Golf Business Forum 2011
Agenda
Sunday – April 17, 2011
- 13:00 Golf tournament (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club)
- 19:30 Welcome reception (Marina Island)
Monday – April 18, 2011
9:00 Event Starts
- Opening ceremony
9:05 The Opportunities for Golf in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC)
- While the high-end courses of the GCC continue to outperform the market in terms of rounds and revenues, the economic downturn has impacted new development. George O’Grady CBE, Chief Executive of the European Tour, presented a keynote address explaining exactly what role the Middle East plays now, and will in the future, as part of the European Tour. A live, interactive, on-stage discussion – chaired by KPMG’s Marnix von Bartheld – assessed the current state of play and future opportunities for golf in the GCC. Participating in this discussion was a host of leading names such as Chris May, General Manager of Dubai Golf, Michael Braidwood, Operations Director of Braemer Golf and Peter Harradine, Managing Director of Harradine Golf.
10:45 – 11.15 Networking Coffee Break
11:15 The Big Picture
- Following the continuing challenges created by the worldwide
economic downturn, an intriguing debate on the Global State of the
Economy was set to cover the most crucial issues for international golf
business leaders this year. Analysing the situation as it affects the
golf business landscape and offering insightful views and solutions was top international economist Graeme Maxton.
- KPMG’s annual think tank then tackled the state of the industry in the company of the golf business’ big hitters. Chaired by CNN’s Don Riddell, the big hitters weighed in on topics thrown up by the economic downturn and geopolitical issues to assess the route map for the golf development business. Among the panel made of influential captains of industry, including representatives of the investment and development sectors, were Paul Stringer, Executive Vice President of Nicklaus Design, David MacLaren, Director of Property and Venue Development of European Tour, Bill Brown, Vice President of International Business of Toro, Andrea Sartori Head of KPMG Golf Advisory Practice (EMA) and Dr Mike Parkin, Global Head, Turf and Landscape Business of Syngenta.
12:45 – 13.45 Networking Lunch
13:45 Golf’s Emerging Markets
- The session kicked off with the presentation of KPMG’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
- It was followed by an in-depth look at a number of emerging markets and what opportunities they afford from a golf and real estate development perspective. A panel of experts – chaired by Landmark Media Director Gary Firkins – highlighted the countries primed for success and find out whether or not they have a key role to play in golf development. Offering their thoughts were Annie Boriraj, Product Manager, Market Development of John Deere Golf, Marcio Galvao, Vice President of Development of the Brazilian Confederation of Golf, Rich Centolella, Principal of EDSA, and Gian Domenico Dorigo, Managing Director of Prato Verde.
15:15 – 15.45 Networking Coffee Break
15:45 Future of Golf Resort and Golf Estates Development
- Where is the golf development business headed – and what trends
are emerging from the global economic downturn? These are thorny issues
and guest speaker Muriel Muirden, Vice President of Strategy at
masterplanners WATG, helped reveal the shape of things to come.
- A think tank – presided over by CNN’s Don Riddell – of leading developers revealed their strategies to stand out from the crowd, and discuss whether the economic downturn has changed the landscape forever or if today’s business model will work tomorrow. Among those offering their opinions were Dr Carlos Cortes, CEO of Espart, Aakash Ohri, Director of DLF Golf Resorts and Najib Arhila, Deputy General Manager of CGI.
17.15 – Day 1 Conference Ends
19:30 – Gala Dinner (The Creek)
Tuesday – April 19, 2011
9:30 Event Starts
9:35 Interview On-Stage with Colin Montgomerie
- Headline guest Colin Montgomerie, along with Guy Kinnings,
Director of IMG Golf, EMEA, provided a unique insight into the
current state of the global golf industry from their individual
perspectives. Mr Montgomerie is not only a much-decorated player and
captain of the victorious European team at the 2010 Ryder Cup but also
boasts a number of off-course interests, such as designing the
championship course at the high-end Montgomerie Dubai facility. CNN’s
Don Riddell was asking the questions in this intriguing live,
interactive, on-stage interview.
10:35 – 11:05 Networking Coffee Break
11:05 Golf Operational Masterclass - Achieving Operational Excellence in Times of Financial Uncertainty
- Why is it that some golf owners and operators have weathered the global economic storm better than others? What did they do differently from the rest? What can we learn from them that will better position OUR golf operations for long-term, recession-proof success? Helping to provide answers to above questions were a panel of golf managers, operators and consultants – hosted by Norm Spitzig, Principal and Senior Partner of MCM – Niall Flanagan, former President and CEO of Loch Lomond, Gary Silcock, Director of Golf of The Belfry Golf Resort, Rodney J Bogg, Managing Partner of RBGolfconsult, and Steve Berger, Director of Jonas.
12:30 Event Closes
15:00 Second Golf Event (Emirates Golf Club)
20:00 Event closing BBQ at the Majlis Garden
Click here to view past agendas and some of our previous speakers
