Scotland’s hosting of The Ryder Cup 2014, pioneering new developments in the Middle East and the rise of golf in Asia are among the topics to be discussed at the KPMG Golf Business Forum, St Andrews, 3-5 June 2013 The Forum, recognized as the leading golf business and networking event in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has today published details of the agenda for its special 10th anniversary edition.
Among the panel discussions, presentations and workshops are:
The Boardroom: CEO Round Table Join a specially invited panel of golf’s most powerful CEOs, including the European Tour’s George O’Grady, as they gather to tackle golf’s big issues and discuss strategies and solutions for a changing global business. Introduced by CNN’s Don Riddell.
Scotland: Open for Business With Scotland hosting the 2013 Open Championship and The Ryder Cup 2014, and new developments continuing to open, we look at how this historic golfing nation is aiming to capitalize on its global status as the Home of Golf. Introduced by BBC Sport’s Hazel Irvine, featuring Colin Montgomerie.
On Course: Management Masterclass This special focus session will drill down into the detail of issues affecting course management today. From water usage and environmental sustainability to course trends and technology, this seminar will offer expert insight, analysis and case studies, including contributions from the R&A and St Andrews Links Trust.
UK Golf Industry: Ideas for Growth Is the UK golf course industry growing, or stuck in stagnation? Analyzing the latest supply and demand statistics, this session will focus on case studies of successful courses and operations, showcasing innovative ideas that engage club members, casual golfers and new players.
Technology: How to Push Golfers’ Buttons From the earliest aluminium-headed clubs in the 1890s to GPS tracking today, golfers have always been fascinated by technology. But what is it that golfers want now, and how is the latest technology pushing their buttons on the golf course, in the clubhouse and on their smartphones? Our expert panel assesses the technology that will make a difference to customers and the golf business.
New Developments: Pioneering Projects This unique gathering of international developers will showcase some of the most important and innovative new golf projects across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Following the economic downturn, what are the global trends affecting development, and how are these world-class projects ensuring profitability and a return on investment?
Gamechangers: Shaping the Future of Golf How will the rise of golf in China and Asia shape the future of the game globally? Will we see new formats, new types of facilities, new customers? What impact will golf in the Olympics have? Big hitters from the world of tournament golf, sponsorship and golf administration come together to map out a future vision for golf.
The Golf Business Forum, hosted at The Fairmont St Andrews Hotel and supported by Visit Scotland, Scottish Development International and Fife Council, with the assistance of Golf Tourism Scotland, will bring together up to 300 delegates including leading brands, developers and world-class golf and leisure operators from more than 40 countries. Andrea Sartori, Head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, said: “This year’s agenda focuses on an evolving golf business, how the industry is facing the future and the globalization of the game. “As always, we have an outstanding line-up of industry experts, CEOs and personalities. From the delegate perspective, there is something for all professionals, from tournaments, to tourism, to course management.” Golf Business Forum www.golfbusinessforum.com