With just over four weeks to go, the final preparations are underway for the return of the Golf Business Technology Conference (GBTC) 2026. Taking place from May 5–7 at the iconic Merchant Hotel, this year’s event is set to be the most influential gathering of golf industry innovators and operators in the B2B calendar.
As the industry stands on the precipice of a technological revolution, GBTC 2026 provides the definitive platform for exploring AI-driven management, sustainable agronomy, and the future of “golf entertainment.”
Agenda Highlights & Key Panel Topics
The 2026 agenda is packed with high-impact sessions designed to provide actionable ROI for club owners and operators. Key sessions include:
- The Future of Precision Turf Agronomy: A deep dive into how data-driven decisions and robotics are lowering costs while improving course conditions.
- AI-Driven Club Management: Exploring how automated systems and predictive analytics are streamlining operations and enhancing the member experience.
- The “Profit with Purpose” Model: A critical discussion on aligning environmental sustainability with bottom-line growth.
- Revolutionizing Revenue through Golf Entertainment: How technology-integrated ranges and immersive experiences (like SmashSwing) are attracting the next generation of players.
- Operational Efficiency in the Modern Era: Strategies for managing world-class facilities and high-profile tournaments.
World-Class Speaker Lineup
The conference will feature over 50 industry experts, including newly confirmed voices and global headliners:
- Karen Lyttle (Director of Technology, The R&A): Opening keynote on the massive technological transformation behind The Open and AIG Women’s Open.
- Sarah Stirk (Sky Sports Golf Presenter): Renowned broadcaster sharing global insights on the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and the pro tours.
- Simon Elsworth (Global Head of Professional Solutions, Syngenta): Leading the conversation on digital tools for the era of precision turf management.
- Gina Rizzi (President, Radius Sports Group): A pioneer in measuring and communicating golf’s economic and environmental impact.
- Bob Morse (President & COO, Invited Clubs): Insights into the hospitality and membership strategies of the world’s largest private club network.
- Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc (CEO, Ugolf International): Exploring international expansion and management trends.
- TJ Schier (CEO, SmashSwing Immersive): Showcasing the future of competitive socializing and golf-tech entertainment.
Networking & Exclusive Events
The experience kicks off on Tuesday, May 5th, with the Optional Golf Day at the historic Belvoir Park Golf Club, a Harry Colt masterpiece located just minutes from the city center. This will be followed by a Social Networking Evening (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM), allowing delegates to build connections before the core conference sessions begin.
Registration & Final Tickets
With limited capacity at The Merchant Hotel, tickets are selling fast. Delegate passes include full access to all sessions, the VIP Lounge, networking lunches, and the evening drinks reception.
- Delegate Pass (Full 2-Day Access): £995 + VAT
- 1-Day Pass: £795 + VAT
- Optional Golf Day (May 5th): £150 + VAT
Register now at: www.golfbusinesstechnologyconference.com/tickets
A Note from the Founder
“In just over a month, Belfast will become the global hub for golf innovation,” says Aboo Tayub, Founder of Golf Business Technology. “We aren’t just talking about the future of the game; we are bringing together the very people who are building it. If you want to see where the industry is headed in 2027 and beyond, you need to be in this room.”
Media Contact: