Elevating Grounds Management Through Learning & Networking
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Over the years, it has earned a reputation for bringing together the best minds in the industry, offering unparalleled networking, education and innovation. This year, SALTEX promises to continue this tradition, giving visitors the insights and resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
What sets SALTEX apart is that it is built by the industry, for the industry. All income generated from the exhibition is reinvested back into the sector, ensuring a sustainable future for grounds management for generations to come.
A cornerstone of SALTEX is its Learning LIVE schedule, the largest and most comprehensive free educational event in the sector. With over 50 leading industry pioneers, technical specialists, and experts speaking across three different stages, the agenda offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn through engaging sessions.
This year, there’s a stronger focus on networking - with new meet-up areas on the show floor, including the revamped Clubhouse, visitors will have even more opportunities to connect and build relationships.
As Vic Demain, Head Groundsman at Durham Cricket, explains: “SALTEX offers us all the opportunity to get together and sit down, have a coffee, and we talk about the problems that all of us have across different sports.”
He’ll be presenting ‘Managing Up with Effective Communication’ on day one of the event and, like many others, is excited to return: “We’re all trying to find the best techniques of growing grass. I’ve always found the Grounds Management Association (GMA) as a great support and an opportunity for us to learn.”
New to SALTEX 2024 is an expanded Community Sports Zone, which now boasts its own Learning LIVE stage. Designed to support the dedicated volunteers who maintain sports grounds with limited resources, this addition demonstrates SALTEX's commitment to grassroots and community-level sports.
For experts like Dr. John Dempsey, a Plant Pathologist who will be delivering key sessions on soil health and turfgrass defences, the value of attending trade shows like SALTEX is clear.
“The best part is meeting fellow groundskeepers. The exchange of ideas and information and help you can get is phenomenal.”
Deborah Cox, Founder of Lagan Valley Scientific, will also be delivering the soil health clinic with Dr John Dempsey, as well as ‘Guarding against grass disease in a stadium environment’ on the Spotlight Stage.
“SALTEX offers the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts and brainstorm solutions for someone’s unique challenge or situation,” she said. “That’s why Learning LIVE, and the conversations that often follow after talks is so important. The networking opportunity helps ensure researchers invest resources in finding solutions to the problems that matter the most to the industry.”
Similarly, Kelly-Marie Clack, Agronomy & Technical Manager at Origin Amenity Solutions, emphasises how crucial this kind of education is for the future of the industry.
She said: “At grassroots level, they need good solid advice to make sure that we’re providing surfaces for our youth to get out and play sports. The education we can provide from the ground up is so important for the future of healthy green spaces.”
Whether you’re attending for the Learning LIVE sessions, the networking, or to explore the latest innovations on display, SALTEX 2024 is where the industry comes together.
Register today for a chance to win over £1,700 worth of RYOBI power tools.