The New Zealand Golf Industry Council’s (NZGIC) Whole of Golf Conference (WGC2020) team is pleased to announce the first line-up of keynote speakers for the inaugural conference to be held at Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland from 3-5 August 2020.

The theme of the conference is ‘Moving Golf Forward – Coordinating, Collaborating and Communicating’ and is designed to bring together all sectors of the golf industry looking at ways to move forward, grow and develop strengths and to target and implement strategies to work on the challenges within the industry.

“We are bringing everyone together for a demanding, informative thought provoking three days – the whole industry in one location,” explains Carl Fenton, Chairman NZGIC.

Keynote speakers announced are internationally renowned in their fields:

Tom Doak – considered to be one of the most accomplished golf course architects and golf authors of his era. He is responsible for high profile design and renovation work across the globe with four of his designs listed among the World Top 100 including Cape Kidnappers and Tara Iti in New Zealand.

Peter Walton – established the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators (IAGTO) in 1997. The organisation has established itself as the global trade association of the golf tourism industry with its more than 2700 member golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and tour operators in 106 countries.

Jonathan Smith – founder of the Golf Environment (GEO) organisation whose mission is to help golf succeed through sustainability, and become a leader in sustainable sport. As well as leading GEO to become the only sports body to meet the ISEAL Alliance membership criteria for sustainability standards, certification and reporting systems, he has also advised some of golf’s largest tours and tournaments including The Ryder Cup; The Open; The Solheim Cup; European Tour; and Olympic Golf.

This is the first time that all the sectors of the golf industry have come together for a joint Conference and Trade Show and will provide the opportunity to network, share and disseminate information about new initiatives, concepts, research and best practices happening within the golf industry. Registration for the conference will open in January 2020.

About WGC2020
This is the first conference of its kind in New Zealand – and possibly the world. The initiative will bring together all the sectors of the golf industry so that delegates and attendees will have the opportunity to network amongst both New Zealand and international golfing peers.

Presentations will provide critical insights and lively debates on issues facing the golf industry now and moving into the future.

Presented by the New Zealand Golf Industry Council the conference incorporates the PGA of NZ, NZ Golf Course Superintendents Association and Golf Managers Association of NZ annual conferences.

About NZGIC
The New Zealand Golf Industry Council (NZGIC) was founded in 1917 and established to encourage coordination and collaboration between organisations in the New Zealand Golf Industry to achieve the goal of growing the sport of golf.

Membership of the NZGIC is open to all organisations and interested individuals within the Golf Industry. For more information go to: www.nzgic.co.nz

Contact for media enquiries
Elizabeth Witton
NZGIC Board Member
Email: witton.egmedia@gmail.com
Tel: +64 274 373 498

Contact for registration enquiries
Denise Langdon
NZGIC Board Member
Email: denise@parnz.co.nz
Tel: +64 275 662 385

Contact for sponsorship enquiries
Des Topp
NZGIC Board member
Email: admin@nzgic.co.nz
Tel: +64 21 392 007