The National Pickleball Expo is a multi-city expo in many different cities every years. George Domaceti is the President of the Expo and a innovative event manager. He shares some expertise about events and insights to making your club ready for the future of pickleball.
Pickleball Club Mag: Can you tell me about the mission of World Pickleball Group and the National Pickleball Expos?
George Domaceti: The mission of promoting and growing the sport of pickleball, connecting and inspiring players and fans of all ages and backgrounds, as well as those who have never picked up a paddle, and showcasing the best talent and innovation in the pickleball community.
PCM: How did you get your start in the pickleball industry?
GD: I’ve been in the event industry for over 25 years and produced the first-ever Internet Expo in 1995, right around the time the Internet began is explosive growth. I saw pickleball as having experience similar growth and thought it was time to give the industry its first expo.
PCM: What value would a pickleball club owner/operator get from going to your events?
GD: Find New products and innovations as well as promoting their club.
PCM: What kinds of companies are exhibiting at your events?
GD: Anyone in the Pickleball Industry whether Endemic or Non-endemic. This includes Equipment manufacturers, Footwear and Apparal Companies as well as Accessories.
PCM: In your opinion, what does the future of pickleball look like?
GD: There are different segments of the growth of pickleball. Those who watch, those who play or will play, those who are pro players, and those making a living in the industry. I can only comment on the Players and those who are making a living in the industry. The growth will continue for players, both amateur and pro. This of course means that the industry will experience phenominal growth as well.
PCM: What advice would you give to an up and coming pickleball club owner?
GD: Keep it innovative and fun. Not just a facility with courts. Organized open play in my opinion creates more social opportunities and I would like to see more of that in clubs. Provide a place for people to connect off the court after play is over, and it wouldn’t hurt to offer food and drink.
PCM: When and where are your upcoming events?
GD: 2023/2024 Cities:
Atlantic City Open, NJ 9/20 – 9/23, 2023
West Palm Beach 12/09 – 12/10, 2023
The Masters – Boca Raton 1/17 – 1/21, 2024
Fort Lauderdale 2/1 – 2/4, 2024
Delray Beach Open 3/20 – 3/24, 2024
Las Vegas NV 6/6-6/9, 2024 Las Vegas Convention Center
PCM: What kinds of things should an attendee expect to see at your events?
GD:
· Demo Paddles, Gloves & Grips
· Activewear & Apparel
· Training Aids & Nets
· Court Shoes & Accessories
· Bags & Backpacks
· Onsite Instruction & Demonstrations
· Pickleball Clubs & Courts
· Vacations & Tournaments
· Upcoming Pickleball Restaurants
· Court Builders & Resurfacing
· Kids Zone & Family Activities
· Fitness & Pickleball
· Pickleball Gifts
For the Beginner or the Just Curious
· Get free lessons at the show from experts.
· Experience first hand why its so easy to get started with just one lesson.
· Try-out different paddles, and equipment.
· Attend the 1st Annual Holiday Pickle “Ball” to benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
· Learn to serve the ball in our Serve Practice Zone.
· See and try the latest Pickleball Activewear.
· Find-out where there are courts nearest you and how to use a court.
· Learn the difference between Doubles and Singles play.
· See why new home builders are installing 8 Pickleball courts to every 1 Tennis Court.
· Learn about Pickleball Restaurants and Resorts as well as Pickleball Clubs and Communities.
· Find everything you need to know in one place and have a great time.
· Kid’s Zone – Pickleball for the Kids, bring the Family
For the Active Player
· Get free Intermediate & Pro training from Pro’s.
· Participate in the 2022 Pickleball for a Cure, Onsite Tournament to benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation..
· Attend the 1st Annual Holiday Pickle ‘Ball’.
· Demo different paddles, speak to the experts.
· Attend Educational Seminars.
· Get all the Rule Updates for 2022 & 2023
· See and try the latest Pickleball Activewear.
· Find-out where there are courts now with future courts under construction.
· See the New Pickleball Residential Communities.
· Visit with professional Pickleball installation companies.
· Learn about Pickleball Restaurants and Resorts as well as Pickleball Clubs and Communities.
· Find everything you need to know in one place and have a great time. Bring the Family!
