Golf Australia has thrown its support behind an innovative forum for Australian golf’s largest market segment – public access facilities.
The inaugural Golf Business Forum will be held in Melbourne on July 25-26 with its focus firmly on bringing together the owners and operators of public golf facilities.
Guy Chapple, of forum developer WellPlayed Golf Business Consultancy, said many of these key players in the Australian golf industry had never had the chance to share information, ideas and opportunities in the same venue.
“What we hope is that by coming together, these owners and operators will be able to help drive the industry’s direction and share their success through collaboration,” Chapple said.
“In our roles, we’ve travelled around the country to a whole range of different types of facilities and the common theme we’ve taken away is that they’d love to have someone hear their voice and for them to be more actively involved in the industry and its future direction.
“We think the forum is the start of that opportunity.”
Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt was delighted to put the organisation’s support behind the forum as a founding partner.
“It’s a great step in assisting us to connect with the public access side of the industry,” Pitt said.
“We believe the health and success of both member-based clubs and public golf facilities is critical to the game’s future, so the forum is a great chance to help us forge that path.
“It’s an important opportunity for the entire industry to collaborate, learn and plan with important voices from some who haven’t been heard previously.
“Golf can only fully succeed when we’re all pushing in the same direction … this forum provides a pathway to help that process.”
Chapple said a range of speakers, panel discussions and exhibits would provide information that was relevant to running and developing public access facilities.
“The forum’s premise is for attendees to connect with others in similar positions, the industry as a whole and suppliers who have services or products to enhance golf facility performance and development,” he said.
“A networking function will bring together delegates, industry leaders and sponsors to foster the connections that ensure engagement continues well beyond the event.”
The two-day event at the Melbourne Park Function Centre will also examine case studies of successful operations including Moore Park Golf in Sydney, Melbourne’s Yarra Bend Golf and Perth’s Wembley Park Golf Complex.
For a full list of presenters, other announcements and all information on the forum, click on www.golfbusinessforum.com.au where updates will be made regularly in the lead-up with registrations opening in late February.
You can also connect via social media at www.twitter.com/golfbizforum or via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/golf-business-forum and use the hashtag #golfbiz2016 to join the conversation early.