International Greenkeepers for Hire
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International Greenkeepers for Hire is the international hub for greenkeepers, groundstaff and volunteers. It aims to unite greenkeepers, promote the industry, and help share the art of greenkeeping with others. The organisation is made by greenkeepers, for greenkeepers. The group's experts are on a mission to share their knowledge and passion with the rest of the world.
Visit International Greenkeepers for Hire during SALTEX at Stand D220.
Here we speak to Daryl Davidson, founder of International Greenkeepers for Hire about exhibiting at SALTEX 2022 and what makes it such a special event.
What don't most people realise about the organisation?
International Greenkeepers was founded by volunteers in 2019 and is currently run by volunteers, we do have a new goal of creating a full time position so we can continue to grow.
Membership is free for our members and people in the turf Industry as well as anyone looking to get into our great industry.
This is all possible because of the companies and associations that support us around the world.
What are your best-selling elements and why are they so popular?
Our networking group through social media and our websites is our biggest asset. Our members help open up doors for other members to travel around the world or to find new career opportunities.
Having thousands of passionate members around the world and knowing if anyone has a question, needs or help in any way, there is always someone awake around the world to help that member. Especially if a member is travelling to a new country.
How has the industry changed/evolved?
Science and innovation has been the biggest change especially with chemicals and the technology for equipment to make our jobs more efficient.
What are the biggest factors affecting the industry today?
- Finding and retaining staff
- Wages
- The weather as everywhere you look around the world is either flooding, in drought or on fire
- Expectations from clubs and employers everything from quality of the sporting surfaces which may be completely out of the employees hands due to the weather or from the clubs overusing the facilities. To the expectations of reasonable unpaid overtime with an employee on a salary.
The stress from clubs and employers getting ‘free rent in their staffs’ heads’ while they are home with their families is also causing huge problems around the world, with people leaving the industry completely to a job with less stress and more money to the very sad and dark side of the industry where staff members are committing suicide from the stress at work.
What are you looking forward to at SALTEX this year?
Meeting new passionate people from our industry as well as seeing all the new great products from the exhibitors at the show.
What can we expect from you at SALTEX?
International Greenkeepers will be talking to delegates about the possibility of working overseas for an experience of a lifetime, plus we will be hoping to find new hosts in the UK for seasonal greenkeepers who live in the UK or from overseas.
What are you featuring at SALTEX?
We will promoting our website and the great new free tools like our Networking World Map and our Live Library.
Is sustainability an issue for you and if so, what are you doing to address these requirements?
Understanding and practicing good sustainability starts with education. From using bio fuels in machines, using locally produced products such as fertilisers to recycling and reusing machines otherwise destined for the landfill. We're providing free education to help meet the needs of today's turf manager, while not compromising the ability of future generations.
How would you describe SALTEX in 20 words?
SALTEX is a fantastic place for peers within the industry to network with one another and distributors. While also having the ability to attend educational seminars.