Highlights for the GBT Conference Belfast 2025
Thanks to our 2025 Partners
Participating Companies
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
2025 Conference Speakers
Jay Karen
CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)
Jay Karen
CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)
Jay Karen is the CEO of National Golf Course Owners Association, where he leads the golf industry’s trade association and initiatives to support the success of the $102B golf industry. In his role at NGCOA, he has chaired the board of the American Golf Industry Council, and served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, a joint initiative with the PGA of America, and the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CBS Radio, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, the Golf Channel, Golf Digest and many others call upon Jay for his insights on the golf industry. Jay has also served as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality industry, and he is a certified association executive by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Jay currently serves on the board of directors of ASAE and the US Travel Association. Golf Inc. Magazine named Jay among the top 25 most powerful people in golf. Jay has been an Honorary Commander for the Joint Military Base in Charleston, is a member of the Golf Writers Association of American and is an Associate Member of the PGA of America.
DJ Flanders
Executive Vice President, Troon International
DJ Flanders
Executive Vice President, Troon International
DJ Flanders, a dedicated Member of the PGA of America, has been a vital part of Troon since 1999, bringing over 25 years of extensive experience in the golf industry. Throughout his illustrious career with Troon, Flanders has successfully managed properties across the globe, including in the United States, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Flanders’ unwavering commitment to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including Troon’s Facility of the Year awards in 2000 and 2013, Most Improved Facility awards in 2001 and 2010, Turnaround Facility of the Year in 2007, the Ambassador Award in 2006, and the General Manager of the Year award in 2007. Additionally, he was recognized by Golf Inc. Magazine as one of the “Top 20 Most Admired Operators in Golf” in 2008.
Since 2019, Flanders has been serving as the Senior Vice President for Troon International. In this role, he has spearheaded Troon’s expansion into numerous countries, overseeing prestigious projects such as the Solheim Cup host venue Finca Cortesin in Spain, the relaunch of Muscat Hills as LA VIE CLUB in Oman, and the acclaimed Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia. His leadership and vision have propelled these venues to notable success, garnering multiple accolades.
In August 2023, Flanders was promoted to Executive Vice President of Troon’s International division, further solidifying his impact and leadership within the organization.
Beyond his professional achievements, Flanders is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in golf. As a dedicated board member of Troon’s DE&I Council, he actively works to make the game of golf more inclusive and accessible to all communities.
Devon Fox
Senior Director, Media PMO & QA, PGA TOUR
Devon Fox
Senior Director, Media PMO & QA, PGA TOUR
Devon Fox is an award-winning leader in the sports technology and media space. She believes exceptional leagues, teams, and players lean into new and innovative ways of doing things while acknowledging the history and heritage of their sport. With a focus on the fan, she leads the technology change management efforts for the PGA TOUR and is the founder of PRISM, the LGBTQ+ and Allies employee resource group at the PGA TOUR.
Before joining the TOUR in 2016, she built a global IT & Digital Operations organization at Nike, built the Digital Operations department at NASCAR from the ground up, and spent time working in ecommerce and the financial sector in her early career.
Devon serves as a SXSW Pitch Advisory Board member since 2021, as a Board Member for the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub since 2019, and recently signed on to serve as an Advisor to ayana Foundation.
Devon graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Information Science with minors in Computer Science and Philosophy and earned an MBA from Drexel University with a concentration in Marketing. Devon also holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.
Fiona Hampton
NBC Sports Next – Vice President, Golf International
Fiona Hampton
NBC Sports Next – Vice President, Golf International
Fiona Hampton is the Vice President of NBC Sports Next’s International Golf Businesses, where she has been instrumental in driving business development and fostering strong commercial relationships since 2019. With a deep commitment to customer success, Fiona has played a key role in delivering consistent growth for GolfNow and BRS Golf club partners. She initially joined the company as Director of Sales and Customer Success, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous role as Head of Sales and Marketing at Ulster Rugby.
