For the second time since 2007 GOLF EUROPE honored innovative product developments in the categories clubs, apparel, footwear, and accessories, as well as caddies and training tools with a product award. Selection criteria included functional aspects as well as design, level of innovation, and user friendliness. In order to guarantee a high degree of innovation for this product competition, entry was open exclusively to products scheduled for market introduction in 2009, and considered up- and coming highlights or true innovations. A high-caliber jury consisting of independent industry and retail experts as well as leading representatives of the media judged the product entries.

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One of the special highlights in the GOLF EUROPE event program is the Q&A session with Martin Kaymer presented by Titleist. The 23-year-old from Mettmann is considered to be Germany’s most promising golf talent, and is listed as the second best German player in the world rankings behind Bernhard Langer. This year Kaymer already won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships as well as the BMW International Open. When & where: Monday, 10/06/2008 – 3:45 to 4:45 pm, Speakers Corner, Hall B6.469. Before it Martin Kaymer is going to do an autograph session at the booth of Titleist from 3 to 3:45 pm.

As part of the global launch of his own product line by MD Golf, Seve Ballesteros will stop by at the Golf Europe 2008. On Monday, October 6th, 2008, the golf icon will discuss his visions with VIP guests. Seve Ballesteros not only provided his name for the ”ICON“ line, he was also actively involved in its development. All products from this line benefit from his experience and input and are marked with his signature.

After several years of abstinence from the show, the return of Ping to GOLF EUROPE 2008 is understated yet sophisticated. Ping ranks among the world’s leading golf equipment suppliers and provides an extremely comprehensive product palette consisting of golf clubs and bags. Ping is well-known for its custom fitting products, sold since 1970. Another returnee, if only as co-exhibitor, is Cleveland Golf Company Inc. Cleveland is one of the largest manufacturers of golf clubs, golf balls, and accessories, and is one of the leading producers of wedges.

In cooperation with the PGA of Germany and PGA of Austria, Golf Europe offers an exclusive trainee project for newcomers to the industry. This endorsement program for trainees from the golf industry offers free access to Golf Europe from October 5th to 7th, 2008. Trainees will have to identify themselves with their PGA membership cards. Pre-registration is not necessary. The trainee project is slated to provide the trainees with an overview of professional golf retail business. In addition to the latest product innovations and trends the trainees will experience the “routine” of a day at Europe’s most important golf business trade show. The Golf Europe side event program offers a number of opportunities to actively exchange information. The free seminars include tips and tricks by experts on topics such as “How to get the top jobs” (presenters: Harald H.J. Heil and Andreas Oswald); demonstration: “Putting instruction – an untapped market” (presenter: Nick Middleton); Fairway Congress: “The future trends and opportunities within golf management” (presenters: Jerry Kilby and Andreas Dorsch).

At GOLF EUROPE 2008 both visitors and exhibitors will profit from a new service: the Open Lounge offers all trade fair participants the chance to go online and be connected with the world in a quiet and pleasant atmosphere at any time. At the same time, the lounge serves as a meeting point and retreat for meetings and networking. The 120 square meter Open Lounge area is situated directly at the entrance of hall B6 and offers free internet services at PC terminals as well as wireless LAN. Furthermore, exhibitors are welcome to take part in the “Talk @ Open Lounge”: This provides them with the opportunity to introduce themselves and initiate talks and presentations in front of a small, interested audience. The area features eight chairs and a flat screen with laptop connection. One speaking slot per talk is two times 30 minutes on all three days of the trade fair.