As you’ve been reading in the trade news, the PGA of British Columbia is trying August dates for its buying show and that takes place next week at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
The association has assured the Canadian Golf Industry Association that a certain number of buyers will be on hand to help exhibitors get a return on their investment in the show. I think there will be more than the CGIA has requested.
The association has had a solid phone campaign to explain the reasons that we need golf operations in the province to be there and the response has been good.
I think what happens is that a lot of people are so involved in their own jobs that they don’t really get the sense of how important the show is to the association. That’s the reason the association didn’t just send and e-mail or e-blast, but phoned people to talk to them directly.
Not having a show is not an option for the association.
In Ontario, they had an August show cancelled this year due to concern that not enough buyers would be present, but you would be surprised at the number of people who didn’t know Ontario had been cancelled.
That’s where the focus on their jobs comes in. They just don’t have the time or inclination to read trade news and e-blasts due to busy schedules.
The show is easy to get complacent about. In the past, we’ve always counted on it, but it can come back and slap you across the face if it isn’t making sense from a business perspective. If I wasn’t working with the board, I don’t know how much I would know about the show.
Back in the old school days, a head professional would take the young assistants and it would be a mentoring experience, with the assistants learning how to buy things, how to talk to vendors, networking, etc., all things that were important to the maturation of a young golf professional.
Not as much mentoring goes on these days and I don’t really blame anybody because there are so many things going on that make it difficult. The show is a place to continue the tradition of mentoring, while making an important contribution to the association through your support.
Hope to see you there.
