An expected 35% increase in attendance suggests that this October’s ‘Business of Golf 2006: Profit from Golf’ Conference will be an essential diary item for many of the golf world’s key decision makers.
And with at least 18 key speakers confirmed so far, the three-day event – hosted by the Golf Consultants Association at Celtic Manor from 29-31 October 2006 – promises to be packed with good advice for anyone looking to increase profits in their golf business.
Over 125 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Conference, which will focus on the number one golf business topic of all – how to make a profit.
Other attractions include the chance for delegates to play the remodelled Ryder Cup golf course at Celtic Manor, the luxury 5-star facilities at the world-famous Welsh golf and leisure resort, and the exceptional line up of speakers and topics awaiting those who travel to the event later this year.
Speakers will include:
- Paul Heeney from Online Tee Times, who will show how online green fee booking has added to the profitability of many golf clubs in Ireland, and how it is set to change the green fees landscape on mainland UK;
- Alan Prickett from Ransomes Jacobsen, who will show how crucial it is to choose, and fund correctly, the right machinery for the task;
- Tom Sheehy from Cape Verde Development, who will talk about how the huge (£1.75bn) Cape Verde project recently announced (which will see Ernie Els Design create four new golf courses on the Cape Verde islands) is an example of how private investors can work alongside government;
- Mel Thomas from 360 Golf and Johan Koster from White Horse Construction, who will talk about intelligent and cost-effective golf course construction and master planning;
- Keith Haslam from PGA Golf Management, who will talk about the pros and cons of adding a ‘signature’ name to a golf course development;
- Roger Pride from Visit Wales, who will demonstrate how Wales is growing as a global golf destination in light of the 2010 Ryder Cup;
Plus Howard Swan from Swan Golf Designs, Toby Ingleton and Adam Lawrence from Golf Course Architecture, Ed Doling from The Indoor Golf Company, Russell Bragg from Premier Resorts, Ian Bulleid from Impetus Sports & Leisure, Norman Jackson and Gordon Miller from Sunningdale Corporate Finance, Stephen Proctor from Sports Marketing Surveys, Mike Shields from Welby Golf Advisory Services and Mark Smith from Smith Leisure will all also speak.
The current list of speakers and topics is available at www.businessofgolf2006.com.
After 2005’s inaugural Business of Golf Conference at St Andrews Bay was hailed a success by the 96 delegates from 21 countries that attended, GCA Chairman Mike Shields is confident that the second year will see standards raised still further.
“After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s event, our first thought was how on earth do we improve. But it was a nice problem to have, and with a fantastic world-class venue in Celtic Manor and some strong new ideas we believe the 2006 conference will be even better.
“The programme is different of course, and delegates who attended the 2005 event are encouraged to attend this year’s Conference – the content is all-new, and very focused on giving businesses advice on how to make a profit.
“But the basic nature of the event remains the same – a warm welcome, plenty of networking opportunities with your fellow delegates, some great presentations and generous allowance for Q&A sessions and debates within the conference agenda.
We thoroughly look forward to welcoming friends from all over the world this October. We are dedicated to making this a very productive, useful and enjoyable three days for all that attend.”
The Conference has once again received substantial backing from UK Trade & Investment and is also sponsored by other partners including the Wales Tourist Board, the Federation of Sports and Play Industries, Golf Course Architecture magazine, Golf Business News.com, Ransomes Jacobsen and Online Tee Times Limited.
Conference spokesman Andy Hiseman said, “We have added an extra half-day to the Conference this year, giving delegates even better value for money – which fits our ‘Profit From Golf’ overall theme.
“By tightly focusing on this key topic, we believe all delegates will be able to go back to their businesses with a clear action plan and a suite of ideas and strategies to grow their profits.
“The combination of world-class speakers and the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the Ryder Cup 2010 at Celtic Manor are powerful reasons for anyone interested in the business of golf to attend.”
Delegates who book early for the GCA “Business of Golf 2006 – Profit from Golf’ Conference will enjoy significant discounts on Conference fees. Full Delegate packages including 5-Star accommodation are £880 inc VAT if booked before 31 July 2006, saving over £100. Day delegates save even more, at £550 inc VAT per delegate if booked before the end of July – a saving of £180 per person.
Celtic Manor Resort is just 90 minutes from London with three championship golf courses.
See www.businessofgolf2006.com or call +44 (0)2476 414999 x207 for booking information.
Golf Consultants Association www.golfconsultants.org.uk