SALTEX moves to November 2021

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SALTEX moves to November 2021: Due to mounting pressure from the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) regrettably announces that it has taken the decision to move SALTEX to 3-4 November 2021, from its planned Spring dates (3-4 March 2021).

The GMA has been strategically planning for every eventuality to ensure the exhibition is a bio-secure event, in partnership with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and internationally recognised professional events bodies, however ongoing Government restrictions and local and national lockdowns, as well as rising cases of Coronavirus have highlighted the immediate challenges to stage a successful event in March.

SALTEX moves to November 2021

SALTEX moves to November 2021

This decision has factored in recent analysis from both exhibitor and visitor surveys, as well as discussions with relevant parties. Organisers have been closely re-negotiating with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), returning the exhibition to its original Autumn dateline.

When visitors were asked on date preferences to attend a trade event, November was the first option – followed by October and September. Exhibitors also echoed this, with 64% stating a preference to attend SALTEX in November 2021 due to latest news and restrictions. In addition, latest visitor research showed that an overwhelming majority (80%) stated that attending an indoor trade show was their number one preference.

In more usual circumstances, SALTEX brings over 9,000 visitors across two days with circa 400 brands exhibiting, and visitor attendance at the NEC has significantly grown year-on-year. The next show will be its 75th anniversary marking the longstanding contribution to the grounds sector.

Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented: “As hard as this decision was to make, we knew it was important to act quickly and responsibly so we can begin looking to the future and stage a successful event once restrictions ease again. We have recently seen confidence eroding despite early optimism.

“Our recent surveys have given us excellent insight from both exhibitors and visitors, giving us evidence that reflects current circumstances so we can continue planning an event that best reflects the turf care sector’s requirements.

“The majority of our respondents expressed high confidence levels in attending indoor trade shows and we can see that there is still a huge appetite going forward – we are already looking ahead to what is required for what will be a milestone edition of SALTEX in November 2021.”

Exhibitors have the option to carry over their March 2021 booking to the November show at a preferential rate and retaining their stand location. There is also the added option to secure a 2-year SALTEX loyalty deal for those transferring their booking (for November 2021 and 2022), with improved benefits for GMA Corporate Plus members.

Alternatively, exhibitors due to showcase in March 2021 can apply for a full refund in writing. The GMA’s events team has contacted all exhibitors personally to discuss preferences, as well as payment terms and plans.

Geoff continues: “Despite the circumstances, and a future where Covid will always be present, we are really touched by the number of exhibitors that have expressed that they are on this journey with us and wish to be part of SALTEX at the next possible opportunity. We are determined to help contribute to the growth – and celebrate the sector – albeit at a later date in 2021.”

Luke Perry, Director of SALTEX and Events for the GMA added: “We have worked hard to reflect changing situations. We intend to maintain this regular, frequent communication going forward whilst continuing to analyse how our sector feels about events in general.”

All exhibitors with a confirmed stand have been informed directly and are being urged to contact the sales team at SALTEX@thegma.org.uk for any further queries.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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CMAE European Conference opens for registration

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CMAE European Conference opens for registration: The 2020 European Conference on Club Management hosted by the Club Managers Association of European (CMAE) is today open for registration.

The virtual event takes place over three days from the 30th November to the 2nd December 2020 and uses online technology to create a delegate experience like never before.

CMAE European Conference opens for registration

CMAE European Conference opens for registration

The conference features an exciting line up of over 30 speakers, including 10 Certified Club Managers, who will all share their expertise on subjects relating to the 11 core competencies of club management, including Membership & Marketing, Interpersonal Skills, Facility Management, Food & Beverage, HR and Strategy.

The programme also includes an impressive line-up of keynote speakers.

GGA Partner’s Rob Hill will open up the event with a Governance session called “Measuring Leadership Success.” where he will suggest metrics for measuring leadership success in 2020 and beyond.

Former General Manager Andre Van Hall went blind and will talk about influencing change instead of being afraid of it.

Arnaldo Cocuzza CCM will talk about his fascinating story from being a successful club manager in Italy and President of CMAE, to then losing his job and starting his new life in the USA where he now finds himself at the exclusive Desert Mountain Club in Arizona.

Also joining the keynote line up is Vincent Phipps. Vincent is an keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and communication coach. Vincent is called The Attitude Amplifier due to his high energy, content rich material, and interactive presentation style. Vincent’s philosophy is, “If I can get you to laugh, I can get you to listen.  If I can get you to listen, I can help you amplify.”

The event uses video conferencing tools and branded online platforms creating space to connect with delegates, sponsors and educators from across the globe creating a unique learning and networking experience.

An early bird registration fee of £225 is available to those who book their place before September 30th. The standard fee of £295 will apply thereafter.

The event is open to CMAE members only and members of CMAA, CMAS, CMASA, CMHK, GMA, GMANZ

Full details and a link to register can be found at http://www.cmaeurope.org/news-events/conf2020

Link to YouTube video https://youtu.be/Dh7lo0r-svo 

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

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Safety first for employees, dealers and customers: John Deere will not attend international trade shows in 2021.

