After Dinner Speakers: Mark McCormack, Lionel Richie, Rt. Hon. Albert Reynolds

The 71-year-old American is the founder and chairman of International Management Group (IMG), the world's largest athlete representation firm. His story is a classic case of being in the right place at the right time. But his energy and entrepreneurial skills enabled him to become chief architect for a burgeoning new industry. McCormack, a promising college golfer and Yale law graduate practising in Cleveland, realised sportsmen could earn extra money from endorsements and sponsorships. In 1960 he offered to become the agent to a young American golfer called Arnold Palmer and the deal was done with a simple handshake. Soon after, McCormack signed a talented South African newcomer by the name of Gary Player and a fledgling American professional called Jack Nicklaus. Either inadvertently, or with incredible foresight, McCormack had signed the "Big Three" players who would dominate golf for decades and lead the game into global consciousness. Nowadays, IMG are responsible for securing the $100m-per-year contract for client Tiger Woods, golf's world number one, to endorse Nike. McCormack not only started the globalisation of sport and sports stars, he is still at the forefront of the business. McCormack was voted "Most Powerful Man in Tennis" by Tennis Magazine, "Most Powerful Man in Golf " by Golf Digest and in 1990 Sports Illustrated called him "The Most Powerful Man in Sport". He will turn 72 in November but refuses to contemplate retiring.