Highlights for the GBT Conference Belfast 2025
2026 Conference Speakers
Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc
Chief Executive Officer, Ugolf International
Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc
Chief Executive Officer, Ugolf International
Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc, CCM, is the CEO of Ugolf International, the international branch of UGOLF. After obtaining his golf management diploma and gaining 10 years of experience in the golf industry, he joined UGOLF in 2014. He has successfully held the positions of golf director and area manager, and since 2021, he has been in charge of the company’s international expansion.
He graduated as a Certified Club Manager in 2018 and serves on the board of the French Golf Managers’ Association, the board of the CMAE (Club Managers Association of Europe), and the board of the GCAE (Golf Club Association of Europe).
TJ Schier
CEO/Founder at Smash Swing Immersive
TJ Schier
CEO/Founder at Smash Swing Immersive
TJ Schier has walked many miles in operators’ and owners’ shoes and has cracked the code on what it takes to ignite a team of top performers focused on delivering amazing guest service.
TJ spends the majority of his time consulting and speaking in the competitive socializing, family entertainment center, and franchise space. He is the founder and CEO of a new golf-entertainment technology, SmashSwing Immersive – hitting the market in 2025. Prior to launching SmashSwing, he was the Chief Operating Officer of BigShots Golf owned by ClubCorp/Invited. BigShots Golf was the second-largest player in the golf-entertainment venue space and grew quickly (opened six in under 20 months) under his watch before being sold to the largest competitor in the space.
He has spent over two decades as a leading speaker and consultant in the guest service, employee development, and franchise spaces. He has delivered hundreds of keynotes and workshops to operators, franchise owners, GMs, and industry associations. TJ also built dozens of guest service and employee/manager training programs for quick-service, contract feeder, casual, and fine dining brands including Dave & Buster’s, Urban Air, Jersey Mike’s, Fogo de Chao, The Palm, Buffalo Wild Wings, McAlister’s Deli, Sodexo, and many independent operators such as the foodservice divisions of Harvard, Dartmouth, and Columbia University.
For much of his consulting and speaking career, he was also the largest multi-unit franchise owner of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches for over a dozen years. His group won numerous industry awards and recognition for their unique approach to hiring and training.
Prior to starting his speaking and consulting business, he spent 18 years at Chuck E. Cheese’s, leaving as VP of Field Support, opening over 75 locations, and providing recruiting, training, call center, and POS support for over 300 restaurants.
He has written numerous books used by thousands of business leaders and over 100 articles on guest service and motivating today’s generation. He is a 30+ year member of CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) and a past board member and President of the organization. He has a BBA and MBA from the University of Texas.
Nuno Sepúlveda
Co-CEO of Details, S.A & Chairman, CNIG
Nuno Sepúlveda
Co-CEO of Details, S.A & Chairman, CNIG
Graduated in Agronomy from UTAD, holds a Master degree in Sport Surfaces Technology from Cranfied University.
He is currently Co-CEO of Details, S.A, the asset management company of Arrow Global Portugal, S.A. for Sports and Leisure.
In 2000, started his professional life as Director of Construction and Maintenance of the golf course at Morgado Golf & Country Club.
In 2007 co-founded ÁreaGolfe, S.A (Mota Engil Group) was General Manager in Portugal and was involved in projects of construction, maintenance and development of golf courses of superior standard.
Between 2010 and 2017 was Director of Golf Sales at Discovery Hotel Management Group, Director of Golf at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and at Dolce Campo Real Lisbon and Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort.
In 2017 headed to Greece with TEMES S.A as Director of Golf and Sports Business Development, where oversaw the definition and implementation of golf strategies and sports business development at various hotels and golf courses. The strategic partnerships he developed, including the NBA Basketball School and Mouratoglou Tennis Center, demonstrate his vision, recognition and influence in the field.
Between 2020 and June 2023 was General Director of Costa Navarino Golf. For two and a half years, led this renowned golf destination that annually managed thousands of accommodation nights and golf laps. Under his guidance, inaugurated 2 new golf courses designed by Jose Maria Olzabal and contributed to the three 5-star hotels, the four signature golf courses and world-class spas to be a reference.
In 2022 the Costa Navarino was recognized as the best golf resort in Europe.
Since 2024 has been Chairman of the Board of CNIG - National Council of the Golf Industry, an association that represents almost all owners and managers of golf courses in Portugal.
Michael Herd
Head of International Search & Consulting at KK&W
Michael Herd
Head of International Search & Consulting at KK&W
Based in the United Kingdom, Michael comes to KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE with over a
decade of experience in the golf and club industry. He most recently held the position of Managing Consultant with Colt Mackenzie McNair, an international executive search firm specializing in the placement of senior-level executives within the golf, leisure, and hospitality industries. Prior to pursuing a career in executive search, Michael was active in the golf industry working with the DP World Tour, West Hill Golf Club, and Wentworth Club in the United Kingdom.
