The 10th anniversary congress and trade show held in Munich last week received an enthusiastic response from visitors and especially high marks from exhibitors. A total of 2,363 visitors were recorded, 523 of them from abroad. This is an increase of more than 10% compared to 2003, with a total of 2,037 visitors. The trade visitors came from 28 countries and, once again, participation from middle and eastern European countries was particularly strong.
The 120 exhibitors from 10 countries (2003: 116 exhibitors from 11 countries) presented a complete range of products and services for golf course planning, construction and maintenance, including equipment for driving ranges and clubhouses. Exhibitors were satisfied with their results, 82% (2003: 77%) rating the show overall with excellent to good.
Excellent results were also awarded for the high quality of the seminars with 85% of the exhibitors generally rating the event program, congress and discussion panels as excellent to good.
The symposium for developers of golf course projects, organised by the German Golf Association, the Golf Management Association of Germany, and the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, was completely booked, and the FEGGA Roadshow also recorded extremely high interest.
Many exhibitors commented that this year the show seemed busier and there was a more optimistic attitude in general. Last year there had been some concern about the market but this year people were much more positive. There is more remodelling and extension work than new projects in Germany itself but new development projects in Eastern Europe seem to be flourishing. Götz Mecklenburg, golf course architect, Harradine Golf, said, “Visitor numbers have risen significantly, the fair is very lively, and visitor interest is very high.”
Lawrie Thornton , general secretary of the PGA of Europe described the mood of the show as ‘exceptionally buoyant‘. “It was obvious that there had been a significant increase in numbers,” he said. “There was a very good atmosphere. The seminars and the FEGGA Roadshow were extremely popular.”
Rolf Krà¼ger, managing director, Rain Bird Deutschland GmbH said, “It is by far the best FAIRWAY ever for us, the mood is very upbeat.”
Dean S. Cleaver (FEGGA), chairman of the FAIRWAY Advisory Board, was equally positive. “There is no other show in Europe that could boost 10% increase in visitor numbers,” he said. “FAIRWAY is in a prime situation to serve the needs of the market and it has the perfect location.”
“After 10 years, FAIRWAY has developed into a very good package with opening events, seminars, and membership meetings,” said Frank Thonig, vice-president of the Golf Management Association of Germany.
In order to improve integration of the opening events at FAIRWAY on the day before the fair into the general schedule, and achieve a better linkage with the congress and the trade exhibition, FAIRWAY 2005, the 11th Golf Course Congress with corresponding exhibition, will begin on Wednesday, March 2nd at 1:00 p.m., and end Friday, March 4th at 3:00 p.m.
The UK agent for Fairway is Pattern Ltd Tel 020 8940 4625; e info@pattern.co.uk
Fairway www.fairway.de.
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