In order to ensure the safety of customers and employees, John Deere has announced that it will not attend any international agricultural and turf trade shows in Europe and the CIS during the company’s 2021 fiscal year (1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021), as this would require extensive international travel. Instead, the company will use a new marketing mix of traditional and digital tools to deliver information to customers.

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Safety first for employees, dealers and customers

Events of the last few months have profoundly changed everyone’s working and social lives. The protection of people’s health and safety is now more critical than ever, while maintaining close contact with customers is still important to provide reliable services in these uncertain times.

“Farmers have done an excellent job in the emergency phase of COVID-19 to ensure food supplies. For that we wish to express our appreciation to all our customers,” said Denny Docherty, John Deere Vice President Sales & Marketing, Region 2. “The pandemic has changed the world and our industry is undergoing a period of great change too. This also applies to our marketing activities.”

The need for a new approach to communications with customers has therefore prompted John Deere to reduce its participation in trade fairs for the time being, and the company has decided not to exhibit at any international agricultural or turf show during the company’s next fiscal year, which ends on 31 October 2021.

John Deere’s key focus in 2021 will be the change in its operating model, to become a ‘smart industrial company’. As previously announced, Deere is moving towards being a production system-based organisation, in order to build a more customer driven and streamlined business. This is one of the biggest organisational restructurings in the company’s 183-year history, which requires a change of marketing approach and an extended focus on Precision Ag technologies.

“We are also expecting a major change in the exhibition landscape, driven by COVID-19 and digitalisation,” said Andreas Jess, John Deere Director Marketing, Region 2. “In the medium term, our company would welcome a new timetable to be implemented by the international trade fair organisations, to free up the show cycle across Europe. However, we will continue to support our John Deere dealers if they decide to participate in their local agricultural and turf shows, always based on the fact that the health and safety of both customers and dealers can be ensured.”

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SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear

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SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear: Early indications for the 75th edition of SALTEX, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on 3 and 4 March 2021, are extremely positive following overwhelming industry support and the welcome news that exhibitions and events have been given the go ahead to restart from the start of October.

SALTEX has been serving the grounds management industry since 1938. Since then, the show has developed in stature and reputation and is now recognised as the industry’s showcase event creating opportunity for all who attend.

SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear

SALTEX 2021 moves into next gear

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, believes that the historic exhibition will be a huge first step towards the industry’s recovery.

“We believe that there comes a point where we lay the foundations for recovery and we of course want SALTEX in March to be a catalyst for this to showcase products, demonstrate the innovation this industry possesses, engage, network, renew acquaintances and generate new business for our exhibitors. In fact, we are making every provision to build assurance for a positive ‘return on investment’ for our exhibitors.”

As Geoff says, SALTEX is ‘the’ place to do business and the show’s independently audited year-on-year figures demonstrate the steady growth of SALTEX these past years.

At SALTEX 2019, the post-show survey revealed that 96 per cent of exhibitors generated new sales leads and 82 per cent took orders then and there on the show floor. The visitor survey further revealed that 79 per cent of SALTEX visitors had purchasing responsibility and 77 per cent had the ability to sign-off on amounts of more than £50,000. Therefore, it is no surprise, that SALTEX 2019 exhibitors are still reporting a high conversion rate from the leads they generated at last year’s show.

These figures have resulted in SALTEX 2021 witnessing a record-breaking loyalty period with over 75 per cent of exhibitors returning, including many stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors.

The new Spring dates have not only been welcomed by exhibitors. A large proportion of visitors have voiced their support for the 2021 show with many claiming that they will be in the hunt for new products and services.

Take for example, Liverpool FC’s Senior Manager of Grounds Management – David Roberts, who revealed that he is looking forward to attending the show and will be exploring new solutions with his team.

“SALTEX provides an opportunity to see and meet manufacturers and to look at the products in the flesh. I always keep an open mind as to what we may need. As the show gets closer, we will be aware of specific problems we need to resolve and will then look for solutions at SALTEX.”

Lawn Care Legends – an online networking group consisting of over 5,000 landscapers and gardeners, are always out in full force at SALTEX, and founder John Ryan confirmed that the Legends will be attending the 2021 show.

“The Legends will be there, and we have some exciting plans for the show. SALTEX is a way to get a feel of what is coming to the marketplace and it helps you to adapt or evolve with the industry. We all use SALTEX as an opportunity to source new products and everyone is keen and eager to see what manufacturers have to offer.

“By March 2021, I think there will be a real energy to get going for the new season ahead and what better way to kick that off than by going to SALTEX.”

James Wright, Grounds & Gardens Team Leader at the University of Leeds, revealed that the new dates will be the perfect opportunity to purchase equipment in preparation for early maintenance programmes.

