In the run up to this year's SALTEX, editor Laurence Gale, asks turf professionals why they return to the show, what they're hoping to discover this year and their thoughts regarding the event's future.
This issue:
Daniel Lewis​, Landscape Contract Manager, Manchester City Football Club
TurfPro: Are you a regular SALTEX attendee? How many years have you been visiting?
Daniel Lewis: Yes. I've been going now for 15 years.
TP: What keeps you coming back?
DL: I like to discover new innovations and seeing old friends.
TP: How long do you tend to stay for?
DL: Two days usually
TP: Does who is exhibiting influence your decision whether to attend each year?
DL: Not really. Sometimes it’s fear of missing out.
TP: Do you come along with a team?
DL: Partly.
TP: Is the social side of the show important to you?
DL: Yes. I find that more people then to open up over a meal or a beer.
TP: Were you keen to get back to in-person shows post-Covid?
DL: Yes, the virtual side didn’t work for me. I found it too impersonal and I like to see the whites of the eyes of who I'm talking to.
TP: What are your thoughts on the NEC as a venue? Would you like to see the show moved around?
DL: I think it's great for hosting the event - bit not so great for transport and hotels or for the evening activities. They could possibly move venue or the place for the awards dinner, but I can imagine this not suiting all.
TP: What product areas are you interested in exploring this year?
DL: Battery and robotic machinery in particularly. Also I like to hear the industry speakers.
TP: Do you arrange on-site demonstrations whilst at SALTEX?
DL: I have done in the past. Green Machine and Ariens are two that spring to mind.
TP: Do you take advantage of the Learning LIVE seminar sessions?
DL: Yes, I really enjoy the candid conversations and the question and answer sessions.
TP: Do you regularly attend other industry events? If so, which ones?
DL: I also visit BTME.
TP: Do you think SALTEX should remain independent or team-up with other industry events?
DL: Independent, I don't think we should dilute what we already have.
TP: Is there anything you’d like to see changed about the current version of the show?
DL: As already mentioned, maybe move locations for a few years at a time? I feel the outdoor demo area always feels detached from the indoor showfloor.
TP: Thank you
