Members of the Association of Golf Merchandisers will hold their biggest event of the year – the AGM Retail Conference – on Jan. 23 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, prior to the PGA Show. The conference, the first under the leadership of CEO Jennifer Morton, will focus on golf retail education and feature industry experts and speakers as well as a variety of seminars and networking opportunities.
“The AGM Retail Conference is not just an event; it’s a hub of transformational learning and an unparalleled opportunity for growth in golf retail,” says Morton, who was named CEO in March of 2023 following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Desane Blaney. “Each session is crafted to address the specific needs and challenges of our industry. It’s a place where cutting-edge trends are unveiled and practical, innovative strategies are shared.”
Included in the event will be keynotes from Phil Mershon of the Social Media Examiner, who will focus on using social media to your advantage, and Allison George, known in the industry as the “Wizard of Fun,” who will share how she brings her unique sense of inspiration to the world of golf.
Seminars will be led by Ann Cantrell, a seasoned professional from brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach, and an Associate Professor at Fashion Institute of Technology; Jack Dillon, author of The Grand Tug of War, who will explore the crucial decisions that shape a career in golf; retailing expert Sheryl Bindelglass, whose session will address boosting sales with innovative, budget-friendly marketing strategies; and longtime AGM executive Tracy Moffatt will talk about refining your buying strategy for greater success.
Other highlights include educational sessions focusing on:
- How to run a successful trunk show/pop-up shop
- How to create a winning entry for AGM Platinum Awards
- Best Practices to Engage and Retain Women Golfers presented by Titleist, focusing on strategies to engage a key demographic in golf retail
- AI presented by RepSpark, which will delve into the world of Artificial Intelligence and its growing impact on golf retail
- A hands-on guide to creating an E-commerce Site in 30 Days, moderated by experts from Tee Commerce
- Trends in golf retail presented by Golf Datatech
- Quick and Easy Marketing Tips with Ken Morton Jr.
Following the conference, AGM members are invited to the annual Product Preview Reception, where more than 100 golf vendors will provide a sneak peek at the collections being presented at the PGA Show.
“It’s here that the latest trends and products are not just displayed, but brought to life through interaction and conversation,” Jennifer Morton says. “The value of this reception lies in the connections it fosters, the insights it generates, and the direct impact it has on the future of golf retail.”
Also noteworthy, according to Morton, is the conference’s introduction of a new learning track focused on marketing, alongside the popular merchandising and management tracks.
“It’s an essential event for golf retail professionals looking to stay ahead in a dynamic industry,” Morton adds. “Attendees walk away not just with new knowledge, but with actionable insights that can be immediately applied to elevate their businesses.”