GolfExpo Boss Hits Out At Rumours

The exhibition manager for GolfExpo 2000, the leading British golf trade show which is due to be staged at the NEC from November 2-5, has hit out at rumours that it could be cancelled because of a mass no-show by many of the leading manufacturers.

Rene Bros insisted that his employers, the NEC Group, had made a "10-year commitment" to Golfexpo 2000 - "a serious investment in money, time, personnel and information".

But rumours doing the rounds at the recent Golf Europe 2000 exhibition in Munich suggested that Titleist/FootJoy had also pulled out, rendering GolfExpo 2000 unviable.

"We were extremely concerned about rumours circulating the industry and held an internal meeting to discuss how to best address the situation," said Bros. "With only four weeks to go until the exhibition opened, cancelling was not an option.

"Titleist/Footjoy have been contracted to participate at GolfExpo 2000 since March of this year and since then we have been working with both companies to plan content, theatre and excitement at the event. There are over 130 exhibitors at GolfExpo 2000 and, in addition to Titleist/Footjoy, Cobra, Wilson and Spalding are committed to the success of the event."

Bros did, however, reveal that the PGA's executive director Sandy Jones had been deputed by the European Golf Industry Association to telephone the major companies and reassure them about the strength of the event.

Jones' message is thought to have included the hint that manufacturers which support GolfExpo 2000 will receive preferential treatment next year when the show coincides with the Ryder Cup at The Belfry.

"The NEC Group's involvement with the Ryder Cup next year is a major project for us and a great opportunity for the industry," said Bros. "As yet, we have not confirmed the format for next year."

He denied that the plan for the public to be admitted on November 4 and 5 would cause any problems. "The public days of Golfexpo 2000 should have no effect on the trade-only days of the show. No member of the general public will be allowed into GolfExpo on November 2 or 3. We have an exhibition with more than 130 exhibitors representing 200 brands. After a few years of decline we are seeking to re-establish the value of this event for both exhibitors, pros and other buyers.

"This is the first year for GolfExpo and we will take our successes and mistakes from this year on board and work in consultation with our partners to build for future exhibitions.

"But Golfexpo is bringing together all aspects of the golf industry under one roof and will deliver more than any other event can offer the UK golf trade. It is a long-term marketing solution for the golf industry. To ensure its success, we are sending every pro in Great Britain and Ireland an invitation to the show. Already, from an ongoing telemarketing campaign directly targeting the pro, we have had a very positive response regarding attendance. On a daily basis, we are receiving requests from the trade for entry tickets and we have now received over 3,000 pre-registration forms from those intending to visit.

"We are confident that the critical mass in trade visitors will be achieved so that the exhibitors will benefit from attending GolfExpo. We are aiming to secure between 8-10,000 trade visitors and are confident that the majority of key buyers in the industry will attend."

The annual ClubHouse show has also been acquired by the NEC and will take place on the first two days of GolfExpo 2000 in an adjoining hall.

"ClubHouse is the official show for the Association of Golf Club Secretaries (which has more than 2,000 members). There will be a plethora of goods and services pertaining to the operation and running of a golf club and course, including fittings, software programmes, signage, furniture, range equipment and course accessories.

"We have also included an area dedicated to 'Fitness for Golf' to highlight the opportunities that exist for golf clubs to further their activities off the course.

"ClubHouse gives visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of new products and services for the golf course and clubhouse, whilst also enjoying the GolfExpo experience.

"Over time we seek to build relationships and create real solutions for this industry with regard to exhibitions and how they work in the marketing mix.

"If the industry can create a consensus on what they want, then we will do our utmost to match and exceed their expectations.

"This commitment remains regardless of rumour or competition. We are here and we are serious."