Industry leaders and innovators headline SALTEX 2026

Industry leaders and innovators headline SALTEX 2026

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Industry leaders and innovators headline SALTEX 2026

SALTEX has unveiled an exceptional line-up of headline speakers for its prestigious Learning LIVE education programme, including experts from UEFA, STRI, Agrii (Envirofield), SAPCA, LaboSport and the Football Foundation.

Industry leaders and innovators headline SALTEX 2026

Industry leaders and innovators headline SALTEX 2026

Bringing together experts from across sport, science and industry, the programme will provide visitors with direct access to the latest thinking, research and real-world experiences shaping the future of grounds management.

Taking place across the Main Stage, Spotlight Stage and Community Sport Stage, Learning LIVE 2026 will bring together some of the most influential voices in sports turf management, environmental sustainability, water stewardship, scientific research, and grassroots sport. Through diverse expert-led sessions, visitors will gain practical insights, cutting-edge knowledge and lessons learned from professionals operating at the highest level of the industry.

Opening the programme is Lee Guerriero of UEFA, who will take to the Main Stage to deliver a highly anticipated session, ‘Review of UEFA Club Season 2025/2026 and a Preview of EURO 2028 Pitch Programmes’. Offering a unique perspective from one of world football’s governing bodies, Guerriero will reflect on the latest UEFA club competitions while looking ahead to the planning, preparation and expectations surrounding UEFA EURO 2028.

Hot off the back of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Greg Whately, Principal Consultant at STRI, will discuss the delivery of exceptional playing surfaces for major international tournaments. Greg will share valuable insights into the planning, preparation and performance standards required to support football’s biggest events, offering practical lessons for turf professionals operating at every level of the game.

Technology and innovation will be firmly in the spotlight during a session from Dr Ruth Mann of Agrii (Envirofield), who will explore ‘The Role of Technology in Turfcare Management’. Her presentation will examine how emerging technologies are transforming decision-making, improving efficiencies, and helping turf professionals deliver high-performing, sustainable surfaces.

Research-led learning will form another key strand of the programme. On the Spotlight Stage, Dr Christian Spring of STRI will headline the European Turfgrass Society Takeover with a session entitled ‘Putting Science and Research at the Heart of Turfgrass Management’. Visitors will gain valuable insight into how evidence-based approaches and scientific innovation are helping shape the future of turfgrass management across Europe.

With water management continuing to dominate industry agendas, Tony Hanson will present ‘From Problem to Resource: Unlocking Alternative Water for Turf Irrigation’ on the Main Stage. His session will explore innovative and sustainable approaches to water sourcing, offering practical solutions for organisations facing increasing pressure on traditional water supplies.

Also on the Spotlight Stage, Dr Kathryn Severn join the SAPCA Takeover session, ‘The Latest Trends in Player-Surface Interactive Research’. Her presentation will examine the latest findings surrounding the relationship between athletes and playing surfaces, providing valuable insight for professionals seeking to balance performance, safety, and sustainability.

GMA Grounds Manager of the Year 2026, Karl McDermott, will lead two Learning LIVE sessions, drawing on his experience at some of the UK’s most prestigious sporting venues. In the session, How Strong Team Culture Ensures Success at the AELTC, Lord’s Cricket Ground, the University of Leeds and Leicester City Football Club, Karl will explore how effective leadership, collaboration and a positive workplace culture underpin consistently high standards across a diverse range of world-class facilities.

The Community Sport Stage will feature expert guidance aimed at helping grassroots sports clubs’ access vital funding and resources. On 12 November, Ruby Armitage, PitchPower Project Officer at the Football Foundation, will present ‘How to Obtain a Machinery Grant’. Drawing on her experience supporting clubs and facilities across the grassroots game, Ruby will provide practical advice on securing funding for essential equipment and improving the long-term sustainability of playing surfaces.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, said: “Learning LIVE has become one of the defining attractions of SALTEX, bringing together world-class expertise and practical knowledge that visitors can take back to their organisations. This year’s speaker line-up reflects many of the key issues shaping the future of grounds management, from major tournament preparation and climate resilience to scientific research, technological innovation, and grassroots facility development. We are delighted to welcome such an outstanding group of speakers to SALTEX 2026.”

As the industry’s leading platform for professional development, networking, and innovation, Learning LIVE continues to provide SALTEX visitors with unparalleled access to the people and organisations driving progress across the grounds management sector.

