Golf has
been the cornerstone of IMG since the legendary Arnold Palmer became IMG's
first client in 1960, a moment widely credited as marking the creation of the
sports marketing industry. The acquisition of these assets is a natural fit as
IMG bring their industry-leading expertise and energy to the already
established and respected Golf Business Forum (GBF) and Golf Business Community
(GBC). IMG will continue to work with KPMG in an on going partnership in the
years ahead on both projects.
The GBC is
a platform for individuals within the golf industry who are interested in
building and maintaining relationships, along with accessing golf research and
golf industry news. The GBF has been running since 2004 and serves as the
platform for golf industry professionals to meet, learn and exchange ideas.
Bringing
together the entire spectrum of the golf industry, the GBF has been attended by
many of the leading names in golf including Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold
Palmer, Sir Nick Faldo, Peter Dawson and George O'Grady . From developers and
investors to operators, owners and journalists, the GBF attracts more than 250 delegates
from over 40 nationalities. IMG plan to build on the success of the event by
widening its global appeal and content whilst continuing to grow the extensive
network of professionals focused around the game of golf.
The 2014
Golf Business Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi at The Westin Abu Dhabi
Golf Resort & Spa from 28- 30th April.
Andrea
Sartori of KPMG explained, “We believe we have developed a fantastic product
that benefits not only KPMG’s business but the whole golf industry. As with
everything, we are always looking to improve our offering and we are sure that
partnering with the industry leader, IMG, will help bring new life to the event
and take both the Forum and Community to new levels.”
Nick
Oakley, who will join IMG as part of the transition, said, “I am looking
forward to joining IMG to help further develop the Golf Business Forum and
continue to grow the Golf Business Community whilst working closely with my
former colleagues at KPMG to ensure a smooth handover.”
Guy
Kinnings, Global Head of Golf, IMG, who was a key speaker at the 2013 Golf
Business Forum at St Andrews, added, “We are delighted to be acquiring
both the Golf Business Forum and the Community, and we are excited to work
together with KPMG to enhance what is a flagship event in the world of golf.
KPMG have developed a fantastic product which we feel we will be able to build
and develop using our global resources and experience in the golf industry. “
About
IMG
IMG
Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with 3,500 employees
operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG's areas of expertise
are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG's Joint Ventures in India,
Brazil, China and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Golf and
IMG Tennis; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG
Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available
at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter and
Facebook.
About
IMG Golf
IMG Golf is
the market leader in the sport with 50 years of experience and now nearly 500
staff working in different aspects of the golf business worldwide. This
involves talent representation where the business started and IMG now works
with over 100 of the best male and female players from over 30 countries.
IMG owns, manages and stages more than 50 golf tournaments a year on every
continent and on every Tour including Majors and World Golf Championships,
along with special events and over 150 VIP golf days a year worldwide. IMG Golf
is involved in every aspect of the game offering its partners a 360° fully
integrated service and its core businesses include Media (with IMG Media in
partnership with the European Tour and the Asian Tour via European Tour
Productions and Asian Tour Media) and Golfing World as well as digital and
social media, Golf Course Design and Management, Sales and Advisory Services,
Corporate and Federation Consulting, Hospitality, Academies, Licensing,
Publishing, Speakers, Broadcasters, Bid Consultancy, Corporate and Individual
Brand Development. Golf was IMG's first sport and remains at the heart of IMG’s
global business.
About
KPMG
KPMG
is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory
services. We operate in 156 countries and have more than 152,000 people working
in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG
network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG
International”), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and
separate entity and describes itself as such.
About
the Golf Business Forum and Golf Business Community
Launched in
2004 by KPMG's Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, the Golf Business Forum is
organized at a different stunning venue in a new, exciting location, each year.
It has been hosted in Budapest, Prague, Cyprus, Ireland, Wales, Turkey, Dubai
then Italy - and in 2013 St Andrews, Scotland hosted the 10th anniversary
forum. Over the last decade, the Forum has grown from a regional conference to
a world-leading golf industry event, attracting more than 250 delegates
including developers, investors, operators, owners and journalists from over 40
countries. www.golfbusinessforum.com
The Golf
Business Community (GBC) is a platform for individuals within the golf industry
who are interested in building and maintaining relationships, and accessing
golf research and golf industry news. www.golfbusinesscommunity.com
No comments:
Post a Comment