For the first time since its inception four years ago, American Golf's Women in Golf Day gave meeting professionals special incentives to participate.
"We've gotten to know the meetings market, and saw an opportunity to take the lead training female meeting managers and hospitality executives about the game of golf," says Gretchen Kihm, director of business development for American Golf, the world's largest golf course management company.
Throughout the week of May 14 and culminating with WIG Day on May 20, roughly 22,000 women participated in clinics, golf etiquette classes, putting contests, and other special events at 250 courses across the country.
"In our industry, we know the power of golf in building relationships and gaining exposure for our company," says Lee Kraycik, Annapolis, Md.-based strategic partnership manager for American Golf, who says WIG Day programs for the meeting industry will be expanded.