There aren’t a ton of food options near by, and it may be chilly this week, so you may want to Uber. If it feels like too much hassle or you’d rather spend more time networking, just follow the food—where there’s food and drink, there are people to chat with.
Pro tip: Beware of lunch beers—could make for a fun day, but totally derail your plan for the show floor. Just saying.
Tip 3: Timing Can Make Your Day
Mornings are the busiest, so if you’re looking to have meaningful conversations with vendors, afternoons are your best bet. Friday, especially, is a golden opportunity—many show-goers have already packed up and headed home.
Tip 4: Networking
A lot of the magic happens after hours. As you meet like-minded folks during the day, make plans to hit up dinners or drinks in the evening. That’s where the real connections are made. Just a word of caution: no need to go too deep into the night with your spiel—there’s still tomorrow on the show floor. Relationships take time, finesse—and sometimes a couple of beers. For many PGA Show veterans, this is a mini-break from reality. At the end of the day, we just want to kick back and catch up with old friends.
Your goals for the show will be unique, but with the time and money it takes to attend, it’s worth spending a few minutes coming up with your own plan. Organize your days, map out your evenings, for the love of all things, wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a little fun along the way.
I'll be at the show, so I hope to see you all there! Feel free to reach out if you want to connect.
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