Portland Golf Expo
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  February 20th & 21st, 2010

Expo Blog

2010 Sold Out Show has

much to see and do!   

PORTLAND, ME – How about something that’s guaranteed to help shake off winter’s wrath? Take a stroll down to the Holiday Inn by the Bay February 20 and 21 for the Portland Golf Expo where visitors will be greeted by the coziest indoor golf experience of any season. And now you can order your ticket online and save time and money.

This 16th version of Northern New England’s most entertaining, off-season golf outing is offering online admission tickets (no standing in line) for $8, or $7.50 each for two or more. The price is $9 on show days. The Expo is open 9-5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday.

For tickets, directions, parking, and more, go to www.portlandgolfexpo.com. Once you’ve lined up admission, expect lots to see and do:

The first-time silent auction is a unique opportunity for the public to take part by donating items, since the auction will benefit Operation Homefront to support U.S. troops and their families.  Learn more about this great cause at www.operationhomefront.net.

Sponsorships still available

Although exhibitor floor space is sold out, several sponsorship opportunities remain. Each brings sponsor recognition through advertising (radio and print) and website promotion. In addition, sponsors receive signs and announcements at the Expo, plus admission tickets that can be used for promotional purposes or to reward customers.

Top golf shop a popular stop

at the 16th Annual

Portland Golf Expo

 PORTLAND, ME –Of the many reasons for attending the 16th Portland Golf Expo, Joe & Leigh’s Discount Pro Golf Shop remains top-of-the-mind. Joe & Leigh’s returns for a third year the weekend of February 20 and 21 when the Golf Expo takes place at downtown Portland’s Holiday Inn by the Bay.

The Expo’s main menu-golf courses, demo clubs, simulators, and contests-surrounds Joe & Leigh’s bargain-packed display from its shop at Pines Oaks Golf Course in South Easton, MA. Golf Digest’s Golf World Business has made Joe & Leigh’s a 12-time winner in “100 Best Golf Shops.” At 8,000 square feet, the Pine Oaks is one of the two largest golf course pro shops in the country.

“Our goal is to make a friend, not a sale,” says co-owner Joe Ricci. “…staff is committed to expertly fitting both your game and your wallet, so that whatever level player you may be, you end up with the right club for you and a real value.” Expo-goers the past two years found bargains on clubs, bags, shoes, balls, and more.

And if you’re in search of a golf course to test your new equipment, the Expo has the ticket. Courses signed up for space early on were Cape Neddick, Dunegrass, Gorham, Highland Green, Naples, Province Lake, and Toddy Brook, certainly an offering with broad regional appeal. Also in the fold are Bethel and Sugarloaf, resort courses that have exhibited all 15 years of the Expo.

Martindale Country Club in Auburn, a private club since it opened in 1921, is a first-time Expo exhibitor, since it now offers tee times to the public. Called “The Mother of Champions,” the club nurtured Maine notables Ralph Noel Jr., sisters Martha White and Pennie Cummings, Dr. Ray Lebel, and others.Martindale has hosted several of Maine’s amateur championships.

Another Expo mainstay, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, represents most courses on the Cape, and offers early-season incentives to play its courses and stay at member hotels.

After you’ve inspected merchandise and visited courses on the Expo floor, there’s much more: putting and long-drive contests, drawings, and a “19th Hole” for refreshments and the chance to chat with golf pals. “Those attending are staying longer,” reports Expo co-owner Scott Mayer, “….and the activities are creating an experience that results in golfers coming back year after year.” His partner Peter McFarland plans to further extend the Expo stay with a silent auction.

Exhibitor information is available at www.portlandgolfexpo.com or by dialing the Expo offices at 207.318.6746.

Golf Expo exhibitors benefit

from whopping attendance gains

PORTLAND, ME – If excitement marked the Portland Golf Expo last March, and if results from that show are any barometer, look for more in 2010 when the 16th version of this off-season event takes place the weekend of February 20 and 21 at the downtown Holiday Inn by the Bay. Whatever the produced enthusiasm, one certainty is an unprecedented leap in attendance.