“Given the diverse range of exhibitors at SALTEX, myself and the team can see product innovations which may help inform purchasing decisions in the future.

“I believe the dates in March are an excellent time of year. You are able to look at products and potentially make purchases on products you could be using in 4/6 weeks’ time such as fertiliser or grass seed.  The new dates also enable you to arrange machinery demonstrations during the active growing season.”

All eyes now turn towards delivering a successful event with the potential protocols that may be in place as a direct result of Covid-19. SALTEX is in the safest and most professional of hands according to Geoff.

“The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is one of the foremost venues in the UK and as such is at the heart of discussions as to how to run events safely and securely. The GMA has also taken advantage of its membership with the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), who are closely working with the Events Owners Association (EOA), the Association of Event Venues (AEV), and the Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA) – which covers almost every facet of the events industry, looking at the impact of the pandemic globally, as well as the UK from an events management perspective. We’re very proud to have established these excellent working relationships and it has allowed us to learn from others, network, and input into the guidance now issued and being supported and used by Government.

“The events sector is holding some pilot exhibitions over the coming weeks to detail the best procedures to ensure exhibitions are the best possible environments for staff, exhibitors, and visitors alike. Learning from these pilots will be addressed. In the meantime, we are currently mapping out several scenarios based on restrictions that may be in place in Spring 2021, so the event runs safely and efficiently, while creating a positive experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

“We have a very experienced team, who with the NEC, I am confident can stage a safe and successful event in the Spring next year.”

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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BIGGA BTME cancelled for 2021

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BIGGA cancelled for 2021: The turf industry’s premier annual gathering, the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME), will not take place in January 2021 as anticipated, with an alternative ‘festival of turf’ planned for summer 2021.

The event’s organisers, the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, has cancelled the popular trade exhibition due to the ongoing uncertainty relating to the coronavirus pandemic, having prioritised the health and wellbeing of its members, exhibitors, staff and other attendees.

BIGGA cancelled for 2021

BIGGA cancelled for 2021

The decision was taken following consultation with members of the association and regular dialogue with representatives of the Harrogate Convention Centre and other major stakeholders. It was agreed the hosting of a gathering of turf professionals from across the globe would create an unacceptable risk of infection, potentially putting lives at risk.

BIGGA’s world-leading education programme, Continue to Learn, is held alongside BTME each year and will still take place during January 2021, albeit as an online event and with an altered timetable designed to reflect the new digital platform. A full programme of speakers will enable BIGGA members to access the world class education they have come to expect from the comfort of home or at their place of employment.

The announcement of an alternative event in summer 2021 will enable BIGGA to explore options for hosting the event outdoors, which current understanding of the infectious disease indicates will make for a safe event and will allow improved social distancing measures to be implemented. It is hoped that many of the exhibitors who had signed up for BTME 2021 will support this cost-effective event and BIGGA will be liaising with exhibitors over the coming weeks to discuss the opportunities it presents.

The Harrogate Convention Centre, home to BTME since its inauguration as the European Turf Management Exhibition (ETME) in 1989, has been utilised as an NHS Nightingale Hospital since the peak of the outbreak in April and BIGGA is incredibly proud to be associated with a venue that has been transformed to enable the treatment of COVID-19 patients, should the need arise.

However, the alteration of dates will require a new venue to be found and discussions are underway with potential event hosts. Details will be released in due course.

It is anticipated that BTME will return to the Harrogate Convention Centre in January 2022.

BIGGA Chief Executive Jim Croxton said: “The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has sent shockwaves across our industry and BIGGA members have worked admirably in difficult circumstances to enable the continuing success of the facilities they maintain. The work they are doing in a safe and socially-distanced manner is admirable and has undoubtedly led to an increased confidence in golf as a safe pastime during these uncertain times.

“With member health and wellbeing being BIGGA’s absolute priority, it was immediately clear that to invite thousands of turf professionals from across the globe to attend an exhibition during a season when there is anticipated to be an increased risk of disease transmission would be negligent and expose attendees to undue risk.

“BIGGA considers it important to host an annual event and BTME plays a vital role in the calendar year for the turf industry. BTME is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the achievements of the previous year, while building new contacts and looking forward to the future. We feel it is important to retain this community spirit where possible, especially considering the hardships we have all faced, and so we are exploring the possibility of hosting a safe and accessible alternative event in summer 2021. I’m excited about the possibilities presented by this and am confident our new ‘festival of turf’ will be as exciting and influential as ever.”

BIGGA Head of Member Development Sami Strutt is responsible for the organisation of Continue to Learn, working with members to develop an engaging and relevant education programme each year.

Sami said: “Although the association will have no physical presence in Harrogate during January, we will be hosting Continue to Learn as a digital event and I’m certain the spirit of Harrogate week will be as strong as ever before.

“We have engaged with BIGGA members through our annual Members’ Choice survey and are in the process of building an incredible series of online learning that will enable BIGGA members to continue their professional development, wherever in the world they may be.”

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