‘Energising and inspiring’ — what to expect from the Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition

29 October 2025

With a stellar line-up of keynote speakers, a selection of insightful breakout sessions, and unrivalled networking opportunities, it is an event not to be missed.

The 2025 Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition will bring together golf club managers and industry professionals for what promises once again to be a major highlight in the calendar.

Taking place at the De Vere Costwold Water Park from 16-18 November, this year’s theme is ‘Future Ready’, with a focus on the key pillars of strategy, sustainability and success. Delegates are invited to join the conversation about the future of the industry and the leadership needed to navigate the evolving landscape.

The event, sponsored by Premium Partners Rain Bird and Fairway Credit, boasts a formidable line-up of keynote speakers who will share expert insights on a range of pressing issues, while the packed schedule of breakout sessions and workshops provide a valuable platform for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.

You can also discover the latest industry developments, products and services at the trade exhibition, while the networking opportunities are second to none, with social events and the famed Conference Awards dinner.

Susie Waldock, General Manager at Aberdovey, was in attendance at the 2023 Conference and found it to be an invaluable experience.

“As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it far surpassed my expectations and was genuinely inspiring and energising,” she said. “The quality of the keynote speakers was exceptional – Owen Eastwood was a highlight for me – and the breakout sessions were informative and engaging.

“The networking opportunities were also invaluable and showed how welcoming and supportive the GCMA community is.”

Heather Moran, General Manager at La Moye, also attended for the first time two years ago and was similarly impressed. This time around, she will have an added element of interest, as she has been nominated for the Best Newcomer of the Year award.

“I’ll admit I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences,” she said. “The atmosphere was welcoming, the discussions open and honest, and the sense of community among managers was remarkable. It was refreshing to meet so many people who understand the realities of club life and are willing to share ideas so openly.

“The speakers were thought-provoking and really made me think about how things are done at my club and how they could potentially be improved. I am really looking forward to attending this year and bringing home some more great ideas.”

They are sentiments echoed by Sam Poole, a former general manager who is now Managing Director at Aquila Golf and will host one of the breakout sessions.

“For me, the opportunity to learn from such a wide variety of industry experts, not just from the breakout sessions but just chatting over a beer or coffee and visiting exhibition stands, is invaluable,” he said.

“Being a club manager can be a bit isolating, so knowing you have the support of your peers and good people in the wider industry gives renewed vigour for the job!”

That element of networking, having the opportunity to spend time in the company of likeminded individuals who are dealing with similar challenges, is also a major plus point for Hartley Wintney General Manager Adam Bodimeade.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to network with fellow members and gain insight from the excellent keynote speakers,” he said. “The breakout sessions were also really interesting and I found it valuable to be able to meet my peers and learn more about important the important issues facing our industry.

“It is definitely worth attending, not just for the networking and educational opportunities, but for the informal support and advice you get from everyone you meet.”

Future Ready

The Golf Club Management Conference & Exhibition 2025 will bring together experts, thought leaders, and innovators to share practical insights, strategies, and solutions for the future of golf club management. Attendees can expect a dynamic programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and an expanded exhibition showcasing the latest products and services in the sector.

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By GCMA Content Team

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John Steele

John Steele is a former professional athlete, sports coach, Olympic Leader and is the Executive Director of Sport at Loughborough University. He has been Chief Executive across a range of sectors. Drawing on leadership experience of nine different Olympic and Paralympic Games (including the amazing events at the Rio Games), John reflects on the lessons from this unique period in British sport and relays his fascinating views on creating high performing teams.

Indeed, inspired from PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, by the most successful performance ever for Team GB, he has a whole host of new business and leadership insights into how this was brilliant performance was achieved and how it can translate back into your organisation.

John moved into the corporate world, before he enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional rugby player achieving international honours. After his playing career, he turned his hand to coaching and achieved the highest accolade for a British club coach by winning the European Cup with Northampton Saints. He then became Executive Director on the Saints Board during a period of unprecedented growth, and served on the England Rugby Board during the successful world cup campaign of 2003. It was no surprise that John’s talents were called upon to drive through a change and modernisation programme as CEO of the Rugby Football Union – a challenge that became controversial and ended in his departure from the post after only a year, but with his dignity and professional pride intact.

Headhunted by UK Sport, John took up post as CEO the day before London won the 2012 Olympic bid – and this promising start was sustained as he embarked on developing the UK’s high performance sport system, which he led for a six-year period of unprecedented success through the Beijing and London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Post-London 2012, with the Olympic legacy in place and an obligation to continue inspiring a generation, John took up his post as Group Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust. He has also succeeded Steve Cram as Chairman of the English Institute of Sport, an organisation described as ‘the team behind the team’, which delivers a range of performance impacting solutions to over 40 Olympic and Paralympic sports and some non-Olympic sports.

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Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE is famed for becoming the first female fast jet pilot, having flown the Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft during her services in the Royal Air Force. Joining the RAF aged 18, Jo has since taken Air Cadets into the skies as part of Air Experience Flights, become the Director of Global Transformative Leadership for PWC, and most recently become a Global Advisory of GenAI for PwC.

Jo has piloted flights in the Air Cadets Air Experience Flights and inspired countless budding armed service members to pioneer a male-dominated sector, having been the leader of an all-male squadron. Since leaving the military behind, Jo has established a strong business career working in roles such as Head of Technical Services for NetConnect, European Operations Manager for Automated Power Exchange and Managing Director of Saltin Ltd.

Having developed first-class expertise in leadership, analytical thinking and performing under pressure, Jo is now a highly sought-after public speaker to share stories from her time in the skies.

Jo is a passionate Trustee of The Royal Air Force Club and an Ambassador of the Global Angels charity, an organisation that gives communities around the world access to clean water, education, healthcare and encourages female and youth empowerment. Jo has also authored two books, titled Energy: 52 Ways to Fire Up Your Life and Become an Energy Angel and Energize: Spring Clean Your Mind and Body to Get Your Bounce Back Today and Every Day.

In recognition of her achievements throughout her career, Jo has also been named as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by Harpers & Queen. She is now working as the Director of Global Transformation Leadership at PWC, after working in other roles such as Director of Risk Technology Strategy, Director Chief of Staff to Head of Technology & Investments and the Director of People & Organisations.

In 2022, Jo was invited personally by Tom Cruise to attend the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Most recently, Jo received an honorary doctorate of Arts from Bournemouth University.