The 16th GOLF EUROPE, the leading European golf trade show, welcomed a total of 4,636 trade visitors (2007: 5,427). This 14% decline in visitors compared to very positive statistics in 2007 but exhibitors were said to be generally pleased with the high quality of this year’s visitors who saw 285 exhibitors from 26 countries – similar to last year’s 288 exhibitors.
Industry professionals from a total of 52 countries travelled to Munich to get the latest information on the innovations and trends for the next golf season.
Apart from Germany itself, the largest contingent of visitors came, like last year, from Austria (381 visitors) and Switzerland (300), followed by Italy and the Czech Republic.
Golf Europe registered a considerable increase in trade visitors from Slovenia and Slovakia – up more than 25%. Visitors continue to profess how pleased they are with the event. A total of 71% of polled visitors commented that they would definitely return to the next Golf Europe, and 69% said they would recommend the event to others.
Some larger brands were not present
Visitors criticized the fact that a number of larger brands were not present. To ensure that all leading companies will return to the Golf Europe, thus providing a truly comprehensive overview of the entire market, it was decided to move the 2009 edition back to the Munich Order Centre (M.O.C.).
The M.O.C. in Munich-Freimann is the perfect venue. Many of the large brands keep year-round show rooms there and can easily be reintegrated into the event even without extensive booth set-up.
The dates for Golf Europe 2009 will be advanced by one week. In doing so, Messe Mà¼nchen GmbH, the event organizer, is responding to the emerging trend of increasingly earlier product launches even by hardware suppliers.
The earlier dates also benefit the fashion companies, as they have to deal with long procurement cycles. The schedule change also improves conditions for exhibitors and visitors, as the event no longer overlaps with Expo Real, resulting in benefits such as more hotel rooms at reasonable prices.
The next Golf Europe will be held from 27th to 29th September 2009 at the M,O,C, in Munich-Freimann.
Manfred Wutzlhofer, chairman and CEO of Messe Mà¼nchen GmbH,said, “Unfortunately we experienced a decrease in visitors compared to last year, which was likely a result of the absence of a number of the larger brands.
“By moving next year’s event to the M.O.C. we will be able to re-integrate these companies into Golf Europe and thus provide a comprehensive overview of the golf market. We already have received positive responses by the large brands, indicating strong agreement that Golf Europe is a powerful leader among European golf trade shows.”
Golf Europe www.golf-europe.de