Golf Business Forum Delegate registrations to open on 17 March

Excitement is building within the golf industry as the inaugural Golf Business Forum takes shape. Delegate registrations are set to open on Thursday 17 March with a limited release of advance-rate passes.

Developed as a response to the need for facilities serving public golfers to engage, share intelligence, and hear from relevant experts on issues driving golf business performance, the Golf Business Forum is to be held on 25 and 26 July, 2016 on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD at the Melbourne Park Function Centre. An exhibition space will feature leading industry suppliers and facilitate small-scale workshops as well as work and meeting spaces.

Key speakers have been announced in recent days, and registrations open for delegates on Thursday 17 March. The Forum is focusing both on the big drivers of golf participation and operational performance, with a key focus in 2016 on the customer: driving engagement and loyalty through creating memorable experiences.

Recent announcements include Bill Yates, direct from the USA in his only Australian session. Bill is known as “the Guru of Pace of Play”, and will share his simple philosophy to help golf courses improve: know where you are, find out where you could be, and build a plan to get you there. Sounds easy? Be at the Forum to hear Bill share his recipe for operational and financial success.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHOI-D_zZ-A&feature=youtu.be

The Forum is undertaking a bespoke research project exploring the drivers of golfer loyalty, in conjunction with Adam Posner, founder and CEO of Directivity. Adam has been a data-driven direct marketer for 23 years, has undertaken key research for significant brands and industries into customer loyalty. Adam will present key findings from the research project and will share his tips for establishing profitable loyalty programs. Learn what has worked for the big loyalty schemes, and take home practical ideas on what you can do at your facility.

So why should you go?

You’re looking to drive operational performance and improve profitability – come and see experts present and engage with industry leaders on the exhibition floor. See new operating technologies, best practice retail strategies and tips on driving revenue growth from the best in the business. Learn from case studies with from industry benchmark facilities including Wembley Golf course (Perth), Yarra Bend Golf (Melbourne), Moore Park Golf (Sydney) and Parkwood International (Gold Coast). Don’t miss: Kim Ellis, Tony Hallam, Luke Altschwager, Bill Yates, Andrew Davies.

You’re looking to build and leverage customer relationships – discover what drives golfer loyalty and customer engagement, and hear from experts in golf and sport on how to create customer experiences that directly translate to repeat visitation and bottom line returns. See the latest online tools in practice, and take home some practical tips that will have you developing stronger relationships with the regulars, the fans and the infrequent visitors to your golf facility. Don’t miss: Adam Posner, Sean Callanan, Liz Sattler.

You’re a local government executive with a golf facility in your portfolio – learn how to work more effectively with your operational manager, whether employed by you or under contract. Hear from industry leaders on trends driving sport and recreation participation and golf participation, see how a long term vision coupled with an investment strategy can lead to sustained financial returns. Don’t miss: Mark Band, Stephen Pitt, Paul Fairweather, Kim Ellis, Tony Hallam, Luke Altschwager.

You’re wanting to understand where golf is heading, international perspectives and sport participation trends – the markets in the USA and Europe offer critical insights, and industry leaders from Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia as well as the Australian Sports Commission and Repucom have valuable intelligence to offer all in the golf industry. Knowing where industry is going enables accurate business planning, and add your voice to the conversation to ensure the future design of golf participation programs is influenced by the facilities responsible for the majority of golf in Australia. Don’t miss: Jay Karen, Lodewijk Klootwijk, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Paul Fairweather, Danny Bowerin, Mark Band

You want to meet peers, industry leaders, experts and industry partners – be at the Forum and enjoy interaction with all delegates and participants throughout both days, including the cocktail night on Monday 25 July.

Head to www.golfbusinessforum.com.au for more information and sign up for updates to be informed as soon as delegate registrations open. The first release of delegate passes will feature a great rate for advance sales, so don’t miss out.