Written by Justine Gray
The 2025 AGM Retail Conference is fast approaching, and we’re excited to announce our closing keynote speaker, Ben Lorenzen.
Ben serves as the Creative Director at Champions Run in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has established himself as an industry leader through his innovative and imaginative club concepts. As a prominent national speaker, Ben covers topics such as member engagement, technology, marketing, and creativity. His transformative approach has redefined the way clubs interact with their members, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the private club space.
In addition to his role at Champions Run, Ben is celebrated for pushing creative boundaries and infusing a sense of joy, passion, and boldness into club experiences. His keynote, “All Grown-Ups Are Pirates,” will invite attendees on a journey to rekindle personal growth, rediscover passions, and embrace the power of fun in both their professional and personal lives.
This keynote is an invitation to embark on an exciting journey of personal growth and rediscovery. In a world dominated by adult responsibilities and obligations, this session challenges attendees to reconnect with the dreams and passions that once ignited their imaginations. Growing up, we were all asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”—but the complexities of adulthood often overshadow those youthful aspirations. Ben’s session offers a refreshing perspective, encouraging attendees to adopt the daring spirit of pirates as they uncover and pursue their true passions.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Ben and hear a preview of the insights he’ll be sharing at the conference:
Q: Your session is titled “All Grown-Ups Are Pirates.” What inspired you to explore the idea of rediscovering fun and passion in adulthood?
A: “I’ve always been captivated by the story of Peter Pan, particularly the movie Hook, which portrays the journey of rediscovering one’s inner child. As we transition from childhood to adulthood, many of us seem to lose touch with the joy, creativity, and carefree fun that once came naturally. What inspired me to focus on this idea is seeing how the grind of everyday life often drains that sense of passion from people—my friends, colleagues, and even myself at times. We get so caught up in responsibilities and the pursuit of success that we forget to make room for play and creativity. I want to challenge people to reconnect with that part of themselves. Rediscovering fun in our adult lives is not just about leisure; it’s about reinvigorating our work, relationships, and sense of purpose. My goal is to help people, especially professionals, bring that spark of passion and fun back into their daily routines.”
Q: For those in the golf retail world, how do you think embracing this mindset can positively impact their work?
A: “We spend an enormous portion of our lives at work, so it’s crucial that we find joy and fulfillment in what we do. In the golf retail world, adopting this mindset can revolutionize the way we approach our jobs. When you’re genuinely having fun, that enthusiasm becomes contagious—it enhances your interactions with members, creates a more positive atmosphere, and encourages engagement. People can sense when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, and that translates directly into their experience. For golf retail professionals, this can mean more than just an uptick in sales. It’s about building stronger relationships with members, fostering loyalty, and creating a memorable experience that goes beyond just buying a product. When people enjoy their time in your shop or at your event, they’re more likely to return and recommend it to others. Ultimately, embracing fun leads to a better member experience and, in turn, boosts revenue and member satisfaction.”
The 2025 AGM Retail Conference will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL – a day of education, networking and retail excellence. Don’t miss out – purchase tickets today to take advantage of early bird pricing available until November 15, 2024.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Ben Lorenzen’s dynamic and inspiring keynote. Prepare to be energized, challenged, and inspired as Ben guides us on a journey of passion, creativity, and growth. We can’t wait to see you there!
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