Passionate about leadership and team development, Fiona is dedicated to building high-performing teams that align with the company's strategic objectives. As part of NBC Sports Next's upcoming workshop at The Golf Business Technology Conference in Belfast in May 2025, Fiona will deliver a keynote address, offering insights into the NBC Sports Next’s international business, golf-specific products, and customer-centric approach.
Craig Higgs
Managing Director, Golf Genius - International
Craig Higgs
Managing Director, Golf Genius - International
Craig Higgs is the Managing Director for the International Division of Golf Genius, the market-leading provider of innovative golf solutions used by over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts and golfers in over 60 countries.
LinkedIn Profile
Peter Barry
Global Sales Director at Toptracer
Peter Barry
Global Sales Director at Toptracer
Peter Barry joined Toptracer in 2024 as Senior Director of Global Sales, overseeing sales strategies across multiple regions. With 23 years of experience at Callaway Golf in various sales leadership roles, Peter brings extensive expertise and a proven track record of success. Having worked in Europe, North America, and most recently Latin America, he has consistently led sales teams to exceed goals and set benchmarks for excellence. Peter thrives on empowering his teams to achieve their best.
A passionate advocate for innovation, Peter was excited to join Toptracer, the leader in range technology, which aligns perfectly with his forward-thinking approach. Raised in Northern Ireland, where he honed his golf game in challenging wind and rain, Peter developed a lifelong love for the sport. Sharing this passion and building lasting relationships through golf has been a cornerstone of his professional success. Peter resides in Florida with his wife, Olivia, their youngest son, Finn, their dog, and has four children.
Jonathan Smith
Executive Director and Founder, Geo Foundation
Jonathan Smith
Executive Director and Founder, Geo Foundation
As founder and executive director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, Jonathan has been a pioneer in the golf and sustainability movement for two decades. He brings a positive vision, progressive strategic direction, collaborative ethos and a genuine passion to help usher all parts of the industry to the forefront of sustainability. The Foundation is now a trusted advocate and solution provider for golf’s sustainability and climate action in 75 countries, collaborating with more than 50 golf associations spanning greenkeeping to Professional Tours and national governing bodies.
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).
Joe Russell
General Manager at Trump International Golf Links® & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg
Joe Russell
General Manager at Trump International Golf Links® & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg
Joe Russell is an accomplished hospitality executive with over three decades of experience in the luxury hotel and resort industry. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, a position he has held since April 2003. In this role, Joe has overseen all aspects of the business, from the initial development and building program of the facility to the expansion of operations, including membership and real estate services. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the resort as a premier destination in Ireland.
Before joining Trump International, Joe served as the General Manager of The Berkeley Court Hotel in Dublin from 1999 to 2003, where he was responsible for the overall operation of this prestigious property, including the management of an extensive refurbishment program that led the property into The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. Before that, he had various roles as Deputy General Manager at Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin and several senior roles with the Thistle Hotel Group in London.<
Throughout his career, Joe has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in hospitality management, leading teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while driving business growth. His extensive experience and passion in both the hotel and golf industry have made him a respected leader in the field.
Renate Roeleveld
CEO of the Golf Course Association Europe (GCAE)
Renate Roeleveld
CEO of the Golf Course Association Europe (GCAE)
As CEO of the Golf Course Association Europe (GCAE), Renate Roeleveld leads the charge in representing golf facility owners & operators across Europe. She is a firm believer that golf must evolve as the world evolves—stagnation is not an option. With a focus on innovation, collaboration and long-term sustainability, she is dedicated to ensuring that golf is not just seen as a sport, but as a dynamic and future-proof industry that brings together recreation, business, community and environmental responsibility.
With 25 years of experience managing multiple golf courses, Renate understands the complexities of running facilities and challenges the sometimes traditionally structured golf industry to adapt, rethink and improve, in order to stay relevant, inclusive and financially strong. As President of the NVG (Dutch GolfCourse Owners), she drives customer-focused innovation and industry collaboration.
