The Golf Show Group will launch its brand overseas in the near future after forming a new company to concentrate on emerging continental markets. The newly formed Golf Show Co International will focus initially on South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and China.
The announcement came just a fortnight before the launch of its new consumer golf show, The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham, which takes place from 16-18 November.
The Golf Show Group’s project director, Jay Tyson – who also organised the successful International Golf Travel Market in Sun City in 2001 – will lead the new company.
“It may be a clichà©,” he said, “but I really am delighted by this development. I know South Africa well and I’ve recently spent some time in China and the Middle East. I firmly believe there is huge potential for us. Separating the new company from the already successful domestic operation will give the new team the chance to really focus on these areas.”
The new company’s first appointment is already in place and operational. Aidan Revie, who was instrumental in the launch and development of GolfEx in Dubai, has set up an office in Cape Town and is already in discussions with several key players.
“This is a great time to be exploring the golf market in South Africa,” he explained. “It’s a wonderful country with so many opportunities. Following meetings at the forthcoming NedBank Golf Challenge I hope to be making some announcements about Golf Show Co International’s plans early in the New Year.”
Revie will also take charge of UAE operations, with Tyson more hands-on in China. Colin Brunton, chairman of the group, added, “Aidan’s the ideal man for this job. His work on GolfEx was excellent and I’m really happy he’s now part of our growing team.
“We discussed his involvement at meetings in Dubai where he’d flown from working with the Asian Tour, and two days later he was on a plane to Cape Town. I don’t expect our first shows to happen quite so fast, but I believe he will start things rolling very quickly. He will also act as representative in the region for the London Golf Show and other ventures associated with the group.”
Meanwhile, the domestic arm of the group, the Golf Show Co, is looking forward to its fourth UK-based show – making it one of the most successful golf event companies in the UK. The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham, opens its doors from 16-18 November at the Midlands’ premier exhibition venue.
Andy Barwell, managing director of the UK operation said, “The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham, has almost everything that our flagship event, the London Golf Show, has been offering since 2005.
“We realised the trip to London is too much for many living in the Midlands and the north, so we thought we’d bring the show to them. Many of our largest exhibitors from the London Golf Show are attending; we have made a few changes to the events, but the key elements are unchanged. We’re looking forward to welcoming everybody to what I’m sure will be a great golfing day out for all the family.”
The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham www.golfshownec.com