The Hawaii Golf Industry Conference features a business forum for industry stakeholders to gather together to discuss and identify the major issues and challenges in the golf industry.

Attendees to the conference include major stakeholders from Hawaii’s golf industry along with leaders from partnering market segments that are either directly or indirectly impacted by the golf industry. These include, but are not limited to hotel and hospitality, visitor and tourism, real estate, resort development, transportation, public relations, and advertising industries. Amateur members of the HSGA, HSWGA, and the general golfing public are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

A number of prominent industry professionals are invited to speak and share national and global trends that are impacting the game of golf. Further, the mission of the conference is to develop collaborative solutions and action plans utilizing collective industry resources to both sustain and grow the game and industry. The conference’s beneficiary is the Aloha Section PGA Foundation, a charitable 501 (c) (3) foundation.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Seth Waugh

Seth Waugh, a former Deutsche Bank Americas CEO, was named Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America in 2018. Waugh guides the business and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals into an exciting new era.

Previously an Independent Director on the PGA of America Board of Directors, Waugh is completed a three-year term of service, during which the Association focused on a long-term strategic plan to serve the PGA Member and grow the game. Since 2017, Waugh has served as a Senior Advisor and then a Managing Director at Silver Lake, a global leader in technology investing. He will continue on as a Senior Advisor to the firm. In 2016, he was also appointed Non-Executive Chairman‎ of Alex. Brown, following the sale of Deutsche Bank’s Private Client Services division to Raymond James. Waugh also served in the management of Florida East Coast Industries in 2014.

Jason Straka

An industry leader in environmental golf course design, Jason Straka blends his formal education, rigorous professional training and considerable design experience to produce a tradition of excellence. Skillfully merging his professional training in the many facets of golf course design with his extensive hands-on design experience, he has shaped his specialty: integrating a golf course both functionally and aesthetically into its surrounding environment.

John Monahan

John Monahan was named president and CEO by the Board of Directors of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) on October 23, 2003. He is responsible for overseeing HVCB’s marketing of leisure travel in North America, along with sales of corporate meetings and incentives in key markets globally. Monahan is a senior member of Hawai‘i’s business community. He is well respected for his innovation and leadership and brings extensive experience as a chief executive to HVCB’s organization and programs. He has a strong background in retail and marketing and has worked closely with Hawai‘i’s tourism industry. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawai‘i’s leading paid visitor attraction and is a Trustee for the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i. Prior to joining HVCB, Monahan operated a management consulting firm, JMN Associates, advising companies on matters involving retail, real estate and restructuring of operations. His clients included hotels, retailers, and developers. Monahan also served as Bankruptcy Trustee for Hawaiian Airlines in June of 2004. Before that he served as a senior executive for 11 years at Liberty House, Hawai‘i’s largest retail department store, most recently as president and CEO from 1997 to 2001. He is widely credited with successfully guiding the company through a three year Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization that ended in March 2001. Under his leadership, Liberty House refocused on its core strengths and re-established its tradition of excellence with merchandise and customer service in Hawai‘i. He left Liberty House after engineering its sale in mid-2001 to Federated Department Stores, Inc., which converted the store chain into Macy’s.

Kumu Ramsey Taum

Recognized locally, nationally and internationally for transformational leadership in sustainability, cultural, and place based values integration into contemporary business models. Advocates team building, strategic partnerships, community brilliance and creative thinking. He graduated from The Kamehameha Schools, attended the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and earned a B.S. degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. His eclectic background and experience in business, government and community service makes him a valuable asset in the public and private sectors and has been instrumental in for-profit and non-profit business.

A recognized cultural resource, sought after keynote speaker, lecturer, trainer and facilitator. Is especially effective working with Hawai‘i’s travel, leisure and retail industry where he integrates Native Hawaiian cultural values and principles into contemporary business.

Mentored & trained by respected kūpuna (elders), he is a practitioner & instructor of several Native Hawaiian practices: hoʻoponopono (stress release and mediation), lomi haha (body alignment) and Kaihewalu Lua (Hawaiian combat/battle art).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7:30AM - 8:00 AM | DEW SWEEPER NETWORKING

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM - 8:20 AM | OPENING REMARKS

Greg Nichols, PGA - Hawaii Golf Industry Conference, Chair

Moderator: Howard Dashefsky - News Anchor, KHON TV

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | THE WAY OF ALOHA “FAIRWAY TO SUCCESS”

Kumu Ramsey Taum - LEI of the Pacific

9:20 AM - 9:50 AM | ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT

Wesley Wailehua - PGA of America - Aloha Section, Executive Director / C.E.O.

9:55 AM - 10:15 AM | HAWAII’S AVID TRAVELER

John Monahan - Hawaii Visitor & Convention Bureau, C.E.O.

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | MAKING THE TURN (BREAK)

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | THE TRAVELING GAME

Brian Folino - PGA Magazine, President

Kevin Heaney - Southern California Golf Association, Executive Director

Troy Andrew - Pacific Northwest Golf Association, Executive Director

Shawn Cox, PGA - Grand Del Mar Golf Club, Director of Golf

David Engram, PGA - Mirabell Golf Club, Director of Golf

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | NETWORKING LUNCH

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | THE SHAPE OF SUCCESS

Jason Straka - Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, Principal

1:20 PM– 2:00 PM | THE GAME

Seth Waugh - PGA of America, Chief Executive Officer

2:00 PM– 2:15 PM | A HUI HOU

FAQs

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions and concerns, please contact Wes Wailehua (wwailehua@pgahq.com) or the Aloha Section Office (808-593-2230).

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Complimentary parking will be available on the day of the conference. Attendees may either self park or valet. The conference will be held in the Maile Ballroom of the Kahala Hotel.

What's the refund policy?

If for some reason you are not able to attend the conference, we will process refunds seven (7) days prior to the event. Cancellations within seven (7) days of the event will not be accepted.

What is the dress code for the conference?

Dress code is Aloha Business (Aloha shirt, slacks, etc. NO jeans, shorts, slippers)

How do I receive my tickets?

Tickets will be emailed to your provided email address once you complete the online registration. Please be sure to bring a printed copy of your ticket on the day of the conference.

I am interested in a corporate sponsorship of the conference, who can I contact?

More information on corporate sponsorships are available online at aspga.com or please contact Wesley Wailehua (wwailehua@pgahq.com) or by phone (808) 593-2230.