A standout achievement is her FAB Friday program, the foundation of the national Women’s Golf project. This initiative has introduced hundreds of women to golf, redefining what it means to be a golfer. She is committed to creating opportunities and ensuring golf’s future is as exciting as its past.
Renate is known for her no-nonsense, forward-thinking leadership. For her, golf is more than a sport—it’s a thriving industry that benefits people and planet. Through her role at GCAE, she continues to push boundaries, drive progress and make sure golf does not just keep up with the times but stays ahead of them.
Paul McCanny
Director of Golf at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
Paul McCanny
Director of Golf at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
Paul McCanny is an experienced golf and hospitality professional with twenty years of experience in the golf industry.
In his position at Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links he has led substantial links renovation and rebranding projects over the last three years. Following the purchase of the property by Northland Properties in 2019, Paul was appointed to lead and grow the golf operation and his role has been instrumental in improving member and guest experiences at Portmarnock Resort and Jameson Golf Links. A key part of the progress has been the recent multimillion euro links renovation project which aimed to improve the overall golfing experience and has received widespread acclaim among those in the industry.
Paul's began his career as a PGA Assistant golf professional at Black Bush golf club before moving to Birr, Co. Offaly to develop one of Irelands first Trackman academies. In 2011 he was appointed as the first Head golf professional at Killeen Castle as it played host to the Solheim Cup. A successful ten year spell in Co. Meath ended in 2021 when Paul was offered the Director of golf role at the popular Dublin links resort.
Jac Callan
Senior Sustainability & Impact Manager at Visit Belfast
Jac Callan
Senior Sustainability & Impact Manager at Visit Belfast
Senior Sustainability & Impact Manager at Visit Belfast, Jac Callan has more than 15 years’ experience in tourism and events. Working alongside Belfast City Council, tourism stakeholders, communities and other global networks she supports Belfast on its journey to become a leading sustainable tourism and events destination. Through a Sustainable Event Framework and social initiatives such as Changing The Menu. For Good, she works with incoming conferences to make their events more sustainable and positively impact the destination. As part of her work to accelerate sustainable performance across the tourism & events industry, Jac has been responsible for supporting hotels and other tourism businesses to gain a sustainability accreditation through a partnership with Green Tourism.
Michael Malone
VP Sales EMEA at TrackMan
Michael Malone
VP Sales EMEA at TrackMan
As the VP Sales EMEA at TrackMan, Michael oversees the sales and distribution of the world's leading ball flight measurement technology for sports, especially golf. specializing in ball-flight theory, hardware and software training, product demos, and educational workshops.
Tiffany Cherry
Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability Strategist
Tiffany Cherry
Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability Strategist
Appointed Head of Women and Girls Engagement for Golf Australia in 2021, Tiffany was responsible for re-writing Australian Golf’s Women and Girls’ Engagement Strategy. During her two years in the role, Tiffany devised and executed a number of initiatives with significant increases in new markets, while supercharging existing ones. An upturn in key metrics, including junior and teenage girls, women in decision making roles, converting alternate golfers into members, and introducing sustainability measures as a key value proposition for younger markets, punctuated her impact.
Additionally, Tiffany was one of Australia’s leading sports presenters and producers, with a media career spanning three decades and three continents across television, film, radio, print and digital media. She has been nominated for and won a number of awards as a producer and presenter, and is an in-demand keynote speaker, emcee and facilitator.
An MBA graduate on Innovation and Leadership, and qualified physiotherapist who operated her own practice, Tiffany was the first woman AFL (football) TV commentator and was co-host of the 2012 Summer, 2010 Winter Olympics and 2010 Commonwealth Games. Tiffany also hosted ESPN’s SportsCenter from her US base in Connecticut, covering many of the biggest sporting events in the world, and was an international reporter for CNN.
