I’ve just finished making my arrangements for the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show. My flights and hotel are now booked.
Smarter this year, hopefully
Hotel
I’m trying to be a little smarter this year. Last year I booked a hotel which told me they had a free Wi-Fi. They didn’t. Bad deal for a golf blogger. So I had to go outside of my hotel to a neighboring place, or pay an insane $99 for Wi-Fi in the press room during the show in the Orange Coast Convention Center. I still can’t believe they actually charge the press for an internet connection at the show. Yes, charge the people who are promoting your show for you…
My hotel last year was also about a 15 minute drive to the show with no traffic, and about an HOUR drive with show traffic. That hour drive was just to get to the parking lot line. Then there’s about another 20-40 minutes to pay, park and ride the shuttle. What a zoo. I wasted about two hours each day in my rental car stopped in traffic and parking, which I could have spent at the show. So I booked myself in the media hotel this year, which is walking distance to the show. I’m saving all that driving time and parking time and parking fees.
Live 2008 Merchandise Show blogging
Last year I’d browse the show for an hour or two, then hit the press room and post some videos and blogs. I spent a lot of time in the press room waiting for the slow connection and for videos to compress etc. I’m thinking this year I’ll go non-stop show and then do all the web stuff in the evenings after the show is closed. If I get some really great nuggets or pictures of the 2008 PGA Merchandise Show I’ll run into the press room and post them quickly. The plan is to get more floor time this year.
HOG show appointments :: meet me at the show!
I’ve already got appointments set up and it’s November! If you are an exhibitor and you’d like me to cover your booth and offerings, let me know asap and we’ll get you set up for an appointment. If you’re just going to be at the show and want to say hello, contact me and I’ll give you my cell phone number so we can meet somewhere.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
