The organizers of Golf Business Forum together with its distinguished partners will hold a one and a half day conference on issues affecting the golf industry at the Hotel InterContinental, Prague on 16th and 17th June 2005.
One of the central issues this year will be design. Representatives of world famous designers, such as Nicklaus Design, Robert Trent Jones II, Harradine Golf and Golfplan will debate the advantages and disadvantages of developing a signature versus a non-signature golf course, and the impact signature courses have on real estate developments, memberships and green fees.
The results of KPMG’s Golf Course Development Cost Survey will also be launched at this year’s event. This research focuses on newly established golf courses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and for the first time, compares the construction costs, the design and the selection process of architects and contractors on an international level.
Besides a development focus, there will be advice for those interested in enhancing their operations. Two sessions will discuss operational and management issues. Senior executives of TORO, Arthur Hills and other industry leaders will share experiences on golf course maintenance, international golf course marketing, and on operating a profitable golf academy.
Also in the program is a session on the value of golf tourism. Representatives of different national tourism boards will talk on how to market and promote effectively a golf tourism destination. The Forum will get an insight into how Portugal became a star performer in Europe and why Austria was recently voted “The Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
A session will be dedicated to two countries with outstanding golf potential – the Czech Republic and Croatia – knowing that in the Croatian region of Istria the golf development strategy calls for 23 golf courses to be developed over the coming years, while in the Czech Republic there are currently 15 courses under construction.
As part of this year’s highly interactive program, KPMG will bring together the professionals of the golf, tourism and real estate industries to share their experiences and knowledge on development, operational and promotional issues.
“KPMG’s Golf Business Forum 2004 held in Budapest was a wonderful setting for Robert Jones II to learn more about business opportunities for golf course development, particularly as a component of tourism, in Central and Eastern Europe,” says John Strawn, CEO. “Based on contacts we made during the Forum, we were able to pursue several promising opportunities, and will announce our participation in several new regional projects later this year. In addition we were able to share our experiences working on pioneering projects in countries such as China, India and Russia.
“We believe that the Golf Business Forum 2005 in Prague will also yield valuable networking opportunities as well as insights by various industry experts into this important emerging market.”
“Last year we created a unique and highly interactive event,” said Gill Wilson, co-founder of the Central European Countries Tourism Association (CECTA) and event moderator. “With the exciting programme and speaker line up brought together this year, there will be a lively debate on the opportunities and challenges of the industry, together with an exchange of ideas and experiences. I am delighted to be a part of the Golf Business Forum experience once again!”
Dr. Andrea Sartori, the event director and partner in KPMG Advisory Ltd., said, “With all the golf development opportunities existing in Central and Eastern Europe, this conference provides the participants with an outstanding platform to exchange ideas and make business acquaintances. No matter what your role is within the golf industry, this event is not to be missed. We look forward seeing you in Prague on June 16-17, 2005.”
There are four ways to register:
Online: www.golfbusinessforum.com
Fax: +36 1 887 7392
Phone: +36 1 887 7400
E-mail: info@golfbusinessforum.com
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