Morten Bisgaard
CEO & Co-Founder of Players 1st
Morten Bisgaard
CEO & Co-Founder of Players 1st
As the CEO & Co-Founder of Players 1st, Morten led the creation of an innovative business, positioning the company as a global leader in customer experience solutions for golf clubs. Players 1st excels on delivering survey solutions to shape the future of golf and with extensive expertise, Players 1st seeks to understand the challenges experienced by any golf club
James Cronk
President of Cronk Group
James Cronk
President of Cronk Group
James Cronk is a club industry leader with over 30 years of experience in the golf and service industry. He has presented keynote sessions and workshop seminars at major golf industry events around the world, including the NGCOA Canada National Conference (18 times), the Asia Pacific Golf Summit (6 times including India in November 2019), the European Golf Business Conference (3 times including Portugal 2020), the CMAA World Conference (twice) and many more. In 2022 he was the keynote speaker at the Australian Club Managers Conference in Melbourne.
A former golf professional and club manager, James’s has real life experience in the industry, and his success as a leader is evident in the recognitions bestowed upon himself and his teams, including his facility being recognized by Golf Digest as having the ‘5th Best Customer Service in North America’ and being rated by BC Business Magazine as one of British Columbia’s ‘Top Ten Employers’.
His company CRONK GROUP helps clubs and organizations achieve their goals and increase their profits by improving their systems, their service, and their people. In 2022 James and his business partner Scott Masse launched GOLF INDUSTRY GURU, a global on-line training platform for golf clubs featuring tools, tips, templates, videos, and blogs from many of the world’s leading golf and hospitality industry gurus.
Gareth Macklin
Founder and CEO of Obbi
Gareth Macklin
Founder and CEO of Obbi
Gareth Macklin, Founder and CEO of Obbi, has played a pivotal role in managing a workforce of over 650 employees over the last 2 decades. Faced with a need for tailored software solutions within the Macklin Group, Gareth spearheaded the development of Obbi, a comprehensive platform designed to streamline business processes in safety, compliance, and training, particularly tailored for clubs. Obbi, the culmination of Gareth's entrepreneurial spirit and industry knowledge, empowers clubs to have enhanced productivity, reduced costs, and improved compliance and risk management for its users.
James Wilkinson
Founder of Albatross
James Wilkinson
Founder of Albatross
James Wilkinson is the founder of Albatross. Albatross is a golf and sport marketing agency who help solve brands greatest challenges by bringing game changing digital ideas to life.
Clive Mayhew
Owner of Golf.ai
Clive Mayhew
Owner of Golf.ai
Ian Blunt
Marketing Manager of Inrange
Ian Blunt
Marketing Manager of Inrange
In his professional career, Ian has worked with companies such as BDO, Panasonic, Coca-Cola and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He also spent 5 years traveling the world working in the cruise ship industry. The common thread between the many roles he has fulfilled along the way is his focus on the customer. Within Inrange, Ian has helped build out the customer and player journeys, as well as create a brand vision for what the next generation of off-course golf venues will look like. His expertise lies in identifying the win-win-win situations within the market where the player, range owner and Inrange business are all involved in the success of any campaign, activation or event.
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.
Gavin Robinson
Gavin Robinson BSc CMDip PGA, CMAE Operations Manager
Gavin Robinson
Gavin Robinson BSc CMDip PGA, CMAE Operations Manager
Colin Weston
Creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast
Colin Weston
Creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast
Colin Weston is the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube Channel, where since 2017 he speaks with the innovators, entrepreneurs, visionaries and influencers who are shaping the future of golf.
As a sport experience event designer, Colin has worked with organizations such as Topgolf, Golf Canada and The PGA of America. His professional background in architecture, product and human-centred design helps organizations envision and execute a gamified, fun, engaging event activation that is welcoming to everyone.
Samantha Kelly
Social Media Trainer | Author | TEDxSpeaker
Samantha Kelly
Social Media Trainer | Author | TEDxSpeaker
Samantha Kelly is one of the top Twitter (X) experts and is also proficient in LinkedIn and all elements related to social media strategy. With an engaged following of over 70k, Samantha helps businesses stand out online and build communities around their brand.
