What a Week! EXPO 2026 Breaks Records and Builds Momentum
Dear EXPO 2026 Sponsors, Attendees, Supporters and Readers,
Thank you for the most successful African American Golf EXPO & Forum (EXPO) in the 6-year history of the event. The EXPO was collocated with the PGA Show in Orlando and had 693 people from 39 states registered for the 4-day event.
The inclusion of the Diversity Roundtable, the First Expo History Challenge , the Jerry Tarde Awards Ceremony honoring Stanley Mosk, the man responsible for removal of the Caucasian-only clause from the PGA bylaws in 1961 and industry leader, Dr. Michael Cooper were among the most popular events for sure.
Speakers included Jerry Tarde, Editor-In-Chief of Golf Digest, Don Rea, President, PGA of America, Vanessa Vogler, Chief Administrative Officer, PGA of America, Donnie Wallace, VP Business Development, Craig Kessler, LPGA Commissioner, and Neera Shetty, Chief Legal Officer for the PGA Tour.
Chris Kulinski, Director of Recruitment from the PGA of America did double duty speaking at the Diversity Roundtable and the EXPO, talking about the many jobs that are available in this $102B industry.
Ralph Stokes, Vice President, Social Impact, Partnerships & Community Engagement for the PGA Tour Superstore provided insightful comments and encouragement about becoming involved at the local and state levels. His comments hit home for the audience as change does indeed start at the community level.
Kamille Ramos, Director, DEI, Culture and Community with the USGA presented in depth information about their internships and pathways programs.
Mark Lowry, founder and CEO of the National Golf Player Development Foundation (NGPDF) presented lively discussion and a call to action on Player Development.
Roger Steele, brand influencer, author Jeff Lee, top 50 LPGA Instructor Ashaunta Epps, youth organization leader Jenny Bethune and Azucena Maldonado, founder and president of the 5,000 member Latina Golf Association provided excellent perspectives and insights from the local and community level
The EXPO also featured African American general managers from some of the leading private clubs in America highlighting our great relationship with the Club Management Association of America. The world renown Pinehurst Resorts was represented by their Vice President of Golf. Their combined perspectives provided insights into the jobs and careers in hospitality and club management
I had the special opportunity to dedicate the EXPO exhibition area to my late sister and her husband. The Denise and Nate Howard Exhibition Center is now the official name of the EXPO exhibition space. I am so proud that the EXPO was able to present 28 exhibitors featuring apparel, land development, tourism, commemorative coins, fundraising, optical technology and national organizations such as Sisters Across America celebrating their 20th anniversary and the Preserve Shady Rest Committee.
Under the guidance of Essie and Malachi Knowles from the Inner-City Youth Golfers, the EXPO’s 2nd Annual Community Service Project collected 600 pair of socks. The EXPO donated the socks to Project Empath which provides safe, stable housing with integrated healthcare services and community support in Florida.
The Jim Beatty Invitational Scramble at Dubsdread Golf Course and the EXPO Youth and Adult Clinic at Orange County National completed our week of fun, friendship and education.
The EXPO continues to serve the golf industry by presenting the many opportunities available to people of color and the pathways to achieve them. We want to grow this great game and claim our rightful place in the $102B industry. I am so humbled by the support and hope that you will continue to make the EXPO the force we all want and need for the positive change.
With the greatest appreciation. See you for the 7th Annual EXPO, January 27-30, 2027.
—Jim Beatty
Founder, African American Golf EXPO and Forum
