KPMG: Innovation and sustainability to top the Golf Business Forum agenda in 2012

KPMG has announced the agenda for the ninth edition of the KPMG Golf Business Forum, generic at the Renaissance Il Ciocco Tuscany Resort & Spa, in Barga, Italy, September 17-19.

This year’s event, with a special focus on sustainability and innovation in golf operations and resort development, will feature live on-stage interviews with global golf business leaders and celebrities, including Sir Nick Faldo.

New KPMG research into Italy’s growing golf market will be published during the event, along with expert analysis of golf development opportunities in the Mediterranean.

There will also be thought leadership on the critical topic of sustainability from economic, social and environmental aspects, as well as informed forecasting for future trends in sport, golf operations, resorts and destinations.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “While the wider economic situation remains uncertain, it is more important than ever for golf businesses to understand the precise supply and demand characteristics affecting their markets both now and in the future.

“We will be taking a close look at the golf markets in Italy and the Mediterranean, which we believe are well positioned for growth, and factoring in the need for sustainability – financial, social and environmental – as well as innovation in golf developments and operations.

“This is potentially the most informed, insightful and forward looking agenda we have seen at the Golf Business Forum, offering essential market intelligence for investors, developers and all golf businesses.”

The agenda for the Golf Business Forum includes:

Live on-stage interviews

CNN’s Don Riddell will lead discussions with business leaders and figureheads from the golf industry including Sir Nick Faldo, who will talk about his golfing career and approach to business. Dana Garmany will reveal how he developed Troon Golf into the world’s largest international golf course operator managing more than 200 courses in 23 countries, while Sir Rocco Forte will reveal his recipe for successful luxury hotels and golf resorts. The Golf Business Forum will also welcome Constantino Rocca, a trailblazer for Italian professional golf and the first Italian to play in the Ryder Cup.

Italy and the Mediterranean

The market in Italy and opportunities for golf development in the Mediterranean will be a central theme throughout the Golf Business Forum. Andrea Sartori will present the findings of a new KPMG survey on Italy, offering insight and analysis into the key supply and demand characteristics. There will also be detailed discussion on the opportunities for golf development in Italy and the wider Mediterranean region, from the established destinations of Spain and Portugal to emerging markets in North Africa and along the Adriatic.

Sustainability and innovation

Addressing the fall in golf participation highlighted by a recent KMPG study, there will be a special session on trends and innovation in golf course operations, featuring contributions from Bruce Glasco of Troon Golf, Steve Berger of Jonas Software and Scott Ferrell of Player Design. The Forum will also turn its attention to the future of destinations and resorts, highlighting shifting consumer trends and showcasing three developments that are leading the world with their innovative and advanced approach. And Olympic golf course architect Gil Hanse joins top international experts for a special think tank on the economic, ecological and social impacts of golf, also known as the ’triple bottom line.’

The Golf Business Forum, now in its ninth year, brings together 250 leading players from the golf, real estate, finance and tourism sectors in 40 countries and is firmly established as the most important golf industry event to meet and do business in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

The venue for this year’s Golf Business Forum is the newly renovated Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa.

For more information about the Golf Business Forum visit: www.golfbusinessforum.com