The 5th annual African American Golf EXPO and Forum was held coincident with the 72nd annual PGA Show January 22 -25 in Orlando, FL. Understand that the PGA Show, which is organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX) and the PGA of America agreed to this historic gathering. The PGA Show (formerly the PGA Merchandise Show), is the world’s largest and most influential golf business event began in 1954 when a few golf merchandisers gathered in the parking lot of the PGA National Golf Club during winter tournaments in Dunedin, FL.
This year’s show was attended by 33,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals and industry leaders form a dynamic international community to source and test the game’s latest innovations, learn proven business solutions from industry experts, develop skills and connections to further their career, create additional value for facilities, build their individual business and drive continued growth of the sport and the $102 billion industry.
So, this was major accomplishment for the EXPO, as this type of arrangement has not been done in the 72 history of the event. This was not only historic but groundbreaking and a major breakthrough for African Americans and people of color.
The mission of the EXPO, as most now refer to it, is to inform African Americans and all people of color about the jobs, careers, business and playing opportunities in the Mega-Billion Golf Industry. The EXPO started in 2021 and has been held in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Louisville, KY, and Palm Beach, FL.
This year’s activities started with The Diversity Roundtable held Wednesday Jan 22 in which nearly 300 people attended and heard outstanding presentations from movers and shakers like Billy Jones, partner in the digital marketing group, Gold Links Golf Club —whose partners and influencers including Roger Steele have a social media reach over 2.7 million followers. It only got better from there but concluded with a “Welcome and Happy Hour” sponsored by Reed Exhibitions in which food, beverage and networking were the main menu items.
Club Car also ran a special contest in support of the EXPO during Black History Month in which winners received gift certificate from Eastside Golf. The EXPO thanks Lynthia Ross, Communications Leader for Club Car for her support and leadership.
EXPO exhibits were held across the street at the Hyatt Regency, from 6:30pm ’til 9:00pm, featuring exhibitors such as Iron Kings from Atlanta, This is Good Water from Philadelphia, PA, Tournament Productions from Raleigh, NC. Visitors were also able to meet with the notable Arthur Johnson and view his artwork from Jacksonville, FL., the National Black Golf Hall of Fame from Atlanta, GA and members of the Preserve Shady Rest Committee from Scotch Plains, NJ representing the first Black-owned golf club in history. Business deals and new friends were made at this exciting gathering held Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Thursday at the PGA Show was housed in the Orange County Convention Center, the EXPO breakout sessions were held every hour on the hour and was highlighted by the presentation of the Jerry Tarde Courage Award, which is named after the Editor-In-Chief of Golf Digest and a long-time proponent of diversity and equity in golf. This year’s recipient was none other that Steve Mona former CEO of the World Golf Foundation. All EXPO proceeding can be seen on the newly formed True Golf Network . I have to give major thanks to Antion Downs whose production crew videoed the Diversity Roundtable and EXPO and can be seen HERE in its entirety on his recently launched True Golf Network on YouTube.
I also have to thank Ron Newsom, Director, Diversity and Community Impact for NBC Sports. I was fortunate to be interviewed and featured on The Golf Channel which can be viewed HERE.
The EXPO was successful, and everyone should plan to attend next year’s event at the PGA Show.
The EXPO continued its community engagement initiative by collecting socks for the homeless in which we collected about 450 pairs which were donated to the Salvation Amy for distribution. These efforts were led by the EXPO’s National Community Action Chairpersons Malachi and Essie Knowles who also lead the African American Golfers Museum and the Inner-City Youth Golfers organization out of Riviera Beach, Florida.
The impact of the event was noticeable as The EXPO was presented a proclamation by Orange County Mayor, Jerry L Demmings. Special thanks go to local Orlando community leaders Victoria and Gary Siplin in arranging this honor.
