THE SHOW MUST GO ON
. . . but it may have to change
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR
 
Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

We in the sports turf and amenity industry have finally received the confirmation we have all been waiting for that next year’s GMA SALTEX show, which had been rearranged for March at the NEC, has now been postponed until November 2021.


It was not rocket science that this would be the outcome, after all many of us are still in virtual lockdown and this pandemic is going nowhere fast. I believe until we get a vaccine will we constantly be living in uncertainty.

 

As they say though, life must go on. We need to adapt and change to beat this virus and find new ways of working to protect the economy. The GMA’s decision was no doubt aided the recent survey they conducted. When visitors were asked on date preferences to attend a trade event, November was apparently the first option given by most – followed by October and September. The Association says that exhibitors also echoed this, with 64% stating a preference to attend in November 2021.

 


However, I must admit I do find it somewhat surprising that their survey results claim that an overwhelming majority (80%) stated that attending an indoor trade show was their number one preference? That certainly is not always the answer I hear from sections of the industry.

 

The GMA also quote that in more usual circumstances, SALTEX brings over 9,000 visitors across two days with circa 400 brands exhibiting, plus visitor attendance at the NEC has significantly grown year-on-year.


For me personally, and I have said this on more than one occasion, is it about time we as an industry came together and find out what our industry really requires for the future. Surely representations from many larger organisations like Fields in Trust, RHS, BIGGA, GMA, BALI, BAGMA, APSE, National Trust , Lantra, BASIS, plus the sports governing bodies (NGBs) and leading manufactures could come together to discuss the issue of shows and finally agree what would serve the industry better?

 


I would like to see an international event that showcases the very character of our industry and the people who work in it.


It should portray the best machinery, technologies, practices, products and services that are essential for maintaining our natural and manmade environments – vital for our wellbeing and health.

 

 

I would like to see either an annual or bi-annual show, that has the vision to truly reflect and celebrate the industry we work in.


The venue should be able to cater for both indoor and outdoor exhibition space, thus enabling companies to carry out effective demonstrations of their equipment. We should also use this event to promote education and training initiatives.


But above all, we should be trying to attract a larger audience. The event should be used to promote the variety and scale of our industry, whilst at the same time attracting a wealth of new businesses and interested new parties.

 

 

We should also invite all secondary and private schools as well as colleges to attend the show, in order to enlighten them on the potential careers on offer within our diverse industry. The event should also have workshops, skills demonstrations and much, much more. We should use it to celebrate the best of our industry’s achievements.


Ideally, I would like it to be our industry’s own Glastonbury. We should be offering plenty of entertainment, food and fun therefore making it a must attend, not to be missed, event.


As for the existing show organisers, GMA and BIGGA, they and other potentially involved organisations, should be all be involved in the show and if applicable receive a share of the profits. I realise there is plenty to be discussed and mulled over in the coming months. I do think it is time though that we had a change in the way we promote our industry.


Green Flag judging


Last week I had the pleasure of conducting some ‘mystery shopper’ visits on behalf of the Green Flag Awards scheme. The object of these visits is for Green Flag judges to go unannounced and inspect a given site, with the aim of checking whether they are meeting Green Flag criteria.

 


I particularly enjoyed last week’s visits, calling in on two large town and city parks during a spell of nice autumn sunshine, seeing the changing colours of the trees.


The current crisis has turned the spotlight on our public parks with the government declairing that they must stay open - at a stroke endorsing our belief that they are an essential service. People have flocked to them in record numbers this year and staff have worked tirelessly throughout the crisis to keep parks clean, safe and beautiful.

 


If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how much we value our local parks and green spaces.


All year round, an army of unsung dedicated parks staff and volunteers look after these treasured spaces and recently, landmarks across the country, including the White Cliffs of Dover, the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Salford’s MediaCityUK, were lit up green to celebrate this year’s Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces and to say a massive ‘thank you’ to the thousands of people who work tirelessly to give us some fantastic places to escape to.

 

 

This year, a total of 2061 places have achieved the Green Flag Award, having been assessed by an army of more than 1,000 volunteer judges. Among the winners are Sunderland City Council’s Mowbray Park and Jubilee Park managed by Canary Wharf Management Ltd.


In addition, 109 of the winners have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of their historic features.

 

 

As Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager said, “Parks and green spaces have never been more important for the physical and mental health of everyone.


“All the research shows that spending time in good-quality green space can improve people’s health and wellbeing, that is why it is important that they are managed to the recognised standard of the Green Flag Award. This is now something that millions more recognise after the challenges of the past six months. All those involved in the Green Flag Award should be congratulated on their achievement.”

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON
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SALTEX DELAYED UNTIL NOVEMBER 2021
KESTREL APPOINTED FOR MAJOR WORKS AT DANESHILL
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