The mood of buoyant optimism among exhibitors and visitors alike that prevailed at Golf Europe 2009 in Munich strongly suggests that the industry can look forward to better times in the year ahead.
All the ‘feedback’ messages were similar…that the move back to the smaller more compact M,O,C was a popular one, business was brisk, order books busy, and optimism high for the future as reports suggest that the world recession is easing.
Although attendance figures were inevitably down there were still nearly 4,000 visitors from 48 countries compared to 4,617 from 52 countries in 2008, and the global spread was such that no other European-based golf trade show can compare with it.
As Manfred Wutzlhofer, Messe München chairman put it: “We are currently experiencing difficult economic times …and everyone involved in the show was aware of this. Therefore our expectations were scaled back but participants were positively surprised by the successful event.”
Upbeat comments from some of the leading players confirming this view included:-
- Eduard Eckrodt (Mizuno): “The show was incredibly successful for us and the working atmosphere was ideal.”
- Arne Verbarg (TaylorMade): “This event is the starting point for our hardware pre-order cycle. I am really happy that it came back to the M,O,C.”
- Timo Regier (Callaway): “The atmosphere among retailers is definitely a lot better than it was earlier. Nobody is complaining any longer. People want to focus on a more positive outlook for the future.”
Other headlines in the October 2009 edition of The PGAs of Europe E-Newsletter are:
- Forthright Views in Seminar Programme
- Progress Report – PGA of Norway
- Golf Roots Stages UK’s Biggest Project for Kids
- Design Competition: The Winning Entry
- Ryder Cup, Wales 2010 – Ticket Application Process for PGA Members
- First Tutor Training course: BOOK NOW
- Charles Mickle: Advanced Fellow of The PGA
- Glenmuir: Growing Brand in Scandinavia
- Golf Pride’s Grip on 33 out of 40 Majors
To view ‘Working Together’ Issue 37 please click on the link below
http://www.pgae.com/e_newsletter.php?tab=4
and select ‘Latest Issue – October 2009’.