Author of 'The Little Book of Twitter Magic', global keynote speaker and multi-award winning business woman, Samantha understands entrepreneurship and small business and understands the challenges business owners face and how people buy from people.
TJ Schier
CEO of Immersive Golf Holdco, LLC
TJ Schier
CEO of Immersive Golf Holdco, LLC
TJ Schier has walked many miles in operators’ and owners’ shoes. TJ has cracked the code on what it takes to ignite a team of top performers focused on delivering amazing guest service. He currently consults in the golf entertainment and competitive socializing space as President and founder of SMART Restaurant Group
TJ is the former 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 under his watch before being sold to the largest competitor in the space.
Prior to that, he spent two decades as a leading speaker and consultant in the guest service, employee retention and franchise space, delivering hundreds of speeches to operators, 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.
During that time, he was also a multi-unit franchise owner 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.
He has written numerous books used by thousands of business leaders and over 100 articles on guest service and motivating today’s generation and has a BBA and MBA from the University of Texas.
Graham Curry
Founder, Handicaddie
Graham Curry
Founder, Handicaddie
Damien Connolly
Director of Consulting Services, mygolfGroup Club Consulting
Damien Connolly
Director of Consulting Services, mygolfGroup Club Consulting
With over 18 years in the golf industry, Damien is Director of Consulting Services at mygolfGroup Club Consulting, a leading provider of bespoke consulting services for golf clubs across Ireland.
Damien oversees company operations and works closely with member-owned and proprietary clubs to drive growth in areas like sales, membership, operations, change management, and strategic planning. He is responsible for sharing best practices and creating resources to guide clubs toward proven business improvements.
A dedicated student of golf’s business side, Damien holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from UCD. He further honed his expertise through the CMAE, earning a Diploma in Club Management and, in 2024, achieving the esteemed Certificate of Club Management (CCM) from the CMAE & CMAA, one of only 78 in Europe to hold this qualification.
His mission is to help clubs improve at the business of golf and to provide effective solutions to their challenges. Passionate about his work, he is focused on bringing valuable service and growth opportunities to partners and the wider golf industry.
John McCormack FCCA, CCM
Director, Club Benchmarking EMEA
John McCormack FCCA, CCM
Director, Club Benchmarking EMEA
Prior to joining Club Benchmarking, John served for nearly two decades as General Manager of Castle Golf Club, one of the largest and most prestigious private member clubs in Ireland.
His professional career as an accountant began when he completed his training in 1990 and travelled to St. Lucia with Price Waterhouse as a manager in their Eastern Caribbean office. While on the island, he went on to serve as finance director for a large group of companies and ran his own business.
In 1997, he returned home to Ireland and entered the hospitality world as Financial Controller of the Gresham Hotel in Dublin.
He got his start in the club business as General Manager of Malahide Golf.
John proudly served as President of the Club Management Association of Europe from 2007 to 2009 and President of the Club Management Association of Ireland from 2020 to 2023.
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.
Ed Pettit
Managing Director, Course Maintenance Division, Carr Golf
Ed Pettit
Managing Director, Course Maintenance Division, Carr Golf
Ed leads Carr Golf’s course maintenance division, ensuring the team delivers best-practice agronomic solutions across its client base of 27 golf courses in the UK and Ireland. With over 25-years’ industry experience, Ed specialises in asset management, strategic planning and golf course maintenance. Before joining Carr Golf, Ed worked at and developed some of Ireland’s best-known golf clubs and 5-star resorts.
Jonathan Snowball
Head of Professional Development at Husqvarna UK
Jonathan Snowball
Head of Professional Development at Husqvarna UK
Husqvarna are the world leaders in robotic mowers and this year celebrate 30 years since they invented the first robotic mower.
