GolfEx Dubai 2007 tees off today

Over the next 48 hours, GolfEx Dubai 2007 - organised and promoted by Driving Force and sponsored by Jumeirah Golf Estates - will enjoy the full support of the biggest and most powerful figures in the golfing industry, including representatives of golf's major tours.

Combining a two-day golf conference themed 'Sales and Marketing for Profitability', GolfEx Dubai also boasts a dedicated trade exhibition aimed at showcasing cutting edge golf products to the industry.

In addition, a gala dinner will be staged this evening at the Emirates Golf Club, courtesy of event partners golf in Dubai (giD), promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters.

'The Middle East is currently the focus of world golf thanks to the Commercialbank Qatar Masters currently taking place in Doha, last week's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and this week's Dubai Desert Classic,' said Driving Force Managing Director Neil Hamp-Adams, as the final touches were being put to the exhibition stands at the Madinat Jumeirah

'It's an exciting time for golf in the region with developments across the footprint underlining the Middle East's position as one of the fastest-growing golf markets in the world, a fact also reflected by the speaker line-up at the conference.'

Last year, more than 460 delegates attended GolfEx resulting in over $10 million-worth of business. Over the next two days even more are expected, attracted by the prospect of doing business and showcasing products to the industry's key figures and listening to presentations from a speaker line-up that is unlikely to be equaled by any golfing conference in the world in 2007.

Backed by the PGA European Tour, the USPGA, the Asian and Sunshine Tours, and the Ladies European Tour, the event will again be opened with an address by former PGA European Tour chief Ken Schofield, while other speakers scheduled over the two days include eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie who will outline his thoughts on golf course design as well as IMG's Global Director of Golf and Senior Vice President Mark Steinberg.

For those unable to attend, Driving Force has also arranged to have each presentation available as a podcast - yet another first for the event. Daily streaming audiofiles will be available online with all 17 presentations ready to be accessed each day by 2000 GMT at www.golf-ex.com/conference_day.html.

'While we are obviously delighted to welcome delegates from across the globe, we regularly receive requests for copies of the presentations from those unable to attend,' added Hamp Adams. 'By making the speeches and presentations available as podcasts, we are able to provide daily coverage of what will be one of the key golfing business conferences of 2007.'