GroundsFest unveils its 2026 free education programme

GroundsFest unveils its 2026 free education programme

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GroundsFest unveils its 2026 free education programme

GroundsFest has officially announced its 2026 education programme, with four dedicated seminar theatres delivering two days of free expert-led sessions covering the biggest topics affecting the grounds management, landscaping, local authority and sports turf sectors.

GroundsFest unveils its 2026 free education programme

GroundsFest unveils its 2026 free education programme

Taking place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, the CPD-focused programme has been designed to give visitors practical advice, fresh ideas and valuable insight they can implement straight away.

With no pre-booking required, visitors can simply turn up to the sessions they want to attend. However, with many talks expected to be extremely popular, arriving early is recommended to guarantee a seat.

Spread across four theatres located throughout Hall 1 and The Landscape Zone, the programme brings together leading industry professionals, researchers and practitioners to tackle some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. From climate resilience and emerging technologies to workforce development, AI, sustainability and business growth, there is something for every visitor.

Delivered in partnership with industry organisations including BIGGA and BALI, the programme features an impressive line-up of respected speakers. Among those taking to the Pitchcare stage in Hall 1 are Gary Barwell from Edgbaston Stadium, who will share his expertise on renovating turf following periods of extreme heat and drought stress, and Dr Jonathan Knowles from Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy, who will discuss the growing importance of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals.

In the BIGGA and DLF theatre visitors will hear from Glenn Kirby, Research Director at STRI, on the role of light in turf performance, while sessions from DLF, Mansfield Sand, Origin Amenity Solutions, ICL, Husqvarna and Aquatrols will explore the latest developments in turf science, topdressing, irrigation, battery technology and robotics.

The Landscape Zone theatre will focus on the future of landscaping, featuring discussions on autonomous equipment, resilient planting, healthier soils, battery-powered machinery and business development. Visitors can also gain practical advice on topics including AI for marketing, scaling a landscaping business, career development, recruitment and creating sustainable public spaces. The programme also includes fast-paced Landscape Careers Live recruitment sessions.

The BALI and HortWeek Theatre will host sessions that explore the rise of autonomous and battery-powered equipment, creating more resilient landscapes, the business case for BALI membership, recruitment and skills development, and the importance of well-designed outdoor spaces. The theatre will also host the prestigious GroundsFest Innovation Awards, celebrating the products that are pushing the industry forward.

Whether you’re responsible for sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens, parks, estates, landscaping projects or public spaces, the education programme has been developed to provide practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Bradley Tennant, Education Director of GroundsFest Academy, said:

“Education has always been a huge part of what GroundsFest is about. We wanted to create a programme that isn’t just informative, but genuinely useful for people working across every part of the industry. Together with our partners we’ve brought together leading experts who will be sharing practical knowledge, real experiences and forward-thinking ideas that visitors can immediately apply in their own roles. Best of all, every session is completely free to attend.”

GroundsFest takes place on 16 and 17 September 2026 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Entry to the education programme is included with a free GroundsFest visitor pass, and there is no need to pre-book seminar sessions – simply arrive early to secure your place.

Register for FREE at www.groundsfest.com

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Kress at GroundsFest 2026: Stand RB290

Kress at GroundsFest 2026: Stand RB290

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Kress at GroundsFest 2026: Stand RB290

Kress returns to GroundsFest 2026 with its biggest showcase yet. Once again, you’ll find the team right by the main entrance on Stand RB290, making it easy to stop by and experience the latest innovations in professional landscaping equipment. Throughout the show, visitors will have the chance to see cutting-edge technology in action, get hands-on with the latest products and speak to the experts behind the range.

Kress at GroundsFest 2026: Stand RB290

Kress at GroundsFest 2026: Stand RB290

Here’s what you can expect:

  • See the action: Watch live demonstrations of the all-new Voyager 60, the Master Series robotic mower range, iPilot technology and Kress’s game-changing 4×4 robotic mower.
  • Expert advice: Meet the Kress team and discover how the latest advances in performance, productivity and battery technology can help transform your business.
  • Live demonstrations: Visit the demonstration stage throughout the day for presentations covering the newest additions to the Kress range, alongside the proven favourites professionals already know and trust.
  • Get hands-on: Put the latest chainsaws, hedge cutters, brush cutters, blowers and more through their paces, with the Kress team on hand to answer your questions.
  • Compete for prizes: Back by popular demand, the Kress blower challenge returns with a golf-themed twist. You can also test your skills in the football challenge, with plenty of Kress prizes and merchandise up for grabs.
  • Take a break: Enjoy award-winning pizza from Mono Pizza, back by popular demand, along with the fresh barista coffee that has become a Kress tradition at GroundsFest.
  • Explore the range: Browse the complete commercial and domestic Kress product portfolio, with plenty of opportunities to see the equipment up close and try it for yourself.

Whether you’re looking to discover the latest technology, get practical advice from the experts or simply experience the newest equipment first-hand, there’s something for everyone at the Kress stand during GroundsFest 2026.

For more information, please visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/

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Agrovista Amenity to showcase the future of robotics at GroundsFest

Agrovista Amenity to showcase the future of robotics at GroundsFest

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Agrovista Amenity to showcase the future of robotics at GroundsFest

Visitors to GroundsFest 2026 will have the opportunity to see the latest developments in autonomous turf care technology when Agrovista Amenity showcases a range of innovative robotic solutions on stand RB381.

Agrovista Amenity to showcase the future of robotics at GroundsFest

Agrovista Amenity to showcase the future of robotics at GroundsFest

With robotics continuing to transform the way turf professionals manage their surfaces, Agrovista Amenity will be demonstrating a selection of advanced machines designed to improve efficiency, precision and productivity for a variety of turf management tasks.

A key highlight will be the chance to see the RM21 in action, a fully autonomous mower and line marker designed for professional environments including sports pitches, golf courses, parks and large landscaped areas. Combining mowing, line  marking and other grounds management capabilities in one intelligent platform, the RM21 delivers precision performance while helping turf teams save valuable time and resources.

Also taking centre stage will be the new Paint Master Pro RLM01 robotic line marker, offering a smarter and more efficient approach to sports pitch marking. Using advanced positioning technology, the RLM01 delivers highly accurate lines with reduced paint usage and significantly less manual input, making it an ideal solution for sports facilities looking to streamline their maintenance operations. The new model features an enhanced 1Kw battery and a GPS plotter for ultimate marking accuracy.

Agrovista Amenity will also be showcasing the FJD Dynamics FR4000 robotic mower, highlighting how autonomous mowing technology is becoming increasingly affordable for a wide range of users. The FR4000 offers wire-free operation, intelligent navigation and app-based control.

The demonstrations will provide visitors with the opportunity to see these technologies working in real-world conditions and understand how robotics can complement existing turf management practices.

Alongside the robotic showcases, the Agrovista Amenity team will be on hand throughout GroundsFest to offer expert advice. Visitors can speak with the company’s team of amenity specialists about their individual challenges, from improving surface quality and maintenance programmes to exploring new solutions for greater efficiency.

GroundsFest 2026 is the perfect opportunity for turf professionals to get hands-on with the latest innovations, and Agrovista Amenity’s stand will provide a fascinating insight into how robotics is helping shape the future of the industry.

Visit Agrovista Amenity on stand RB381 to see the latest robotic technology in action.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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