The Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA) 2017 Conference will take place at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge from Sunday 12 to Tuesday 14 November 2017, with a programme that promises to educate, inform and inspire golf club managers, volunteers and industry professionals from across the UK and Europe.
After the sellout success of the 2015 Conference at St George’s Park, this biennial event offers invaluable networking opportunities alongside a programme of inspirational keynote speakers, and industry specific breakout sessions looking at best practice from across the golf club management industry.
97% of delegates who attended the 2015 edition would recommend the conference, which anyone can attend, to a colleague.
The main conference programme will again take place over two days, with the option to arrive on Sunday and enjoy exhilarating driving experiences, explore Mercedes-Benz World, visit Brooklands museum, and take part in a F1 simulator fastest lap competition.
BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter will open the conference on Sunday evening, discussing his views on the golf industry, and telling some tales from the tours, alongside Paul Armitage, who’ll give an insight into the preparations for the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Monday’s programme will be kicked off by Linda Moir – whose previous roles include leader of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers and Virgin Atlantic’s Director of In Flight Services – discussing how to drive a memorable customer experience.
Rooney Carruthers – award winning creator of iconic and memorable advertising campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Compare the Meerkat and ‘The future’s bright, the future’s Orange’ – will share his marketing expertise. A keen golfer, Rooney has also delivered innovative campaigns for the European Tour.
Throughout the conference a number of industry leaders will discuss their visions for the future, including chief executive of The R&A Martin Slumbers, Nick Pink (England Golf), Rob Maxfield (PGA) and David Rickman (The R&A), who will discuss the ongoing developments of the Rules of Golf.
The presenters in a varied programme of breakout sessions include Andrew Minty (Langland Bay GC), Sue Tumelty (The HR Dept), Paul Williams (Topgolf) and Nick Solksi (Boomers and Swingers), Alastair Higgs (Rain Bird) and Jim Croxton (BIGGA).
Bob Williams, GCMA Chief Executive, said: “We have put together a strong, balanced programme. There’s a great mix of best practice guidance, industry updates, and inspirational speakers. Several of our keynotes will be looking at continuing to move golf club management forward in terms of both customer service and marketing – two key areas, and coupled with the likes of The R&A’s Martin Slumbers and David Rickman, who are involved in the governance of the game at the highest level, and several current GCMA members delivering case studies, it’s a comprehensive, but varied schedule.
As ever, we’ve built a number of networking opportunities into the schedule, so that delegates can discuss the programme, share ideas, expand their networks and catch up with friends and colleagues.”
As always there will be numerous networking opportunities with fellow delegates and representatives from industry suppliers who will exhibit throughout the conference.
The 2017 GCMA Golf Club Management Awards – Manager of the Year sponsored by intelligentgolf, Team of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year sponsored by Colt Mackenzie McNair – will also be announced on Monday evening.
Places are limited – the 2015 Conference sold out, so to ensure attendance and to take advantage of the special Early Bird rate just fill in the booking form on the GCMA website.
Prices start from just £260 (+VAT) for a conference package, or £150+VAT for a day delegate rate, and a special early bird rate is available until 14 August 2017.
To book your place, or for more information, visit the Conference page on the GCMA website, call 01275 391153 or email hq@gcma.org.uk