According to Scott Mayer, who co-produces the Expo with Peter McFarland, “attendance in 2009 increased 22% over 2008, our first year of Expo ownership.” And the pair is quick to point to a 15% increase between 2007 and 2008. Sensational, surely, so what’s behind these gains?

Peter McFarland credits “sold-out exhibitor space and stepped-up marketing that focused on a promotional campaign with Citadel Broadcasting, whose WBLM and sister stations reach an estimated 70,000 households through their data bases.”  That, says McFarland, creates the excitement, which then is imparted to sold-out floor space, where an easy exchange takes place between exhibitors and visitors. (Crowds often overwhelm the staff at major city shows.)  

Momentum also builds around a stream of raffles and contests on both days. “The clinics, demo clubs, and sales at Joe & Leigh’s golf shop are Expo staples, but we believe those attending want a break from winter’s boredom,” adds Scott Mayer, “so we offer some fun through putting and driving contests, and of course drawings for green fees and equipment are big.”

Last March also saw the introduction of a “19th Hole.” Explains McFarland: “It’s been several months since golfers have seen their buddies, so the 19th Hole is a chance for catching up, over refreshments, of course.” 

For exhibitors, there’s opportunity to meet new customers, one-to-one, and for many to renew relationships that go back to the first Expo 16 years ago. More than one exhibitor has echoed the need to continually reestablish contacts in the Portland area.

The Expo is also a proven platform for exhibitors wanting to reach golfers at a low cost. And the Expo organizers add to the benefits by marketing exhibitors via its Web site, where exhibitors can showcase special offers. A monthly newsletter reaches over 2,000 regional golfers.

Exhibitor comments certify the Expo many times over: “Lots of traffic…good exposure to bring new golfers to our course,” one exhibitor added. A discount is offered by signing on by November 1, which can be done online at www.portlandgolfexpo.com or dialing 207.318.6746.

end

September 2009 Update

We hope that everyone is enjoying a great golfing season.  I know it was a rainy start to summer but August and September have been great and we feel a fantastic fall coming.
 

Believe it or not the 2010 Portland Golf Expo is in motion. Our goal is to continually improve the show and the benefits for our exhibitors and patrons.  This past year we created a 22% increase in patron attendance, which built upon a 15% increase in 2008, our first year of ownership.  We believe this incredible increase in attendance was due to our sold out exhibitor space and our increased marketing efforts with Citadel Broadcasting.
 
In 2010 we will once again be at the Holiday Inn by the Bay which means we will definitely be busting at the seams.  With our limited space and increased interest from potential new exhibitors, we want to make sure you have every opportunity to participate in the show and in the space that you desire so reserve you space early.  
 
The dates for the Portland Golf Expo this year will be February 20th and 21st 2010.  We have moved the dates to ensure that the Portland Golf Expo does not compete with any other shows to provide everyone the best opportunity to have a successful weekend.  We also hope this will alleviate a little less stress in March, while planning for your busy 2010 season. 
 
We would like to wish everyone the best for the fall golf season and we hope to hear from you soon.
 
Sincerely,

Peter McFarland & Scott Mayer
M & M Events (207) 318-6746

2008 & 2009 Expo Blog Below

1/20/09

There's still a couple of exhibitor spaces
at '09 Portland Golf Expo!
 
A low-cost way to reach golfers
 
PORTLAND, ME - A couple of xhibitor spaces remains open for the Portland Golf Expo, March 14 and 15 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, but the 14-year history of this consumer event tells a story of sellouts or near sellouts.
 
