Start-Ups and innovators may apply at Golf2019.HYPESportsInnovation.com/competition
NORWALK, Conn. (Dec. 5, 2018) — The inaugural Global Golf Innovation Competition, a new “Shark Tank”-style of competition for golf start-ups, was announced today for the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show, in Orlando, Fla.
HYPE Sports Innovation, an established global platform which facilitates connections and investments among the sports innovation ecosystem, will host the competition in cooperation with PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions to showcase up-and-coming innovators and cutting-edge technology in golf on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 22, at the Orange County Convention Center.
Competition entries are currently being accepted through the HYPE Sports Innovation membership network. Registration to become an applicant opens today for innovators and start-ups from the golf industry at Golf2019.HYPESportsInnovation.com/competition. The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2018.
HYPE CEO, Dr. Ilan Hadar said, “We’re honored to host our inaugural Global Golf Innovation Competition at such a pivotal golf industry event. We anticipate receiving applications from some of the most promising golf start-ups from around the world, with the potential to shape the future of golf.”
Ten start-up teams will be selected from an application pool of more than 200 teams to pitch their companies and products to a panel of industry experts which includes current and former sports industry executives. The ten start-up finalists presenting at the competition will receive:
- A feature in the HYPE Sports Innovation Magazine, PGA Merchandise Show edition;
- A one-on-one meeting with the panel of judges;
- Dedicated promotional video shared on HYPE’s social media channels;
- Global media and influencer exposure through HYPE’s network of 40k members;
- A special presence in the New Product Zone exhibit area of the PGA Show Floor, Jan. 23-25; and
- Interaction with golf industry influencers and leading mentors in the field of sports innovation during a special event cocktail reception.
About the PGA Merchandise Show
The 66th PGA Merchandise Show, held Jan. 22-25, 2019, in Orlando, will welcome some 1,000 top golf companies and brands and more than 40,000 industry professionals from around the world to the industry’s annual global summit for the business of golf. The PGA Show Demo Day, the world’s largest professional golf testing event, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Orange County National Golf Center. During PGA Show days, Jan. 23-25, at the Orange County Convention Center, PGA Professionals, retailers and industry leaders will uncover the latest trends, source the newest golf merchandise, test the latest equipment, learn proven business best practices, network among peers and move forward the business of the game. The PGA Merchandise Show, “the MAJOR of Golf Business,” is a trade-only event, not open to the public.
Learn more at PGAShow.com and engage with us at: 
About HYPE Sports Innovation
HYPE Sports Innovation is the largest, global ecosystem in sports innovation. With over 40,000 members, including retail brands, athletic clubs, federations and academia, and over 10,000 startups, HYPE converts sports and innovation into business success.
HYPE nurtures winning ideas and connects them with global sports partners and investors. Our unique scouting approach together with customized services and strong relationships with the sports innovation ecosystem, enable us to help sports start-ups to scale up and to the sports brands, leagues and teams to stay ahead of the curve and move from traditional sports experiences to the new era of sports and innovation. The HYPE ecosystem includes leading sports brands, investors and associations from UEFA, Adidas, Spalding, Silicon Valley Bank, Asics, Google and many more. The company’s vision is to impact people’s lives through the power of sports and innovation. Visit HYPE Sports Innovation: www.hypesportsinnovation.com
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Media Contacts:
HYPE Sports Innovation/PR and Marketing: Michelle Handelman, michelle@hypesportsinnovation.com
PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions/Media: Sherry Major, (716) 662-3855, smajor@reedexpo.com
