1948 trade visitors from 34 countries visited 114 exhibitors showcasing more than 170 brands and the latest trends from within the golfing industry. GOLF EUROPE 2012 scored highly in relation to internationality, with almost 50% of visitors being from abroad. A highly successful start to the 19th GOLF EUROPE at its new location inAugsburg.
“Feedback is unanimous that the industry needs GOLF EUROPE, and Augsburg has proved that it is an ideal location. The conviction that the trade fair is important within Europe has pervaded nearly every conversation”, Gerhard Reiter, Managing Director of Messe Augsburg, was pleased to say in summary: “since opinions were divided prior to the trade fair, exhibitors and visitors were all the more pleasantly surprised.” There was praise for the quality of the trade fair as well as for the organisation and service provided by the Messe Augsburg team.
Extensive supporting programme
Visitors were able to benefit from an extensive supporting programme, which included the FIRST DRIVE Area, a Teaching & Coaching Programme provided by the PGAs of Europe and the PGA of Germany, as well as the presentation of the Product Awards.
A day before the actual start of the trade fair, events teed off with the AUGSBURG GOLF DAY for all those interested in golf and the DEMO DAY for trade visitors. Beginners and advanced players alike had a chance to test new products at Augsburg’s Golf Range, whilst trade visitors used the opportunity for networking.
The presentation of the Product Awards took place in a relaxed setting as part of GOLF EUROPE’s exhibitor evening.
Gerhard Reiter, Managing Director of the Trade Fair, is delighted that the newly inaugurated Product Award has been received so favourably right from the start: “77 products were entered for the first ever GOLF EUROPE PRODUCT AWARD. The prize is awarded to businesses from within the golfing industry that are enthusiastic about development that have developed a particularly innovative product.” The winning products were displayed in the PRODUCT AWARD presentation area for the duration of the trade fair. Winners of the PRODUCT AWARD were also entered into a draw to win a holiday at the La Manga Golf and Spa Resort inSpain.
Winners of the GOLF EUROPE PRODUCT AWARDS
- Golf Tech Golfartikelvertriebs GmbH for its Crocs Golfshoes in the ‘Shoes’ category
- Golf Tech Golfartikelvertriebs GmbH for its BIG MAX Blade Push Trolley in the ‘Caddies’ category
- SugarMonkeysGmbH for its Mantys-Golf in the ‘Caddies’ category
- Advantec Sports AG for its PRECISION GLOVE in the ‘Clothing’ category
- STUDIO SPORT di Luca Falorni & C. snc for its MANGO 408 PANTS in the ‘Clothing’ category
- Garmin Deutschland GmbH for its Garmin Approach S3 in the ‘Accessories’ category
- Green-Grass-Golf-Europe GmbH & Co. KG for its GolfBuddy Voice in the ‘Accessoires’ category
- KOMPERDELL Sportartikel GmbH for its Komperdell UV Protetction in the ‘Accessoires’ category
- KOMPERDELL Sportartikel GmbH for its Komperdell X8 Hollow Core Putter in the ‘Clubs’ category
- SugarMonkeys GmbH for its Swinkey the golfer’s toolbox in the ‘Training Aids’ category
- Gsa golfsportsagentur GbR for its SNAG (Starting New At Golf) in the ‘Training Aids’ category
Positive response amongst sponsors and partners
The event was judged as having been good in every way by the sponsors, the PGAs of Europe and the PGA of Germany, as well as by the event’s partner GMVD (Golf Management Verband Deutschland).
A good foundation and successful new beginning for Ian Randell, Managing Director of the PGAs of Europe: “The fundamental conclusion we can draw is a positive one. In future we intend to add value by additionally staging a Marketing & Business Conference. A further important aspect is the trade fair’s internationality, which has opened numerous doors and established new contacts.”
Felix Lechner, Marketing Manager of the PGA of Germany, emphasises the pleasant atmosphere, accessibility and intensive advertising in advance of the trade fair: “The DEMO Day is a great way of teeing off the trade fair.” Felix Lechner continues by singling out the exceedingly high quality of speakers at the forum’s Teaching and Coaching Programm.
Andreas Dorsch, Managing Director of the GMVD, is also very pleased with the number of visitors at the trade fair and the quality of discussions.
Gushing praise for Augsburg as the new location
Augsburg has much to offer over and above the trade fair itself: cultured drinking & dining in the evenings, along with a large range of cultural activities and sporting countryside pursuits.
Tony Bennett, Director of Education for the PGAs of Europe, likes the pleasant atmosphere: “In the evenings people would take a stroll and meet up at one of the many well-kept restaurants and bars. Augsburg is just the right size for this; in Munich things would be much more spread out at this kind of trade fair.”
Further advantages are the easy accessibility and short distances to the trade fair, a large range of hotels close by, parking spaces practically on the doorstep and excellent value for money.
What exhibitors are saying:
Peter Stollenwerk, Managing Director – Green Grass Golf Europe GmbH & Co. KG: “Every one of my expectations has been exceeded. This shows how important the trade fair is, despite it not taking place last year.Augsburg’s modern exhibition halls make it fantastic as a trade fair centre: short distances, good value – far better thanMunich.”
Josef Kerschbaumer, Managing Director – KOMPERDELL: “It is important for GOLF EUROPE to be available as a platform. We have been able to present ourselves very well here and establish useful contacts both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quality is actually better than previously. Visitors have enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and taken time to look around. The PRODUCT AWARD has also helped us to sell our products more easily.”
Graeme Smeaton, Director – Royal & Awesome: “We are extremely pleased with the high quality of the trade fair, having had very good discussions and a fantastic Sunday at the trade fair. All in all absolutely worth our while!”
Lars-Hendrik Pirck, CEO – ORGAHEAD: “We were really surprised by the level of interest on the first day, and made some significant contacts. We hope that next year the golfclub industry will be represented as well.”
Michael Bärwald, Managing Director – B + M Golf Vertriebs GmbH: “We are pleased that GOLF EUROPE has taken place. What is important now is to get all group representatives from trade and industry together in order to analyse how to improve things.”
Christian Piott, Managing Director – SNAG Golf: “For us the trade fair was very successful, not least because of its internationality.”
Richard Payne, Sports Account Manager – Sports Marketing Surveys inc.: “Personally I believe that Europeneeds a trade fair like this.”
GOLF EUROPE dates for 2013:
Next year, GOLF EUROPE will take place from 29 September to 1 October 2013
For further information, please go to www.golf-europe.com