Recently Principal Henry DeLozier traveled to Shanghai, China to partake in the Business Management Institute International program; a five-day combination of keynote presentations, classroom-style interactive sessions, and round-table debates and discussions focused on the growing development of the golf industry in China.

BMI International is a collaborative effort of the club managers associations of America and China.  The event hosts club managers from the US, China, South Africa, Finland, Australia, and Scotland.  Last year the event was held in St. Andrews, Scotland and is scheduled next year to take place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

At the Shanghai conference discussion topics included: learning how private clubs function in China, studying the growth of the golf industry in China, examining golf club operations in China, understanding Chinese culture, exploring Chinese and American commerce and economic growth, learning about traditional Chinese medicine and practices as it pertains to Club Health and Wellness programs, learning about and experiencing Chinese food and beverages, and understanding family roles in golf clubs.

In addition to Henry’s role as program moderator, he chose to identify certain key points and takeaways of value for American attendees.  Examples of these takeaways are listed below:

1. Golf courses and private clubs in China rely upon golf as a signal of the lifestyle proposition for targeted market segments, as is the practice worldwide.

2. The primary economic motivation for Chinese clubs is for increasing property valuation (in residential communities and resorts).

3. The Chinese tourism and hospitality industries rely on golf as an economic stimulus for new projects.

4. As is the case in most developing economies, rapid growth relies heavily in focusing on revenue growth and expense management and overlooks or defers the development of reliable systems and processes.

To view the complete list of primary takeaways, please download Henry's powerpoint: BMI International Takeaways.

Additionally Henry gave a separate presentation on BMI V, the final stage of preparation for club managers seeking the recognition of Certified Club Executive ("CCE").  He taught an eight hour session around Strategic Leadership and how to effectively put strategic plans into action.  More information is available here: BMI V Strategic Leadership.