KPMG has confirmed that Colin Montgomerie will be the star name among a stellar line-up of speakers invited to the eighth annual Golf Business Forum.
The two-and-a-half day conference – firmly established as the leading golf industry event for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMA) as well as the emerging markets – will revolve around a dynamic agenda and be hosted by CNN’s Don Riddell. It is to be staged at the exclusive Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE, from April 17-19, 2011.
Colin Montgomerie, captain of the triumphant European team in the 2010 Ryder Cup and holder of a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles, is well respected within the golf business community, and has a number of off-course interests, such as designing the championship course at the sumptuous Montgomerie Dubai facility.
Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s specialist Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “Colin Montgomerie is not only a world-class golfer but a frequent and articulate speaker on golf industry issues. We feel sure his knowledge will add an extra dimension to the forum and his insights into how he motivated the Ryder Cupteam to success will provide valuable lessons our delegates can replicate in their own businesses.”
The conference will also feature keynote presentations from guest speakers Graeme Maxton, world-renowned economist and author, and George O’Grady, European Tour Chief Executive.
Mr Maxton, critically acclaimed author of the upcoming book The End of Progress: How Modern Economics Has Failed Us, will offer thought leadership on the state of the global economy in relation to travel, leisure, tourism and property.
Mr O’Grady, head of the European Tour that has enjoyed a long and strategically important relationship with the Middle East, will speak about the vital role played by Dubai, the UAE and the wider region in the golf industry. Don Riddell will also interview him live on-stage.
The Forum’s annual ‘think tank’ will this year tackle the state of the industry in the company of the golf business’s most influential CEOs. Chaired by Don Riddell, the big hitters will wade in on topics thrown up by the economic crisis and geopolitical issues to assess the route map for the golf development business.
The event is expected to generate much lively debate on various topical issues, and this year those welcomed along include a host of influential investors, developers, tour operators and leading industry professionals.
Among the powerful line-up of speakers are: Dr. David Chu of Mission Hills, China (founder of the world’s largest golf development and recipient of the Golf Business Forum Lifetime Achievement Award); Carlos Cortês of Herdade Da Comporta, Portugal (the €1 billion Portuguese development bidding for the 2018 Ryder Cup); Mustafa al Hashimi of Dubai Golf (developers of the iconic Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club), Guy Kinnings (Director of IMG Golf, EMEA) and Niall Flanagan, formerly of Loch Lomond Golf Club, Scotland (the private club and former Barclays Scottish Open venue acquired by its members in late 2010).
Highlights of the agenda include:
- Golf in the Gulf: Investigating the likelihood of an upswing in fortunes in Gulf golf development, despite the excellent market performance of the region’s existing high-end clubs.
- Secret Emerging Markets: Are the burgeoning BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China primed to make it big in golf?
- Future Shock: Where is the golf development business headed – and what trends are emerging from the global ‘credit crunch’?
- New Development Landscape: Leading developers reveal their strategies for standing out from the crowd. And will today’s business model work tomorrow?
- Death of the Private Club: Is golf’s most long established business model still fit for purpose? New thinking is needed with the Middle East falling under the spotlight.
The Forum features a series of networking opportunities, including two golf days, a cocktail reception and gala dinner.
Anticipating the event, Don Riddell said: “I am looking forward to being part of the KPMG Golf Business Forum in Dubai. I will be presiding over various sessions with some of the golf’s industry key players – with live on-stage and panel debates sure to throw up an array of diverse views, it promises to be another tremendous event.”
Andrea Sartori commented: “Members of the golf industry are constantly investigating new and innovative methods to combat the effects of the ongoing economic downturn and grow their businesses.
“With the face of the global golf market set to change as a result, this year’s Golf Business Forum has, more than ever, become a must-attend event. Some of the biggest business deals in golf have been struck at the Golf Business Forum and I have no doubt that this will be another exciting year.”
Golf Business Forum www.golfbusinessforum.com