Now in its 76th year, Europe’s largest sports amenities and landscaping trade exhibition, SALTEX, will be held at Birmingham’s NEC over two days on 2-3 November. 

With over 400 brands showcasing products in three halls, across two days, at one location, SALTEX is a must-attend event for everybody operating in, or supplying to, the groundscare sector.

At SALTEX you can: 

• Listen and learn from industry thought leaders
• See over 400 brands all in one place
• Stay up to date with the latest product innovations
• Further your career with free advice and guidance
• Connect with industry suppliers and partners
• Get expert advice on your specific turf challenges
• Network with national and international peers
• Celebrate achievements at the GMA Industry Awards

What’s On?

In addition to learning about new products, services, and suppliers to the industry from home and abroad, SALTEX also has an extensive programme of events and learning opportunities.

Learning LIVE

The Learning LIVE schedule this year has been extended to over 30 sessions, with additional papers attacking the key issues for the grounds care industry of pay, career development, recruitment and retention, how to negotiate in the workplace and how to find out about the millions of pounds of grant funding available from sports clubs. But what’s at the heart of Learning LIVE and this year’s show is sustainability and the environment. 

Those managing and maintaining sports turf and green spaces are already having to deal with the impact of climate change and industry suppliers are doing their best to innovate and help grounds people minimise the impact of droughts and floods. The session on reducing the impact of future water restrictions on golf and sports turf, for example, with Owen Turpin from the Environment Agency, Tony Hanson from Environmental Solutions International and Robin Price from Anglian Water discussing the water charter and how to deal with it will provide valuable practical advice. 

There’s something for most sports surfaces from some of the best in the business. For rugby, Catherine Hall (Premiership Rugby), Dr David James (Labosport) and Dan Prest (GMA) talk about raising Premiership Rugby pitch standards. For cricket, Gary Barwell (Edgbaston Stadium), Karl McDermott (Lord's) and Steve Birks (Nottinghamshire CCC) discuss how new cricket formats impact on the modern-day grounds manager. Tennis is covered off by Neil Stubley (Wimbledon) who presents the All England Tennis and Croquet Club’s court expansion project.

But all top-level surfaces start somewhere – at grassroots level – and Rob Sullivan presents the Football Foundation's strategic ambitions to improve grass pitch quality and Chris Smith tackles the funding process to improve pitches. Perhaps there’s a role for hybrid pitches in the community – Dr Richard Earl (TGMS) reveals data findings from the Sport England hybrid pitch pilot for community use in London’s Regents Park.

The full seminar line up is available online at saltex.org.uk, but whether it’s elite sports grounds attendees are interested in or a strategy for grassroots football, Learning LIVE has it covered and provides the opportunity to build knowledge and stay ahead of the game.

Eco Village 

The whole concept of the Eco Village is to showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in grounds care and consider what is a sustainable piece of machinery – what’s the impact on the environment and how does it help achieve neutrality? The Eco Village features a programme of daily demonstrations of cutting-edge sustainable technology, offering visitors an opportunity of seeing several products in action. Plus, industry experts will offer advice on green technology and how it could benefit current working practices.

GMA Industry Awards

The GMA Industry Awards hosted by the BBC’s Mark Clemmit, are back for the 12th year. It’s so important to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams operating in grounds management and is key to positive workforce development. With 18 awards and an evening to celebrate everyone nominated, it’s a ringing endorsement to the good work and talented people in the industry. Tickets to the event can be purchased at saltex.org.uk

So, whether working in educational establishments, community facilities, on private estates, or in sports clubs at grassroot, amateur, or professional level, if you’re passionate about keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable, and you’re keen to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry, then SALTEX is the show for you. Register for your free ticket here: 

“In 2021, there was a buzz and real enthusiasm for business: deals were being struck, demos were being organised, there were lots of new launches across the halls and I expect more of the same in 2022.” Geoff Webb, CEO for GMA, SALTEX organisers.

So don’t miss out, REGISTER NOW for #SALTEX2022 #AheadofTheGame

www.saltex.org.uk