Despite the efforts of Storm Ciáran to stop play, SALTEX, the trade show representing all those involved in the management of sports turf, pitches, landscape and amenity facilities in the UK reported a good turnout of visitors from across the globe to the two day event.
The event, which is run by the Grounds Management Association (GMA) and took place at the NEC Birmingham on the 1-2 November, offered a wide range of exhibitors, technical insights and networking opportunities for all those working in the industry.
Of the event, Callum Allsopp, Senior Sports Turf and Grounds Manager at Leicester City Football Club a speaker at the ‘Managing Up’ Learning Live seminar says: “SALTEX comes at the right time to help us start planning for the remainder of the season and also next season. We attend with the primary objective of seeing the lay of the land in terms of new innovations and technology and looking at what we can take back and implement at the stadium and training grounds. This year’s show was so worthwhile, and we come away with so much to consider for next year.”
Not only did SALTEX deliver for engaged visitors, but offered opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their products.
“With multiple new innovations we decided to use SALTEX as our main launching platform,” says Caroline Shaw, Global Brand Manager of Trimax Mowing Systems, who exhibited. “The show saw a constant flow of visitors throughout the two days and proved to be the perfect channel for us to catch up with customers and generate new leads. We will definitely be back next year!”
Says GMA Chief Executive Officer Geoff Webb: “The atmosphere across both days was brilliant — it’s great to see the international appeal of SALTEX continue to grow year on year.
“The industry has turned out in force and we have had some great feedback. Visitors have welcomed our new initiatives and applauded the Learning LIVE sessions which we are very proud of. The inaugural Community Sports Zone has been a great success – with both exhibitors and visitors seeing real value and insight.”
SALTEX will return to the NEC in 2024 on 30-31 October.