Delegates to BIGGA’s Harrogate Week have over 60 different Seminars and Workshops to choose from that make up the ‘Continue to Learn’ programme. What Greenkeepers and Course Managers want and need is at the core of all the educational topics covered.
The programme comprises a Conference; 1, 2 and 3 day Workshops; and Seminars presented by a combination of Course Managers, industry specialists and companies exhibiting at the BTME exhibition. Many of the presentations are free and don’t need to be booked in advance. Those that do are normally oversubscribed so early booking is essential. The full list, and prices, can be found on www.harrogateweek.org.uk/education .
This year’s programme has been formulated using a combination of delegate feedback from last year, whilst retaining some of the favourites from other years. This has been supplemented with ideas from BIGGA Members along with the introduction of new subjects that are relevant to the industry.
The education programme has no overall theme; the aim is to offer as much variety as possible to appeal to the widest possible audience, but everything in the programme is relevant to the industry, including topics related to new legislation.
All aspects of maintaining the playing surface is covered; and Personal Development advice rubs shoulders with Social Media, newly introduced this year. The use of Social Media is becoming more and more ingrained in everyday life and is seen as a relevant tool to any business, where it can be used for such things as recruitment and networking.
Also new to the 2012 programme is Employee Engagement, IT Administration Skills, Climate Change and Golf Course Photography, as well as the whole programme of Workshops.
Delegates will find variety and exposure to different ideas and ways of learning from established speakers as well as new ones, like Dr Frank Rossi, from Cornell University. Frank is a very charismatic and engaging speaker and will be presenting a one day workshop on Progressive Cultural Management Programs. He will also speak at the Turf Managers Conference on Practically Sustainable Golf Turf Management and present a Seminar session on Redefining.
Greenkeepers and Course Managers are assured to find something to increase their knowledge to help in their day to day activities. Those who are working towards a Master Greenkeeper Certificate, or enrolled in BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD), will find topics that count towards their credit requirements.
Introduced in 2000, CPD is at the heart of BIGGA’s ethos and was designed to offer BIGGA members the opportunity to record their education and training achievements and to earn CPD Credits – 10 needed to be earned in each CPD year to gain a Certificate. Those members who are awarded 5 successive Certificates will be awarded a Diploma of Continuing Professional Development. It is widely recognised that CPD is a vital component in enhancing the reputation of Greenkeepers and the Greenkeeping profession.
Harrogate week 2012 promises to be an invaluable ‘must visit’ for those associated with Managing and Maintaining Golf Courses, where more knowledge gained will outweigh time spent.
HarrogateWeek www.harrogateweek.org.uk/education