The African American Golf EXPO & Forum is once again preparing to bring together golfers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from across the country for one of the most important gatherings in the game. Scheduled for January 24–28, 2027, in Orlando, Florida, the event will once again be co-located with the PGA Show, providing unparalleled access, visibility, and networking opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike.
To encourage broad participation, the EXPO is offering a special exhibitor promotion throughout the month of May. Companies wishing to showcase their products and services can secure exhibit space for just $1,000—a remarkable 50 percent savings off the regular $2,000 fee. This discounted package includes two days of exhibit space at the Orange County Convention Center during the PGA Show, one day at the Jim Beatty Invitational Scramble, and one day at the Adult and Youth Golf Clinic.
This special offer reflects the mission that has guided the African American Golf EXPO & Forum since its inception: creating opportunities, building connections, and expanding access throughout the golf industry for African Americans and other underrepresented communities.
At the heart of this groundbreaking event is its visionary founder, James Beatty. A highly respected businessman, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in golf, Beatty has spent decades working to create pathways for inclusion both on and off the course. His career has been marked by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that African Americans have a stronger presence throughout the golf ecosystem.
Beatty is perhaps best known as the founder and CEO of the Jim Beatty Golf Ventures organization, as well as the creator of the Jim Beatty Invitational, one of the premier African American golf events in the country. Through his work, he has built a reputation as a tireless connector—bringing together corporate partners, golf organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders to advance opportunities in the sport.
His vision for the African American Golf EXPO & Forum grew out of a simple but powerful realization: while African Americans have made significant contributions to golf as players, professionals, entrepreneurs, and fans, there had never been a large-scale national event dedicated specifically to celebrating and expanding Black participation in every facet of the golf industry.
That vision became reality when the inaugural African American Golf EXPO & Forum debuted in 2022. It immediately filled a critical void within the industry. Designed as a multifaceted event, the EXPO combines business development, career exploration, networking, education, and community engagement under one roof.
Since its launch, the event has quickly become a vital platform for golf manufacturers, travel destinations, apparel companies, equipment makers, media organizations, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs seeking to connect with one of golf’s fastest-growing and most influential consumer segments.
The EXPO’s timing alongside the PGA Show is especially strategic. By aligning with the golf industry’s largest annual gathering, the African American Golf EXPO & Forum allows exhibitors and attendees to participate in both events, maximizing exposure and creating unique opportunities for collaboration. This co-location has helped position the EXPO as an essential complement to the broader golf industry calendar.
But the event is about far more than business. It is also a celebration of African American golf history, culture, and achievement. From educational panels and keynote presentations to youth clinics and networking receptions, the EXPO highlights the rich legacy of Black golfers while helping shape the future of the game.
That legacy stretches back more than a century, from pioneers such as John Shippen and Ted Rhodes to trailblazers like Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, and Renee Powell. The EXPO honors those pioneers while inspiring the next generation of players, professionals, and executives.
A hallmark of the event is its emphasis on youth development. The Adult and Youth Golf Clinic provides aspiring golfers with instruction, mentorship, and inspiration. By introducing young people to the game and connecting them with role models, the EXPO helps cultivate future players and industry leaders.
The Jim Beatty Invitational Scramble, another cornerstone of the event, brings together golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of camaraderie, competition, and networking. It serves as both a celebration of the sport and a fundraiser supporting ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in golf.
For exhibitors, the EXPO offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with a highly desirable audience. African American consumers represent a growing force in the golf marketplace, with increasing participation rates, purchasing power, and influence. Companies that exhibit at the EXPO gain access not only to avid golfers but also to decision-makers, business owners, and community leaders.
The special May promotion makes participation even more attractive. For just $1,000, exhibitors receive a comprehensive package that includes multiple days of exposure across several high-profile events. It is an investment that offers exceptional value and the potential for meaningful business relationships.
As the African American Golf EXPO & Forum continues to grow, its impact on the industry becomes increasingly evident. It has created a space where conversations about inclusion can lead to action, where partnerships can flourish, and where opportunities can be expanded for generations to come.
James Beatty’s leadership has been instrumental in that success. His ability to envision what was missing and then build it from the ground up is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to advancing diversity in golf.
The 2027 African American Golf EXPO & Forum promises to be bigger, more dynamic, and more impactful than ever. For exhibitors, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a vibrant and growing market. For attendees, it offers inspiration, education, and community. And for the golf industry as a whole, it stands as a powerful reminder that the future of the game is strongest when it is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