Jonathan has been at Husqvarna for 15 years delivering across the business in various positions from Product Manager to Head of Business Development and now as Head of Professional Development UK. Since the launch of the professional robotic lawnmowers for golf courses Jonathan has led the charge in the UK, working with golf courses at all levels to deliver autonomous solutions. Driving the future of golf Husqvarna Robotic lawnmowers can address common challenges faced in golf course maintenance such as; increasing costs, labour shortage, course presentation and sustainability ambitions. Join the seminar to learn more.
David Hunter
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Shot Scope
David Hunter
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Shot Scope
David, founded Shot Scope in 2015, inventing and developing the technology between 2013-14. David’s background in electronics design and embedded software helped accelerate development. After graduating with a masters in engineering David designed products for medical, industrial and commercial applications for 10 years.
A career change in 2012, David went back to The University of Edinburgh and qualified as a teacher. Teaching Design and Technology subjects including Engineering Science at a number of High Schools in Scotland.
A market leader in the UK Shot Scope delivers GPS, rangefinder and software solutions powered by its patented technology. Designed by golfers, for golfers - Shot Scope products help golfers improve by 4.1 shots in less than 25 rounds. The company is progressing through a period of international scale and growth with product sold in 160 different countries.
Over 10-years Shot Scope has won numerous awards within golf and technology including x5 Scottish Enterprise innovation grants, European Satellite Agency R&D grant, Innovate UK funding and x25 sport or golf industry awards. Ambitious international plans David recently closed an investment round of +£6million taking total funding to +£20m.
David is responsible for overall strategic direction of the company and involved in commercial strategy and product development. The company has grown to a team of x41 based in Edinburgh that includes in-house R&D, sales and marketing and customer support. From the start David’s vision was to develop the technology that helps golfer improve and play their best golf.
Outside of Shot Scope David has x2 children and enjoys taking part in sport. In his teenager years David competed internationally in Tae Kwon-Do and won both British and Scottish golf medals.
Neil Cahill
Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Wilson Nesbitt
Neil Cahill
Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Wilson Nesbitt
Neil Cahill is a highly experienced litigation and dispute resolution specialist with over 20 years of expertise in commercial litigation, arbitration, mediation, and complex dispute management.
As Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Wilson Nesbitt, Neil leads the firm’s strategic approach to resolving high-value and complex disputes. He works closely with corporate clients, insurers, and individuals across multiple industries, ensuring commercially effective outcomes.
Jeff Hansen
CTO, Tee Box & CEO, FORJ
Jeff Hansen
CTO, Tee Box & CEO, FORJ
With over 30 years in the tech industry and the past decade focused on AI, 3D, and XR, Jeff Hansen is at the forefront of innovation in golf technology. A former collegiate and mini-tour player, Jeff is now fusing his deep knowledge of the game with cutting-edge tech. As CTO of Tee Box—the fastest-growing indoor golf franchise in the U.S. and Trackman’s top global partner—he leads the technology strategy across 33 (soon to be 100) premium player development centers. These facilities integrate Trackman IO bays, PuttView greens, and full gyms to offer an elite indoor golf experience. Jeff has also leveraged advanced tools like Sportsbox.ai, Gears, and other AI-based platforms to elevate training and performance.
As CEO of FORJ, Jeff and his team are building the most advanced AI-driven player development and club fitting platform every built. Constructed entirely on Trackman data and infrastructure, FORJ helps automate the fitting process, ingest Trackman data in real-time, handle all communication with the customer, and unlock deeper insights and efficiencies for Fitters. Reach out to Jeff at jeff@getforj.com to learn more about the Beta launch exclusively at GBT and how to integrate these technologies into your business.
Chris Knight
Director at The Revenue Club
Chris Knight
Director at The Revenue Club
With a career in golf operations dating back to 2001, Chris began his journey as a PGA professional and a graduate of the AGMS Degree from the University of Birmingham. Initially working with the De Vere Group and Macdonald Hotels, over the years, he’s seen it all—from MS-DOS tee sheet systems to today’s cutting-edge cloud-based platforms (and yes, even the classic pen and paper method).