According to Scott Mayer, PGA, co-owner and producer, the Expo is "...an excellent way to reach golfers in this region at a low cost, and though we have a few spaces left, we expect again to sell out." Mayer points to several benefits that accrue to exhibitors at no added cost, including:
 
Market special promotions on the Expo's Web site, www.portlandgolfexpo.com. 
Exhibitors can update these offers year around. 
Gain new marketing capabilities through Constant Contacts, an e-mail service. 
Over 2,000 golfers in the region will receive special offers through monthly newsletters. 
Added exposure on the CW (WPXT Ch 12 in Portland) from tapings at the Expo, an exhibitor bonus this year.  Participation in non-stop drawings and contests during the Expo.  Expo visitors will again sample a broad field of exhibits ranging from regional golf courses to new equipment to swing simulators. The golf swing and putting will be tested via contests, and if your technique is out of kilter there are hourly clinics, even a session to get you on a conditioning regimen.
 
A centerpiece of the Expo is Joe & Leigh's Golf Discount Pro Shop that gained a host of admirers in its initial Portland stop in 2008. 
 
Expo hours are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday, 14 hours for exhibitor selling.
 
Anyone interested in purchasing exhibit space can contact Scott Mayer at 207.838.5731 or go to the Web site.
 
end

1/1/09

2009 Golf Expo participants span northeast!  

Golf interests eyeing Portland
for season's annual preview!
 
If you like your golf in large doses, there's a virtual golf smorgasbord being packed into the 15th Portland Golf Expo on March 14 and 15, 2009, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. Expo organizers are responding to just about all of golfers' interests through exhibits featuring places to play, discounted green fees, newest clubs to test, and purchase, plus a non-stop lineup of free swing clinics.
 
A host of golf clubs from the Northeast will again offer early-season incentives. Locally, Spring Meadows in Gray and Fox Ridge in Auburn have contests (long drive, closets to pin, and putting) to go along with their incentives programs. Also on board are Dunegrass in Old Orchard Beach, called a "...good layout, not punishing, fair," Expo newcomers Naples Golf and Country club with "... a new back nine completed in 2000",  Val Halla Golf and Recreation Center with " ... The largest Junior Golf Program in State of Maine,"  and Gorham Country Club, a "...challenging course for all abilities."
 
Gorham, whose membership is full for the 2009 season, on the final day of the Expo will draw for a coveted membership. The contest is running now and details can be found on a link at www.portlandgolfexpo.com. 
 
Other golf course exhibits well worth visiting: Sugarloaf and Sunday River, two of Maine's premiere courses, will be joined by Cape Neddick, Point Sebago, Toddy Brook, Highland Green, Bethel Inn, and Province Lake. From beyond Maine's borders expect Festiva Resorts, Marriott Vacation Club and a host of Cape Cod courses.
 
And for bargain hunters, there's the Maine Lung Card, offered at a special Expo price, that features discounted green fees throughout Maine and beyond its borders. Also the
Marriott Vacation Club.
 
To help celebrate the Expo's 15th year, there's a non-stop lineup of activities from 9-5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday.

Hourly clinics that focus on swing technique, rules and philosophy, fitness and injury prevention presented by PGA professionals Scott Mayer and Scott Hoisington; Dr. John Hayes; Randy Hodsdon, MSGA; and others.
 
Joe & Leigh's Discount Pro Shop is expanding its space in answer to resounding sales at the 2008 Expo.  You can expect the best deals going on many popular brands.  
P3ProSwing simulators/analyzers where you can test demo clubs from Adams, Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Hogan, Odyssey, Square Two, Taylor Made, Titleist, Top-Flite, Tour Edge, and more.  
And for those determined to improve their games, there are the Golf Learning Center and The Golf Clinic, both represented by swing professionals.   Southwest Greens will once again be displaying a sample of their unique indoor putting green with contests and prizes and consumer installation purchase discounts.      
Television will light up the Portland Golf Expo in 2009 when WPXT-TV, the CW, tapes both days for future broadcasts throughout Northern New England.
 
For admissions and other Expo information go to www.portlandgolfexpo.com or contact Scott Mayer at 207.838.5731.
 
end of update

10/29/08

If the challenge for the Portland Golf Expo organizers is to carry over to 2009 the energy created in '08, then they certainly have plenty to build on. Those exhibiting and those attending the 2008 Expo were quick to praise Expo owners Scott Mayer, PGA, and Peter McFarland for how they increased participation and heightened the overall show experience.

Scheduled March 14 and 15, a Saturday and Sunday at Holiday Inn by the Bay, 2009 will mark the 15th anniversary for what is recognized as "northern New England's most popular winter golf event." A record number of exhibitors and attendees certified that tribute. 

Exhibitors described the Expo as one that stood out for its "... high energy and variety of vendors," which to many, including Portland Newspapers' golf writer Tom Chard, resulted in those attending staying longer because of the wide variety of exhibits. The '08 Expo saw an increase in golf courses from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts displaying their offerings.

Also noticeable was the number of manufacturer representatives, who filled a major section of the exhibit hall with demo clubs and hitting nets. That contingent was backed by two retail areas, with Joe & Leigh's of Massachusetts enjoying lively sales over the two days.

Hourly clinics drew many "students" who received not only swing tips but also pre-season essentials such as warm up exercises and injury prevention.

While preparation for the golf season was the focus, guests also were treated to lots of fun through ongoing raffles and contests. (Winners are posted on this site.)  Peter McFarland, commenting on the continuous raffles that were offered both days, "I was amazed at the response we generated from a pretty serious golf crowd... with many folks telling us what a great time they were having."

So what's in store for next year? According to Scott Mayer there will be more: "Everyone told us what a great time they had, so the challenge is to improve upon what we have. The Casco Bay exhibit hall is an intimate setting, one that allows lots of exhibitor and visitor exchange, so we'll go forward from there."

For questions or comments about the Portland Golf Expo, Scott Mayer can be contacted at 207.838.5731, and Peter McFarland at 207.318.6746 or e-mail them at info@portlandgolfexpo.com.

03/04/08
News from the Portland Golf Expo
Golf Expo clinics span many phases of game

"Many doubts creep into golfers" minds this time of year, so we're encouraging everyone to bring those negatives to the Portland Golf Expo,"says golf professional Scott Mayer, who heads a clinic lineup for the March 8&9 show at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. Mayer claims that hourly clinics should certainly help counter any lack of confidence accrued over Maine's winter.

The Expo is a Saturday and Sunday show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, with an $8 admission, but you'll receive a one-year subscription to either Golf Digest or Golf for Women magazine. Arrive after 1 p.m. and you'll receive a free sleeve of balls (while supplies last). You can park all day for $5 in the former Anthem parking garage next door to the Holiday Inn.

While many Expo-goers are there to test equipment, enter contests, and talk with golf course operators, the 13-year history of this event has proved that gaining swing knowledge is a major reason to attend. And this year's clinic lineup surpasses all others, with Scott Hoisington and Scott Mayer, both PGA professionals, in the lineup.

Hoisington, director of golf at Sugarloaf, kicks off hourly clinics at 10 a.m. Saturday and he appears again Sunday at 11 a.m. "Stroke Savers, Short Game, and Putting" is a favorite of those familiar with Hoisington's 10 years of teaching at Sugarloaf. Scott Mayer at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with  "Fundamentals of the Mind Seminar" speaks to concepts and philosophies that serve to build a golf swing. Mayer, whose Mayer's School of Golf is anchored at Nonesuch River GC, is co-owner of the Portland Golf Expo and author of a golf instructional booklet and video.

Clinic schedules are at www.portlandgolfexpo.com. Randy Hodsdon from the Maine State Golf Association will cover rules, then Dr. John Hayes and Jon Frothingham, Natural Fitness, will discuss ways to prevent injury, and show you how to stay golf-healthy.

Other Expo features:
Joe & Leigh's Discount Golf Pro Shop and the Expo Pro Shop.

• Test new equipment from 10 factory reps at the P3ProSwing analyzers.
• Compete in contests: long drive, closest to pin, putting.
• Prize drawings for rounds of golf, equipment, and merchandise.

02/20/08
News from the Portland Golf Expo
Contact Scott Mayer, PGA, at 207-838-5731

Golfers at this time of year have lots of questions about equipment-especially the new lines-and they'll find many answers March 8 and 9 at the Portland Golf Expo inthe Holiday Inn by the Bay.

It's a Saturday and Sunday extravaganza, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, complete with equipment, contests, instruction, and the chance to talk with golf course operators from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

The $8 admission includes a one-year subscription to either Golf Digest or Golf for Women magazine. If you arrive after 1 p.m., you'll receive a free sleeve of balls(while supplies last).

New Expo management is bringing in many new features, including parking right next to the Holiday Inn. For $5 you can park all day in the former Anthem parking garage that abuts the Holiday Inn.

Whether looking for bargains, or just shopping for the hottest stuff from the factories, you'll probably find it thanks to the largest turnout of factory representatives in the 14-year history of the Expo: MacGregor, Callaway, Nike, Odyssey, Top-Flite, Titletist, Ben Hogan, Cobra, Tour Edge, Adidas, Taylor Made, Wilson, Deadperfect, Mizuno, Adams, Square Two.

Bargain-hunters too are in for a new experience when they visit either of two major retail setups. The Expo Golf Shop is new this year along with Joe & Leigh's Discount Golf Pro Shop. From its home in Easton, MA, Joe & Leigh's boasts one of the two largest golf retail stores in the nation. Expect all leading brands displayed at the Expo. 

Other new Expo features:

• Hourly clinics focus on swing techniques, philosophy of the game, rules,

and ways to prevent injury and keep you healthy.

• Test new equipment at the P3ProSwing analyzers.
• Compete in contests: long drive, closest to pin, putting.
• Prize drawings for rounds of golf, equipment, and merchandise.

2/19/08
Wow it's sneaking up on us with less than 3 weeks to go. We have some great new things happening with parking right next door for only $5. We have Joe and Leigh's Golf Discount Pro Shop joining the show with a huge selection of merchandise, with unbelievable discounts, that will shock you. We have South West Putting Greens with a great contest to participate in. We have raffles for The first Tee to benefit Jr. Golf, a Maine Golf Hall of Fame to benefit the Hall of Fame, and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Maine Chapter PGA jr. scholarship fund. You won't want to miss this show as it is shaping up to be the best ever.

See you there,
Scott

2/5/09
Well we are right around 4 weeks and counting. We have great things going on with lots of great raffles, and hourly prize give away's. We have several stay and play golf packages, which will be given away after 1:00 and a sleeve a balls for every patron arriving after 1:00 while supplies last Every patron will receive a free one year subscription to Golf Digest or Golf For Women Magazine with Paid Entry.

We have Harris Golf Shop bringing lots of the newest equipment and the Portland Golf Expo Pro Shop with featured merchandise of participating exhibitors. We have the 50/50 raffle going on throughout the show with a winner drawn with every $100 collected. There will be two fundraiser raffles going on with one at The First Tee for a midweek foursome with carts at Nonesuch River and two sets of Jr. Clubs with proceeds to benefit Jr. Golf. The other raffle will be with the Maine Golf Hall Of Fame for a one day golf school at Mayer's School of Golf to benefit The Maine Golf Hall Of Fame. There is a closest to the pin contest and a long drive competition with some great prizes. There are 3 putting contest running throughout the show as well. Many of the exhibitors will also be offering some great opportunities to play their golf courses with some great deals and discounts. We have great seminars running throughout the day, which you can watch from the 19th hole. As you can see there is lots going on. Mark your ca landers, because you wont want to be left out in the cold on March 8th and 9th.

See you there,
Scott

1/09/08
We are now 2 months and counting until the 2008 Portland Golf Expo, and I hope that this recent warm weather has you all excited for the upcoming golf season.

As you know the biggest attractions to our show is the deals you can receive on golf activities and merchandise. We are doing our best to ensure this years Portland Golf Expo provides you with just that.

For this reason we will be encouraging exhibitors to promote deals and giveaways. We have also decided to create the Portland Golf Expo Pro Shop where exhibitors and Maine Golf Courses will bring in their left over 2007 inventory for our staff to sell. This provides the Courses with a means of liquidating old inventory as well as providing you, our customers with a valuable service.

If you have any questions please let us know so we can forward you more information on the Portland Golf Expo Pro Shop.

Thanks,
Scott Mayer PGA
(207)-838-5731

12/28/2008
With only a couple of booth spaces left the show is nearly full and ready to go. Our 50/50 raffle will identify a new winner after every $100 is collected along with our other regular raffles throughout the day. We are going to have 10 minute lessons, closest to the pin contests, and long drive contests on our P3ProSwing Simulators. So there are lots of new activities that are shaping up to insure lots of fun. As we work on our marketing plan things are shaping up for the best show in our 14 year history. To help us with our marketing efforts you can open this link and print it for display or send it to your friends.

Portland Golf Expo Features

We appreciate all your help.

Thanks,
Scott

12/13/07
Well it has been a while since my last entry. Lots of things are happening as the show continues to get bigger and better. There are only a few booths left as all the new activities seem to be creating some excitement. The expanded retail, activities and variety of exhibitors are going to make this a great show. Marketing is moving forward with a full TV and Radio Campaign in place. In addition we are creating posters, and admittance coupons which will be showing up here and there, so you will have to keep your eyes open. We also encourage any help with email advertising from anyone who would like to lend a hand, Just let us know how you can help and we'll listen. Please feel free to post our picture at the top of the page on your site as it is a link to our site.

Thanks,
Scott

11/19/07

Things are shaping up quickly for the 14th year to come in 2008. With new activities and retail, exhibitor space is filling up as this years show will prove to be one that you will not want to miss. I encourage participants to reserve your spots as early as possible to ensure your participation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Scott Mayer

PGA Professional

11/15/07
Tip of the day - Practice doesn't make perfect, it makes permanent Only perfect practice makes perfect permanence.

So this is the Portland golf expo blog by Scott Mayer. You can find out a little bit about me by going to this link - About Scott.

The 2008 Portland Golf Expo, will be one that you will not want to miss. As you may have heard, Scott Mayer - that's me - PGA Teaching Professional at Nonesuch River Golf Club, and Peter McFarland, Event Coordinator for the City of Portland and Chief Operating Officer of YNETV, have acquired the Portland Golf Expo from Blaine Davis, and with Blaine's help we intend on making the 2008 show the best ever.

It is our goal to help participants have the best 2008 season by bringing in new energies with more hands-on activities, competitions, prizes, raffles, giveaways, seminars, quality merchandise from major sales reps, and a 19th hole so you can relax and take in the sights.

The Maine Chapter PGA is on board, with hands-on PGA Professionals available for 10-minute lessons, professional club fitting and advice. P3Pro Swing, the indoor golf simulator, which was developed right here in Maine by Les Otten, will have a presence providing us with 4 simulators to help facilitate lessons, club sales, competitions and fun.

Peter and I are working on the logistics of a Golden Tee video game tournament, which will take place at the 19th hole throughout the two days of the Expo. With some great prizes available, this should create a new buzz, which should attract a new demographic of individuals to the Expo.

It is our goal to create the best show available, so we welcome all feedback from past and present Exhibitors and Consumers. Have you participated in the show in the past as an Exhibitor, and are interested in participating in 2008? Have you been to the show before as a consumer, and have a comment or two? Drop us a note or give us a call.

Peter and I can be reached by email at golf.management@hotmail.com, or you may call me at (207) 838-5731, or Peter at (207) 318-6746, or Blaine at (207) 899-9778. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing from you.

Check back for regular updates as we post comments and the progress of the March 8 & 9, 2008 Portland Golf Expo.

Sincerely,
Scott Mayer

PGA Professional