A larger, even more varied educational programme is promised for GroundsFest 2025 as the organisers seek to further raise the bar of visitor benefits.
Delivered across five dedicated seminar theatres, the free, CPD-accredited programme will see a host of expert speakers covering topics to reflect the challenges and opportunities for today’s outdoor spaces at an event billed as “the go-to destination for professional development in landscaping, turfcare, horticulture, groundcare and greenkeeping”.
Here what you can expect:
A must attend for greenkeepers
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will be delivering a selection of educational seminars geared to greenkeepers or those working in golf course management.
“BIGGA’s seminars have built a reputation for combining practical insight with thought leadership,” GroundsFest show director said. “Expect expert-led discussions, game-changing ideas and actionable advice to take your course management to the next level.”
Pitchcare Theatre
Tackle key sportsturf topics including moisture management, plant growth regulators and the rise of robotics, along with sessions on employment and biodiversity, delivered by leading sportsturf experts.
Lantra Theatre
Awarding body Lantra will be exploring ‘How industry can collaborate in addressing recruitment and retention. Acting as session chair, Lantra trustee Prof John Moverley will set the scene, introduce individual members of the panel and invite them in turn to speak for about five minutes each.
The panel has been chosen to draw from different sub-sectors to share thoughts and experiences around sector recruitment and retention. After the presentations, John will invite the audience to comment and ask questions. V isitors also can discover what’s changing at BASIS, with essential updates on how training and certification are evolving to support the sector.
The Landscape Theatre
From AI in marketing to urban sustainability, mental health in the trades to wildflower meadows, the theatre brings together real-world business strategies and green innovation. With speakers from Glendale, Blakedown, The Green Partnership and more, the sessions will appeal to those in landscaping and urban greenspace development.
Hort Week Theatre
Join Hort Week’s Rachael Forsyth and leading horticultural experts for an agenda spanning integrated weed management with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, machinery tips, scam prevention and a lively question time. And don’t miss the Innovation Awards, sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, celebrating products shaping the sector.
Bowls Seminar Theatre
Dedicated to improving greens and supporting bowls clubs at all levels, this two-day masterclass will offer insider knowledge from top suppliers and provide greenkeepers with actionable takeaways to improve playability and performance.
It will feature insights from DLF, Aquatrols, Agrovista Amenity, Dennis, Sisis and Kar UK. From seed selection and fertilisers to machinery and irrigation, the sessions will cover the essential elements that contribute to a high-performing green. Club volunteers and full-time professional alike will have the chance to learn from sector specialists.
Register for your free tickets at www.groundsfest.com,