PICTURED ABOVE: GroundsFest's Christopher Bassett and Christopher Bennett, flank BIGGA's Jim Croxton
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), organisers of BTME, and GroundsFest are have announced a new collaboration that they say is aimed at strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors.
In an official statement they say the partnership will see BIGGA and GroundsFest working closely on joint initiatives throughout the year, including attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns.
At the heart of the collaboration, they say, is a shared desire to encourage crossover between both event communities - helping professionals discover the value that each show offers.
The statement said of the agreement, "It’s a fantastic opportunity for community-building and cross sector engagement. From greenkeepers and grounds managers to landscapers and contractors, the partnership aims to unite the wider industry."
The statement goes on to describe the two trade shows as "complementary", meaning they are "natural partners".
Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA, said, “We at BIGGA are hugely proud of our flagship event, BTME, and the positive impact it has, particularly on the golf greenkeeping industry on an annual basis and at a perfect time of the year to give turf managers a much needed boost, be that to their morale, their industry knowledge or their skill set. However it is our ambition to engage with our members and the wider industry far more than just once a year.
"GroundsFest provides us with a brilliant opportunity to do so at a different time of year and in a very different environment. We are looking forward to engaging with many greenkeepers at Stoneleigh Park this September and to working closely with GroundsFest on a number of initiatives to move our industry forward.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s event eirector, said, “The two shows complement one another brilliantly - both in format and timing. BTME is a long-standing and special event, while GroundsFest delivers a dynamic, summer-based event where people can get hands-on with the latest kit. We’re proud to be working with BIGGA, a fantastic association, and we believe this collaboration will bring real value to the industry. We very much see this as a long term partnership - action-driven and focused on delivering real benefits to the sectors we serve.”
Outside of the two events, BIGGA and GroundsFest say they are also exploring further educational opportunities. BIGGA is known for its training and professional development programmes, and with the recent launch of the GroundsFest Academy, the two parties believe there is clear potential to co-develop training content that supports professionals across the entire industry.
The offiicial statement signed off with, "As both events continue to grow, this partnership sets the tone for a more collaborative future for everyone working in grounds care, landscaping, and golf," - with more updates promised for soon.