During his time at Teeofftimes, GolfNow, and BRS Golf, Chris noticed a growing trend: while online bookings were becoming more popular, many golf club managers were too stretched to fully leverage the software and tools available. Green fee strategies often fell by the wayside—an overlooked opportunity that sparked the idea for The Revenue Club.
Launched in 2017, The Revenue Club was built to help golf clubs optimise their green fee strategies. Today, it offers a complete sales and marketing solution, including CRM implementation. Under Chris’s leadership, the company has grown into a HubSpot Platinum Partner and has supported over 250 golf clubs in streamlining operations and boosting revenue.
Nick Longley
Co-Founder at Inrange
Nick Longley
Co-Founder at Inrange
Inrange® co-founder, Nick Longley, has a strong background in finance and business management, which he has leveraged to co-found and lead Inrange®, a market leader in the golf technology sector. Under Nick’s leadership, Inrange® has launched globally in over 15 markets and brought award-winning software paired with patented radar ball-tracking to facilities looking to drive stronger revenue through their off-course offering. Nick's business acumen brought both the Inrange Consulting services as well as the Inrange Enterprise customer program to the fore - where the business operates as a 'much more than just tech' company.
Neil Hunter
Director at Gallagher
Neil Hunter
Director at Gallagher
About me
Neil has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and holds the titles of Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Chartered Insurance Broker.
With my extensive experience in the insurance industry, I focus primarily on large corporate risks across all business sectors. I have significant knowledge in managing companies that require global placements, those with complex local placements and those facing risks associated to distressed liability placements.
I am also a cricket and rugby union fanatic!
About Gallagher
Gallagher's Belfast office is a part of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm. Established in 1957, our Belfast team comprises 65 professionals.
Renowned for their expertise, the Belfast team delivers tailored insurance solutions and risk management services to a wide array of clients, including large global corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and individuals across various sectors. The office is distinguished by its strong commitment to client service, focusing on understanding each client's unique needs. With extensive experience in managing complex insurance and risk management placements, the team utilises Gallagher's global resources and local insights to deliver effective placement strategies. The office culture prioritises teamwork, integrity, and innovation, in line with Gallagher's mission, which is to assist clients in managing their risks by safeguarding their assets and minimising their total cost of risk.
Gallagher Belfast is a dynamic, client-centric office that plays a vital role in the company's operations both in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Alex Saul
Chief Commercial Officer at Carr Golf Group
Alex Saul
Chief Commercial Officer at Carr Golf Group
With over two decades of experience in the sports and hospitality sectors, Alex has played a key role in shaping commercial strategies for some of Europe’s most prominent rights holders, media organisations, event owners, and governing bodies. In recent years, he has also advised private investors on strategic opportunities within the golf industry. As Chief Commercial Officer at Carr Golf Group, Alex leads the company’s growth initiatives across multiple golf verticals, driving innovation and value in a rapidly evolving market.
Simon Thompson
Managing Director at Burhill Group Limited (BGL)
Simon Thompson
Managing Director at Burhill Group Limited (BGL)
A commercial, driven leader who delivers sustainable value through the creation and implementation of business strategy in an engaging and effective way.
Possessing a curious, open and challenging mindset, able to think around problems quickly and operate with a questioning, amiable style that engages teams and drives results. Thrives in situations which require different perspectives or fundamental change.
Consistently successful at adapting to new environments, quickly building trust and bringing the benefits of my wide experience to support the teams I lead to deliver great performance.
Detailed knowledge of hospitality, leisure and retail multi site leadership, strategy and operations, corporate finance and consultancy services.
Functional experience in all aspects of leading and operating a business including: planning and execution of strategy, brand and customer experience development and implementation, business operations, capital investment and design, financial analysis, decision making and reporting, business governance and risk management.
Detailed knowledge of corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals, business planning and financing structures.
Wide board room and stakeholder management experience - working across founder-led environments, private equity and consultancy roles.
Venue
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ
