The only major conference in Europe devoted to Golf Club Management will take place at Barcelo Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicestershire 14-16 November.
With over 30 expert and influential speakers challenging and motivating the delegates at the Golf Club Managers Association Conference, the theme of ‘changing times’ continues to be relevant today.
The Conference will be opened by the General Manager of The Beach Club, Santa Monica, USA, Gregg Patterson, whose enthusiasm and drive will motivate us all. He launches our conference will an international feel bringing us ‘Modern Club Management –USA style!’ Those taking part in the Sunday Bike Ride will know Gregg well.
Daryl Sellar from Turfwise Consulting, Australia, continues the international theme with his topical session entitled ‘Water Management – managing with less’. Later Gregg Patterson will conclude the day with a challenging hour on ‘Changing the Perception’. Start the day on Tuesday with our colleagues from Europe bringing the latest trends, and end it with our Welsh contingent reviewing the ‘Effect of Ryder Cup Wales – one year on’.
Throughout the varied workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday, take the time to review how technology can work for you, starting with an insight into website search optimisation followed by marketing through Tee-time booking.
Our management theme looks at three case studies on Sharing Good Practice at three contrasting golf clubs. Linked with these are the customer service options to give a fresh approach and the essentials for increased members’ and customers’ satisfaction – vital tools in these changing times. Value for money and successful financial management are core aims, no matter whether the golf club is owned by the members, a proprietor or a company.
Attend a personal development session to advance your own skills, benefit your golf club and your staff. Take the opportunity to complete a three-hour Child Protection course to be compliant in this area of management.
Further presentations on the theme of the golf course, a club’s most valuable asset, covering developments in irrigation techniques and water management, and environmental issues including energy. Practical solutions to the many challenges of preparing and maintaining the high standard on a course will be suggested by experts.
Underpinning all are the Rules of golf. David Rickman, from The R&A, will not only focus on the importance and practicality of the rules but will bring an update prior to the publication of the new Rules being introduced or amended early in 2012. Earlier in a workshop session on Wednesday and for those of us who administer handicaps, James Crampton, from the EGU, will reveal the changes due with the planned 2012 CONGU publication. Be ahead with these two exclusive sessions for the GCMA.
The closing Keynote speaker is the international presenter and hugely successful business man, Philip Hesketh, the Guitar Man. Having spent his working life studying and practicing influence and persuasion, he now speaks on ‘The Psychology of Persuasion and Influence’. He both commands the attention of an audience and captures its imagination.
Don’t forget there’s the networking between attendees. One of those great times of relaxation and networking is at the Conference Dinner where we will be entertained by John Parrott MBE, snooker legend (World Professional Snooker Champion 1991), broadcaster and after-dinner speaker.
All this and more
An Exhibition of over 30 stands will be the back-drop of all refreshment breaks. After the success at the 2009 Conference there will be a reception in the Exhibition Hall prior to dinner on the Monday evening. Take a fresh look at the services and products on offer and have ample time to discuss in detail with the providers over the three days of Conference.
GCMA www.gcma.org.uk/