Mark Cramer fully understands what it takes to run a trade show that has staying power and continuity. After all, he and his wife Lynn have been operating the Denver Golf Expo — which was recently held for the 20th consecutive year — since July of 2000.
But after the Southern Colorado Golf Expo debuted in 2010, then didn’t return in 2011 or ’12 because of venue issues, Cramer knows that the show needs that staying power and continuity the Denver Golf Expo has demonstrated.
Establishing those characteristics begins this weekend.
The Southern Colorado Golf and Travel Expo will return Saturday and Sunday (March 23-24) after its two-year hiatus. The show will take place at the Freedom Financial Services Expo Center in Colorado Springs. The 55,000-square-foot facility is located at 3650 N. Nevada Ave.
“This show will grow, but we have to prove we’re going to be there” long-term, Cramer said. “We’re trying to do this thing the right way, and hopefully people will see we’re quality people and that we’re putting on a quality show and not going to skimp. We have to show them we’re there for the long haul, and we have to educate people about the opportunity.”
To that end, when Cramer agreed to a deal to bring back the Southern Colorado Golf Expo, he signed a three-year contract that will keep the show in place at the FFSEC through 2015.
The Southern Colorado show drew 3,032 people for its two-day run in 2010 — more than Cramer had expected — but things subsequently hit a major snag. In particular, the Phil Long Expo Center, site of the first Southern Colorado show, was sold and turned into a place of worship by The Springs Church in Colorado Springs. And Cramer couldn’t find a suitable alternate venue.
But he hopes that now that the Expo is at a stable site, it can gain some traction.
“I’m hoping for a little bit of a bump (attendance-wise) over what we got last time,” he said. “We’re hoping for good attendance for the exhibitors’ sake, and for the future of the show. Of course, you can wish all you want; you get what you get.”
In many respects, the Southern Colorado Golf Expo is a scaled-down version of the Denver show, which is held in February. Besides exhibitors providing deals on golf equipment, rounds and travel, there are individualized free 10-minute golf lessons, seminars about the game, an interactive Junior Golf Experience for youngsters, a club-demo area, and a used-club sale that benefits local junior developmental programs.
The CGA, CWGA, CJGA and Colorado PGA will have big roles, as they do at the Denver show.
The CGA/CWGA Used Club Sale, which netted a record amount ($17,500) at the Denver Golf Expo last month, will donate some money from this weekend’s sale to the Pikes Peak Linkers, which provide “affordable golf access and instruction for kids, individuals with disabilities, and others who are interested in learning the game, its traditions, rules and etiquette.”
The CGA and CWGA have some equipment left over from the Denver Golf Expo, and they’re collecting more for the Southern Colorado show this week. Cherokee Ridge Golf Course in Colorado Springs is accepting donated high-quality equipment on Wednesday (March 20), and additional equipment can be brought to the expo site on Friday afternoon.
As for the Junior Golf Experience, in addition to a fitness area, it will feature a “SNAG” golf course, which uses equipment designed for introducing kids to the game. SNAG, which stands for Starting New At Golf, is helpful when playing and practicing golf in restricted indoor spaces.
Local Colorado PGA members also will conduct free seminars and provide 10-minute individualized golf lessons to interested attendees.
“There will be a big emphasis on women and juniors” at the Expo by the Section, Colorado PGA executive director Eddie Ainsworth said.
The lineup for the seminars includes:
Saturday, 10-10:30 a.m. — Golf swing Q&A (Colorado PGA professional Gregg Jones).
Saturday, noon-12:30 p.m. — The role of coaching in golf (Colorado PGA professional Ty Thompson).
Saturday, 3-3:30 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m. — Building a swing that repeats for consistency, and the keys to lowering your scores (Colorado PGA professional Dave Arbuckle)
Sunday, 10-10:30 a.m. — How to maximize power in your golf swing (Colorado PGA professional Paul Surniak)
Sunday, noon-12:30 p.m. — How to lower your score without practice (Colorado Golf Hall of Famer and PGA professional Gene Miranda)
Sunday, 2-2:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. — Building a swing that repeats for consistency, and the keys to lowering your scores (Colorado PGA professional Dave Arbuckle).
World Golf and Lenny’s will be the “anchor” retailers at this weekend’s show. Cramer said he expects 45-50 exhibitors in all.
The hours for the Southern Colorado Golf Expo are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for those 50 and over, and military with I.D. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or at TicketsWest at participating King Soopers stores.
For more information about the show, CLICK HERE.
