Reed Exhibition Companies (REC) have announced plans to stage a major European business-to-business golf trade event. The Première Golf Congress is planned for Costa del Sol, Spain and will run from 14th to 17th November 2000. The event will be run from REC’s Global Golf Group in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA and will be managed by Robert Fairbairn. Reed Exhibition Companies works in partnership with The PGA of America in organising the PGA Merchandise Show and the PGA International Golf Show held in the United States.
Première Golf Congress will include on-course product launches; educational and workshop sessions for professionals and buyers; conference and presentation facilities for golf companies; an exhibition of golf products and services; meeting facilities for buying groups, retail chains and national PGA bodies; and facilities for company sales and distributor meetings. There will also be a series of golf tournaments for professionals, retailers, buyers and suppliers.
The event is designed to stimulate the golf business and foster relations among international golf industry organisations. Première Golf Congress will also incorporate a VIP visitor program focused on key European club professionals and retail buyers.
“Our goal with Première Golf Congress 2000 is to service the pan-European golf industry similar to the successful PGA Golf Exhibitions staged in the United States,” said REC Senior Vice President Tony Calanca. “Our plans are to develop a business forum unique to this region by providing a wide array of programs that meet the varying needs of the pan-European golf industry.”
The site of Costa del Sol was chosen for this new event due to its familiarity among the European Golf community as well because it is easily and economically accessible from most of the continent. The mild weather in the region makes it a popular destination with golf professionals and Première Golf Congress 2000 will follow the American Express World Championship at Valderrama Golf Club.