Michael’s expertise spans multiple continents and has positioned him as a trusted industry leader. In recent years, Michael has successfully collaborated with renowned clubs across the globe, including those in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Australia. His dedication to understanding the unique needs of each organization and sourcing leading candidates has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry.
Michael aligns with KK&W’s approach which extends beyond merely filling positions. He takes pride in nurturing talent and assisting professionals in their career growth. With his guidance and support, candidates are empowered to unlock their full potential and thrive in their respective roles.
Furthermore, Michael is committed to providing invaluable industry advice and insights to club boards and committees. His deep understanding of the international golf and club industry landscape enables him to provide innovative solutions and strategic best practices.
Clive Mayhew
Owner of Golf.ai
Clive Mayhew
Owner of Golf.ai
Alastair Sinclair
CEO of PlayMoreGolf
Alastair Sinclair
CEO of PlayMoreGolf
Alastair Sinclair, the CEO of PlayMoreGolf, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Prior to embarking on his journey in the golf industry over a decade ago, he spent over 20 years in Banking in London. This covered Mergers and Acquisitions through to restructuring large corporates businesses including multi national golf operators.
In August 2014, Alastair Sinclair took on the role of CEO at PlayMoreGolf, where his leadership and vision have propelled the company to new heights.
In addition to his professional and family commitments, Alastair is a passionate rugby and outdoor pursuits fan ranging from sailing through to gun dog training.
Danny Campbell
General Manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club
Danny Campbell
General Manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club
Danny joined St Andrews Links Trust in 1999, arriving from the world-famous department store, Harrods, at which he was responsible for the sports floor, with the remit to develop the retail business at the Home of Golf. Danny was a member of the Senior Executive Team at the Links for over 24 years, and oversaw the transformation of the retail operation from two to five stores as well as delivering an online shop. He also had overall responsibility to deliver the retail business for The Open and the successful wholesale and licensing relationships with organisations such as Harrods and Walt Disney World. In addition, Danny was also responsible for the global communications, hospitality operation and global partnership programme which included brands such as Allianz, Rolex, Callaway and NBC Sports. The global brand development also extended to Japan and Korea where over 60 St Andrews retail shops still operate to this day.
After 24 years at the Links, Danny decided to leave after the 150th Open, his fifth at St Andrews, and joined Royal Portrush Golf Club as General Manager in 2024 where he oversaw the delivery of his sixth Open. Danny leads the Club and works closely with all the
key stakeholders in Northern Ireland whilst delivering an experience to the Members and Visitors.
Danny was also the Chair of Governors at St Leonards School in St Andrews for three years along with being a non-executive director for the commercial business at the University of St Andrews. He is an avid golfer, plays off a handicap of four, enjoys cricket, rugby and spending time with his wife and son.
Brad Chard
COO of PlayMoreGolf
Brad Chard
COO of PlayMoreGolf
Brad started working in the Golf Industry 24 years ago. Previously, he worked as General Manager across a range of golf clubs.
In August 2021, Brad joined PlayMoreGolf. From members clubs, large proprietary clubs, and multi-site operations, Brad’s experience is varied. Given his strong golf operational background, Brad helps support his team as he has a good understanding of the challenges facing golf and leisure operations.
Finally, in his spare time, he is a volunteer football coach and likes to run or go to the gym on most days.
Special Guest Speaker 2025
Sir Nick Faldo, a former World No.1 player, six-time Major Champion, and World Golf Hall of Fame member, is the most successful European golfer in history. With his three Open Championship and three Masters victories, Sir Nick has etched his name among the all-time greats of golf. He is also an iconic Ryder Cup figure, having represented Europe in the prestigious event a record eleven times.
Sir Nick Faldo Live in Belfast – Exclusive Golf Clinic & Insights
An unforgettable day with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo at Royal Belfast Golf Club. A world-class golf clinic where Sir Nick shared expert insights, swing techniques, and course management tips, offering a rare opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greatest minds. Sir Nick took stage at the Golf Business Technology Conference in Belfast on the 14th May, engaging in an exclusive Q&A session where he discussed the evolution of the game, the impact of technology, and the future of golf.
Golf Business Technology Conference 2026 Why you should attend
Golf Business Technology Conference is the must-attend B2B event that is exclusively dedicated to discussing advanced technologies and business services for the Golf Industry. The event agenda is designed to help Golf Course Owners and Operators stay on the cutting edge while creating new and meaningful connections with industry peers. Learn to better manage your course like an investment and understand the latest advancements in tech and entertainment whilst taking home powerful and innovative ideas that can improve your bottom line.
The 2026 conference will welcome attendees globally and will cover topics in Sustainability, Revenue Generation, Golf Entertainment, Operational Efficiency, Club Management, Leadership and much more.
- All-inclusive access to conference
- Participation in networking events
- Access to +50 speakers
- Invitation to Networking Lunches
- Access to VIP Lounge area
- Refreshments and Hor d'oeuvres
- Invitation to Networking Breakfast
- Invitation to Evening Drinks Reception
Venue
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ
