Registration has officially opened for the 2026 Golf Business Conference, with the Golf Course Association Europe (GCAE) unveiling the first details of a three-day programme designed to help golf facility owners, operators and managers improve the customer experience and drive commercial success.
Taking place from November 11-13 at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa in Portugal, this year’s conference will bring together golf industry professionals from across Europe under the theme, ‘Where Experience Becomes Business’.
The event will explore how leadership, hospitality, sustainability, customer experience and innovation can help golf facilities meet evolving consumer expectations while creating new revenue opportunities and building stronger, more resilient businesses.
Organisers have structured the programme as a connected journey, with each session building on the previous one to provide delegates with practical ideas that can be implemented at their own clubs. Alongside keynote presentations, attendees will benefit from case studies, expert insights and networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.
Among the first confirmed speakers is Nuno Sepulveda, Co-Chief Executive Officer at DETAILS, who will discuss the development of one of Europe’s leading new golf destinations. Customer experience specialist Stephanie Holland will share strategies for creating memorable guest experiences that encourage loyalty and repeat business, while Tony Adams will examine how food and beverage operations can become a significant commercial asset for golf facilities rather than simply a supporting service. Melanie Arendorf, the general manager at Hørsholm Golf in Denmark, will also outline how environmental responsibility can be successfully integrated into day-to-day golf business operations.
Beyond the conference sessions, organisers are highlighting the value of informal networking, with delegates encouraged to stay at the official conference hotel, where many of the industry’s most valuable conversations are expected to take place over breakfast, dinner and evening social events.
The Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa will serve as the event headquarters, with specially negotiated room rates starting from €125 per night, including breakfast. The discounted rate is available for stays between November 6-16, subject to availability and a minimum three-night stay.
With November being one of the Algarve’s busiest periods for golf tourism, organisers are urging delegates to register and secure accommodation as early as possible, as both conference places and hotel rooms are expected to fill quickly.
Additional speakers, workshops and programme details will be announced in the coming weeks as preparations continue for one of Europe’s leading educational and networking events for golf business professionals.
To register for the 2026 GCAE Golf Business Conference, click here.