SALTEX 2019 is taking place at the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham on October 30th and 31st. It continues to be the go-to destination for highlights of innovation in the groundscare environment, bringing together grounds personnel from across a wide variety of sectors and disciplines to unite, collaborate and celebrate the latest technologies. There’s plenty to see this year
More than 500 inspiring groundscare brands
During the two-day event, more than 500 brands will be on show to in excess of 9,000 visitors who are increasingly demanding new grounds management solutions. Those working in or involved with groundscare, sports turf, amenities, estates and green-space management can update their product knowledge as they navigate their way through the three large show halls containing a plethora of exhibitors showcasing machinery, power and hand tools; seeds, turf, aggregates and treatments; landscaping materials; arboriculture, horticulture and forestry products; commercial vehicles and much, much more.
With such a diverse range of exhibitors, SALTEX 2019 has something for everyone and regardless of budget. Be sure to make the most of show-only offers and discounts.
Visitors can also refer to the show guide to browse through all of the products currently being considered for the SALTEX 2019 Innovation of the Year Award. From robotics to hybrid mowers, ground printers to state-of-the-art irrigation, grow lights to line trimmers – visitors can pin-point the products they want to see and then make their way to the relevant exhibitor stand, then head to Theatre Four at 2:40pm on Day 1 where the winning product will be crowned as the SALTEX 2019 Innovation of the Year.
Visit indoor and outdoor product demonstrations
SALTEX 2019 has a new show feature – the Eco Village. The trend towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in groundscare is gathering pace as a growing number of grounds personnel, greenkeepers, landscapers and contractors are looking for products that can deliver quality results but also reduce carbon footprints to the environment.
The Eco Village feature offers a programme of daily demonstrations in cutting-edge sustainable technology – allowing visitors an opportunity of witnessing products in action. A number of market leading battery powered mowers will be featured such as the new INFINICUT® Rotary and FX model. Meanwhile, Linddana is introducing an environmentally friendly electrical wood chipper with a powerful 96V Li-ion battery pack; Husqvarna is showcasing its new electric brushcutter, telescoping pole hedgetrimmer and Commercial Automower; visitors can see the MSA 220 C-B in action – the most powerful cordless chainsaw in the STIHL range; Sherriff Amenity will be revealing how Carbon Gold’s new organic, chemical-free biochar products could significantly improve soil and sward health; Avant Tecno will be explaining the benefits of the e6 which they claim is the world’s first loader using lithium battery and Fleet Line Markers will be demonstrating its new and innovative Cog Line Marking System.
Furthermore, industry experts, within this village, will offer advice on green technology and how it could benefit current working practices.
Outdoor demonstrations will also be taking place on the grass area directly outside the SALTEX halls 6,7 and 8 which will provide an opportunity to see larger equipment in action.
Gain CPD points at the FREE educational seminars
Groundscare advice will be available across the show floor, within four seminar theatres. Learning LIVE, SALTEX’s free education programme will feature 55 CPD accredited seminars and more than 100 expert speakers.
The programme has been developed and curated alongside leading industry partners and influencers to provide support, insight and real solutions to the biggest issues that the audience care about most.
Designed for all sectors of the groundscare industry, Learning LIVE seminars will focus on topics such as disease management, industry research, best practice, mental health, diversity in the workplace, synthetic turf standards, funding and climate control.
Looking for more personalised advice? Then look no further than the free Ask the Expert advice centre located on Stand C180. This is your opportunity to gather best-in-class sports turf management advice from IOG regional pitch advisors linked to the Grounds & Natural Turf Improvement Programme funded by The Institure of Groundsmanship (IOG), The Football Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Football Foundation.
Network with thousands of other like-minded individuals
Networking is just one of many reasons why people attend SALTEX and a visit to the Lawn Care Legends free networking event should be on every landscaper’s show itinerary. Lawn Care Legends, a Facebook group which was created in July 2016, is a thriving online community with over 5,000 worldwide active members. It is primarily a group for all landscapers and gardeners to showcase their work and knowledge and ultimately support one another.
The Legends are planning on addressing a number of topics this year, including information on marketing a business, dealing with stress and pricing a job correctly. Hundreds of attendees are expected and more than £2500 worth of prizes are up for grabs.
This networking opportunity is taking place on the first day of SALTEX at 2pm in concourse suites 22 and 23 by the SALTEX entrance and all are welcome.
Also taking place on the first day of SALTEX 2019 is the Women in Turf networking event. An opportunity for all women that work in the groundscare sector to discuss job opportunities and career progression. If you would like to attend this networking event please email kmaxwell@iog.org
Career boost
Industry expert Frank Newberry will be hosting the popular job clinic sessions at the IOG Hub between 9am and 3pm each day. Available as a one-to-one or group session Frank will be offering his expertise on perfecting a CV and cover letter; how to excel in interviews; negotiating your package; being a better interviewer (for employers), proactive job searching and the pros and cons of being self-employed.
The SALTEX College Cup
Returning for its fourth successive year, the SALTEX College Cup, sponsored by Toro and Reesink, will see students from UK based colleges embark on an academic test of turf management knowledge in which the winning college will get the opportunity to visit Real Madrid’s Bernabau Stadium. This unforgettable trip follows three previous winners’ visits to top sports venues including: pitch preparation activities at the 2017 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and for the 2018 Six Nations Championships at BT Murrayfield Stadium. Last year’s winners were given an exclusive behind the scenes tour at The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), Wimbledon.
You can watch the winners’ announcement in Theatre One on the first day of SALTEX at 3:30pm.
Pathology and Soil Science LIVE
Hosted by renowned turf consultant Alex Vickers and MD of the Turf Disease Centre Kate Entwistle, Pathology and Soil Science LIVE will allow visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems, as infected plants are magnified and displayed on a large screen. Informal demonstrations will be available daily on the IOG Hub (C180) in Hall 6. Don’t forget to bring your soil samples!
The IOG Industry Awards 2019
The IOG Industry Awards recognise the passion, dedication and challenges faced by grounds staff in both grassroots and professional sports at clubs of every size and from all corners of the UK. This year, the Awards will be hosted by BBC TV presenter Dan Walker on Wednesday October 30 at The Vox, at Resorts World, Birmingham NEC, on the first evening of the SALTEX exhibition.
SALTEX 2019 is free to attend. To register for attendance visit www.iogsaltex.com