GolfEx Dubai on course for second staging in 2007

Organised and promoted by Driving Force, GolfEx Dubai 2007 will again have the full support of the biggest movers and shakers in the golfing industry. The 2007 event will combine a two-day golf conference themed 'Sales and Marketing for Profitability' with a dedicated trade exhibition aimed at showcasing cutting edge golf products to the industry.

And following the overwhelming success of GolfEx Dubai's debut, event organisers are predicting even greater things for a unique event that attracts golfing heavyweights in terms of management, manufacturers, developers, players and Tour officials.

Among those throwing their weight behind GolfEx Dubai 2007 - just as they did for the inaugural event - are the PGA European Tour, the Asian and Sunshine Tours and management giants IMG and ISM, while Dubai brands such as Dubai Sports City and the Dubai Desert Classic are also key supporters.

'The feedback from the first event was incredibly positive and we are confident we can take the event to the next level in 2007,' said Driving Force Managing Director Neil Hamp-Adams. 'In our first year, we had 467 delegates, 27 renowned speakers including Ken Schofield, Mark Steinberg and Peter Thomson, and 30 exhibitors. With GolfEx Dubai 2007 again featuring prominently on the calendar alongside PGA European Tour events in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai, we fully expect the numbers to be up on 2006.'

In year one, GolfEx Dubai delivered on its promise to attract the best minds in the game to talk about the future of golf as well as the challenges that face the sport and the golfing industry in the 21st century. Although the list of speakers for 2007 has yet to be finalised, those that took the time to address the first GolfEx conference have been quick to endorse the 2007 edition.

'It was a pleasure to be part of the first GolfEx,' said IMG Senior Vice President and Managing Director North America Mark Steinberg. The man who also guides the careers of both Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam added: 'Dubai is a special place and we've no doubt GolfEx Dubai 2006 will be the first of many.'

Steinberg's views were echoed by Bruce Glasco, Senior Vice President of Operations, Troon Golf. 'Everything was first class (at GolfEx Dubai 2006) and our company was proud to be part of the inaugural event,' he said.

Staged prior to the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic, GolfEx Dubai will get underway with a welcome party followed by two days of conferences, networking opportunities and a gala dinner featuring some household golfing names.

'The move to the Madinat Conference Centre indicates how we are continuing to grow,' added Hamp-Adams. 'The list of speakers has yet to be finalised but we will be announcing the line-up in the coming weeks and I am sure we are going to surprise quite a few people with the depth and quality. The calibre of speakers in 2006 was outstanding - but we firmly believe we will better that in January.'