Wednesday next week sees the start of a new era for the IOG's SALTEX exhibition.

After all the debate over the pros and cons of moving the show both indoors to the NEC and to the first week in November from its traditional September slot, we'll all be able to see how it actually pans out.

And that seems to be the key - seeing for oneself how it actually works (or doesn't as the case may be).

I have a feeling that the NEC is going to be pretty busy next week with intrigued people. As it should be. For a major change to one of our major shows, it's all very well moaning from the sidelines that it can't and won't work, but it needs to be experienced. Then judgements can be formed.

Some companies have stuck to their guns and are staying away, which is of course their prerogative. One hopes that by not giving the show in its new format a chance, the stay aways are not cutting off their own nose to spite their face.

At the GIE-EXPO in Louisville last week I felt nothing but good will and enthusiasm towards the show itself - as well as a general optimism and buoyancy in the state of the industry. Organisers of the show were actually talking about making it even larger next year such is the desire for both exhibitors and visitors to attend.

The American show did of course have a lot of extra content specifically tailored for dealers. There was an exclusive dealer-only day and plenty of educational sessions as well as inspirational talks and debates - which SALTEX doesn't have. The extra content at the NEC is very much geared to the turf professional members of the organising Institute. A trip for a dealer will be all about seeing the new products on offer and talking to the manufacturers' reps.

However, if I may be so bold, if you are after some insightful and valuable content by and for dealers, you really should be booking your place at our upcoming Service Dealer Conference & Awards, which takes place on November 19th in Oxford. We have a great line-up of industry experts from dealerships large and small who'll all be sharing their thoughts and wisdom - as well as a keynote address from celebrity farmer Adam Henson from BBC's Countryfile. It's really gearing up to be a thoroughly informative and useful day.

So, as tricky as it can be to get away from the business, there are a couple of events coming up over the next few weeks which really could be of some significant benefit over the coming year.