Professional, community and grassroots sports are the cornerstone of local engagement, fostering a sense of unity and providing valuable opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate, compete, and grow.
These sports play a crucial role in promoting health, teamwork, and community spirit. At SALTEX 2024, we recognise the vital role you play in managing these essential sports facilities. Your dedication ensures that these spaces remain vibrant and accessible, supporting the development of future athletes and community members.
Whether you oversee local playing fields, community sports venues or professional sports grounds SALTEX 2024 is your gateway to discovering new tools, technologies, and strategies to enhance your facilities and support grassroots sports.
TRANSFORM YOUR GROUNDS WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING EXHIBITORS.
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HEAR FROM INDUSTRY THOUGHT LEADERS.
Join us for presentations and discussions that delve into the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions for professional and grassroots sports grounds management. Gain practical insights from leaders who understand the unique challenges of maintaining community sports facilities, including strategies for effective funding and resource management.
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10:00
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Main Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
A review of the UEFA EURO 2024 Pitch Quality Support Program - the strategy, findings and learnings from stadia to training pitches -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Funding
The latest funding advice from the ECB, the FA, the RFL, the RFU and the Football Foundation.
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10:45
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Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Management Principles
Big projects require a lot of planning, money and time. This session offers constructive advice to ensure your club gets the best possible outcome from your investment. -
Main Stage60 mins
- Career Progression
An interactive session for GMA members and the wider industry.
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11:30
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Community Sport Stage30 minsThis session covers the different approaches to drainage, using contractor-led versus consultant-led approaches, and also looks at drainage designs and the importance of contract formation and project ...
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12:00
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Main Stage45 mins
- Sustainable Practices
Grounds managers at top sporting facilities share their tried and tested techniques to help reduce their carbon footprint.
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12:15
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Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Funding
How to make the most of a small pitch improvement budget.
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13:00
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Main Stage30 mins
- Career Progression
The expert panelists in this session will discuss the diverse opportunities the grounds sector offers young people - and how to encourage them to get started on a rewarding career -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Funding
Practical advice on how to gain funds for your club.
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13:45
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Main Stage30 mins
- Management Principles
Head groundspersonnel from top sports facilities share proven examples of best practice in communication techniques for best results -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Funding
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14:30
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Main Stage30 minsThis session will summarise 10 years of collaborative research with industry on 3G artificial turf, presenting the factors and mechanisms of how pitches degrade and demonstrating the importance and effectiveness of good maintenance practice on play performance and asset longevity. Paul will also touch on the new generation of non-SBR infilled systems (i.e. organic infills) and potential implications for maintenance.
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10:00
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Main Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
Through Labosport’s role as FIFA Research Institute, David works closely with FIFA to develop new standards and test methods for football infrastructure. This talk will provide an overview of FIFA’s approach to improving the quality of football turf surfaces and will highlight some of the latest developments in research and innovation. -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
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10:45
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Main Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
Head of grounds at Eton College, Repton School & Wesley College discuss multi-sport surface management - from sustainable solutions to effective team management principles -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
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11:30
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Main Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
How climate change has led to adaptions in management procedures at top international stadia and training grounds. -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
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12:15
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Main Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
This session will cover the expanding grass court season; the characteristics of a grass court; grass roots venues; preparing for Wimbledon and growing the grass court - by using hybrid surfaces, warm-season grasses and new technologies. -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Turf Management
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13:00
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Main Stage30 mins
- Management Principles
Business coach Jason Douglass asks grounds team managers to share their team motivation techniques and offers key coaching tips to encourage further engagement. -
Community Sport Stage30 mins
- Management Principles
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13:45
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Main Stage30 mins
- Innovation
The session looks at the most advanced pitch testing techniques and how these are measured to ensure best effect.
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JOIN US IN
THE CLUBHOUSE
We would love for you to join us in the Clubhouse at SALTEX to grab a drink at the on-site bar, where you can connect with other County FA's and the Grounds Management Association team.
Let's take the opportunity to get together - come along at 11:30am on 30 October.
GROUNDS TEAMS
ON TOUR
Our partners, Hampshire FA, are piloting an exciting new initiative - Grounds Teams on Tour – providing return transport to SALTEX 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham, on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. The tour will depart from Hampshire FA's Stoneham Lane Football Complex in Eastleigh.
This initiative is open to all counties, including local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, grassroots football clubs, and football league representatives. Even if your organisation isn’t local to Hampshire, it's a fantastic way to save on fuel or train fare costs while heading to the same event.
Hampshire FA will organise and facilitate all transportation for registered members.
Ticket prices start at just £10.00 +VAT per person for return coach travel, or £15.00 +VAT per person, which includes breakfast and a beverage.
SALTEX 2024 SHOW FEATURES.
GMA HUB
At the GMA Hub, you can connect with GMA staff, explore membership benefits, and enhance your skills through their Technical and Learning team. Get personalised career advice from Frank Newberry at the Careers Clinic and guidance on surface maintenance from the Pitch Advisory Service. Plus, young professionals can learn about joining the GMA’s NextGen initiative to inspire future grounds people.
COMMUNITY SPORT ZONE
The expanded Community Sport Zone showcases grass pitch maintenance machinery ideal for grassroots football, rugby union, and rugby league clubs. With its own stage and expert-recommended equipment, it's a must-visit for community sports volunteers. Join the Community Sport Tour for guided insights into specialiSed tools that can elevate your sports facilities.
LEARNING LIVE
At Learning LIVE 2024, you'll have the chance to hear from top industry thought leaders as they tackle key issues in grounds management. The event features sessions across three stages - Spotlight, Main, and Community Sport - Covering topics like turf management, leadership, sustainable practices, and grant opportunities. These free sessions provide valuable insights and knowledge, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry. Plus, you can earn CPD points by participating in these sessions.
THE CLUBHOUSE
At the SALTEX 2024 Clubhouse, you'll have the perfect spot to connect and collaborate with thousands of industry peers right in the heart of the show floor. Whether you're catching up with colleagues, enjoying a drink at the on-site bar, or holding an informal meeting in the private Trophy Room, the Clubhouse is designed for networking and relaxation. It’s your go-to space to relax, refresh, and reconnect during the event.