Golf Europe 2005, which took place on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre at the beginning of October, recorded more than 6,000 trade visitors for the first time. After the end of the three trade fair days, the number of visitors rose to a total of 6,061 (2004: 5,331) – 12% higher than in 2004.
In addition to the Federal Republic of Germany (3,275), the largest visitor contingents came from Austria (513), Switzerland (335), Great Britain (290), Italy (227), the Netherlands (216), the Czech Republic (149), France (114), Spain (98), Belgium (87), Sweden (76), Finland (70) and Denmark (61). A total of 46% of the visitors came from 60 different foreign countries.
The 315 exhibitors from 25 countries were correspondingly enthusiastic about the successful course of the trade fair. David Fearnley, product manager Dunlop Sport GmbH said, “We have a very good impression of the trade fair. It was seen clearly that Golf Europe has become solidly established in the industry.”
Arne Verbarg, sales manager region central and north for TaylorMade – adidas-Golf commented, “We were able to establish new contacts at Golf Europe this year too and have received very good feedback from our trading partners. Golf Europe is a very significant fixed point in our planning for the season.”
The trade fair was also characterized by a generally optimistic assessment of the market. Looking to the future, 89% of the exhibitors believe that it will be better or the same and only 7% expect worse times. Eduard Eckrodt, golf division manager Mizuno Corporation said, “We had very good talks at our booth, and we above all saw that our customers are again making purchases and have a willingness to order.”
For the second time the PGAs of Europe Teaching and Coaching Conference was held in advance of Golf Europe. With the theme of “Improve your Business”, 1,028 professionals from 33 countries listened to distinguished experts and first-class speakers, including four of the world’s most respected coaches, Scott Cranfield, Hank Haney, Denis Pugh and Randy Smith.
Manuel Agrellos, president of the PGAs of Europe, described the event as a “wonderful conference, full of excellent lectures”. He stressed the huge potential for the growth of golf in Europe and the important part that the PGAsE could play in it.
The Teaching & Coaching Conference is an event that moves around the membership countries. The plan is to stage the 2007 version in Malmo, Sweden , and the 2009 event in Great Britain & Ireland, at a venue still to be announced.
Due to schedule-overlapping at the trade fair grounds in Munich, Golf Europe 2006 will take place with a one-time change of scheduling from Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October 2006.
Golf Europe www.golf-europe.com
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