BIGGA kicked off the year in grand style at BTME 2011. Pulling out all the stops, they delivered a successful exhibition and education programme despite the tough times the industry is enduring. As reported on the last day of the show, overall numbers were up 2.3% on the 2010 event – a year when the bi-annual exhibitors last took part.
BTME is part of BIGGA’s Harrogate Week that sees educational workshops and seminars rub shoulders with the trade turf management exhibition; numerous social gatherings, and the organisation’s AGM.
Attendance to the exhibition was split 50% from the North of England; 21% from Wales/Midlands and East Anglia and 17% from the South. Scotland and Northern Ireland accounted for 7% with overseas visitors making up the rest. In all over 6000 interested Grounds Professionals toured the exhibition stands over 3 days showing a diversity of equipment and services – all under cover.
Exhibitor numbers were interesting in that 121 took part this year compared to 2010 when there were 135, if we exclude the bi-annual exhibitors. A strong number of new companies exhibited.
Registration data shows that of the 6000+ visitors both Greenkeepers and Groundsmen were evenly represented. 788 golf clubs, 45 football clubs and 48 local authorities were included in the numbers, with the furthest guest coming from Australia.