GOLF EUROPE, held from 26 to 28 September 2010, once again validated its role as the leading European golf trade show. An estimate of more than 3,600 international visitors (2009: 3,963) from 45 countries came to the three-day event to find out about the latest golf trends.
Despite this slight decline in visitor numbers compared to the prior year, the atmosphere at the show was extremely positive. Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the high quality of the visitors; according to their statements 93 percent were decision makers; as well as the high degree of interest in the innovations for the next golf season expressed by the trade show visitors. 32 percent of the visitors rated GOLF EUROPE 2010 ‘very good to excellent’, close to 49 percent rated the event as ‘good’.
The positive impression is further emphasized by a high degree of willingness to recommend the event to others – 91 percent – as well as by plans to return to next year’s trade show – 94 percent.
In terms of international character GOLF EUROPE remains stable with a ratio of foreign participants of more than 50 percent (2009: 54 percent). In addition to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, as well as the Czech Republic are among the countries with the highest visitor contingents.
Trade show visitors viewed displays by 206 exhibitors from 25 countries on 14.300 sq.m. of exhibit space, closely resembling the statistics from 2009 (220 exhibitors/26 countries). Despite the absence of a number of industry greats 47 percent of the trade show visitors rated GOLF EUROPE 2010 as good to excellent in terms of top brand presence.
The GOLF EUROPE side event program, consisting mainly of a seminar program provided by the PGAs of Europe, was rated good to excellent by close to 78 percent of visitors. 70 percent stated that their purpose of expanding their know-how or receiving additional training was well or extremely well met.
Klaus Dittrich, Chairman of the Management of Messe München GmbH: Overall, GOLF EUROPE remains stable. The market’s recovery is evident, 52 percent of visitors questioned believe in a future improvement of the overall economic situation. Positive meetings at our trade event provide us with confidence that we will be able to implement another strong GOLF EUROPE in 2011.
What Exhibitors Said
Timo Regier, Commercial Director Continental Europe Callaway Golf: “Golf Europe 2010 once again excelled thanks to high-quality customers as well as a high visitor frequency. The market atmosphere is very positive, and even higher priced products were well received.”
Leslie Hepsworth, Srixon Sports Europe Ltd: “We received excellent feedback. Many customers came to see us and we were busy all the time. To date, for us, this was the most successful show in Munich.”
Eduard Eckrodt, Golf Division Manager Mizuno: “Golf Europe 2010 was extremely positive for us. We noted a very good atmosphere and extremely high visitor frequency. This year, our customers were all very proactive in their approach.”
Daniel Schaffo, Marketing and Sales Member of the Board of Management LK International: “This was our first time at Golf Europe and we had very interesting meetings. Golf Europe is a great podium for newcomers.”
Andrew Jones, General Manager Glenbrae: “Golf Europe was our first trade show in Germany, and it was a fantastic experience in a high-quality, Pan-European environment. A great success!”
Oliver Churcher, Marketing Manager Motocaddy: “Golf Europe 2010 was very successful for us. It was the perfect opportunity to meet the press, distributors, and key accounts; and to introduce the new products for the coming year.”
Chris Thundaw, Sales Director Sunice: “Participating in Golf Europe was definitely worth it. The degree of interest from international visitors was very high, and we were able to find potential distribution partners for 25 countries.”
GOLF EUROPE 2011 will be held on 28 to 30 August.
GOLF EUROPE www.golf-europe.com/en/home