There has been a 16 percent increase in international exhibitors attending the 2023 SALTEX show from 2022. Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the GMA, says: “Not only is the exhibitor list internationally diverse, but there are visitor registrations from 39 countries already too. Statistically, this makes 2023 the most internationally-recognised show in the grounds care sector – that’s with weeks still to go until the show and the potential for more to come.”
So, what’s the reason for sports turf management personnel from around the world making the journey to SALTEX in Birmingham in November?
Aside from it being the longest-standing and largest trade show for the sector, SALTEX is internationally renowned, strengthened by its long history of success and being the exhibition of choice for five of the UK’s National Governing Bodies (NGBs), SALTEX has location on its side.
Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, adds: “SALTEX isn’t just a show for the UK, it’s a show in the UK for the entire industry worldwide. Author of FIFA’s official handbook on pitch maintenance, Richard Hayden’s comments about the UK being the global leader in grounds management, are true. The UK is 10 years more advanced than anywhere else in the world and hasexpertise like no other when it comes to sports-turf management.
“He is absolutely right that ‘if you want to work in technology, you go to Silicon Valley and the UK is the Silicon Valley of turf’ – the UK and specifically SALTEX is where you go to learn and network with some of the greatest in the business.”
The English grounds-management sector alone is valued at more than £1bn and employs more than 27,000 people, with specialists in every area, from seed enthusiasts who can breed grasses that grow in the shade to scientists who develop chemicals to make grass greener. Representatives from all areas will be at SALTEX.
Sarah continues: “Whatever the area of interest, visitors can be assured it will be covered by exhibitors, Learning LIVE educational seminars, representatives from National Governing Bodies, and grounds people and turfcare professionals making sport possible.”
There are international exhibitors coming from Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and USA.
Specifically, there’s Kreon from Spain, a trendsetting manufacturer from an architectural perspective; DJuke, exhibiting under the name Hydrowick, with its lightweight flexible standing water solution products for improved turf quality; GKB from The Netherlands, designers/manufacturers of machines for the sports sectors and golf course maintenance, and Jacobsen from the USA, producers in lawn and light duty machinery into the sports industry, dealers and parts available.
Of course, it helps that for any visitors coming from overseas, Birmingham is conveniently centrally located. Right next to the airport, the NEC is just a four-minute walk from Birmingham International railway station and for those driving, the NEC is in the centre of the UK’s motorway network with its ample parking and GMA members parking is subsidised for the duration of the event.
Register now for Europe’s largest and leading sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023 at: https://bit.ly/456l0dA