The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has witnessed a huge amount of interest in its National Conference and Industry Awards this year – which has resulted in a sell out situation for both events on 4 December at stadiummk in Milton Keynes.

Delegates at, what’s proven to be, the hugely popular ‘Turf Matters’ Conference will witness discussions on topical sport pitch and grounds management issues by top rugby players Kevin Sinfield MBE, former Welsh international Phil Davies, Warwickshire cricketer Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Simon Barker from the Professional Footballers' Association and grounds managers from Wembley, Twickenham, Royal Ascot, Edgbaston and Gleneagles – plus top independent schools, colleges and community facilities.

The fully-subscribed Industry Awards event, hosted that evening, is set to be a glittering celebration of very best in grounds management with groundsmen/women and greenkeepers of all ages – from volunteers at grassroots facilities to professional grounds teams at top sports clubs - up for awards from the IOG and BIGGA (British & International Golf Greenkeeping Association).

After dinner speaker, rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan is also a major attraction, and event host Mark Saggers from TalkSPORT Radio will ensure that both events run smoothly with bang up-to-date reference to topical sports surface issues addressed.