SALTEX 2026 takes place on 11 and 12 November at the NEC Birmingham, with all Learning LIVE sessions included free as part of visitor registration.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk

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GroundsFest Academy continues to deliver as DLF wildflower event inspires

GroundsFest Academy continues to deliver as DLF wildflower event inspires

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GroundsFest Academy continues to deliver as DLF wildflower event inspires

The GroundsFest Academy has continued to build momentum following the success of its latest educational event, held in partnership with DLF Seeds and dedicated to the planning, establishment and maintenance of wildflower areas.

GroundsFest Academy continues to deliver as DLF wildflower event inspires

GroundsFest Academy continues to deliver as DLF wildflower event inspires

The free-to-attend event formed part of the wider GroundsFest Academy programme, which continues to provide free valuable learning opportunities for the industry throughout the year, helping professionals and volunteers develop their knowledge through practical, expert-led sessions.

Attendees enjoyed a combination of classroom learning and practical demonstrations, covering key areas including understanding wildflower habitats, site assessment, species selection, construction techniques, maintenance strategies and the environmental benefits of creating diverse habitats.

The day also provided a unique insight into the science behind wildflower seed, with delegates learning about seed production, testing, cleaning, packing and breeding processes from the experts at DLF Seeds.

Bradley Tennant, GroundsFest Event Director, said the success of the event highlighted the growing appetite for accessible, high-quality education within the industry.

“The GroundsFest Academy has gained incredible momentum, and events like this demonstrate exactly why we created it. The feedback we continue to receive from attendees shows there is a real demand for practical, relevant education that professionals can take back and apply in their own environments.

“Our partnership with DLF Seeds has been fantastic, and this event was a brilliant example of bringing together leading industry experts with people who are eager to learn, improve their skills and understand the latest approaches to sustainable land management.

“The Academy is about making education accessible to everyone, whether that’s an experienced professional looking to expand their knowledge, someone new to the industry, or the next generation of talent coming through. We’re delighted with how it has grown and we’re already looking forward to delivering more opportunities in the future.”

Following the success of the DLF wildflower event, the Academy will continue to deliver industry-focused sessions designed to share knowledge, encourage collaboration and support the continued development of the groundscare and landscaping sectors.

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFestAcademy for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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Avant Tecno gears up for September machinery exhibitions

Avant Tecno gears up for September machinery exhibitions

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Avant Tecno gears up for September machinery exhibitions

Manufacturer of compact multifunctional loaders, Avant Tecno, are preparing for a busy month of exhibitions where they will be showcasing both Avant and Leguan Lifts machinery.

Avant Tecno gears up for September machinery exhibitions

Avant Tecno gears up for September machinery exhibitions

Avant Tecno will be attending GroundsFest 2026, Vertikal Days and the APF Exhibition.

“This summer has been a busy season of shows for the Avant team – and we’re looking forward to one last bumper month! At all three shows, we’re excited to be outside in the sun, showcasing our machinery and meeting customers, partners and other industry professionals” says Raimo Ala-Korpi, Managing Director of Avant Tecno UK.

From 16th to 17th September, GroundsFest will be heading back to Warwickshire to host their B2B trade show for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, estate managers, contractors and more.

Combining business and education opportunities with outdoor demonstrations and amusements, GroundsFest features opportunities to discover the latest grounds maintenance machines as well as two days of action-packed activities, including lawn mower racing!

Also hosted in Warwickshire, APF 2026 will be taking place on 24th to 26th September, showcasing forestry, woodland, arboriculture, fencing and grounds maintenance sectors.

Celebrating its 50th event, APF’s gold anniversary promises an exciting show, welcoming even more exhibitors and attractions.

“From digging and material handling to grass cutting and tree trimming, Avant loaders are a multifunctional machine that can adapt to a wide range of applications and tasks. During September’s events, we aim to give attendees a chance to have a hands-on experience with our Avant loaders and discover how they can work smarter, not harder!” adds Raimo.

Taking place on 9th to 10th September, Vertikal Days is hosting their 19th event, once again bringing together the lifting and access industry for two days of networking and machinery showcases.

During the two-day event in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Avant Tecno will be joining their sister company, Leguan Lifts, to exhibit their latest innovations in powered access platforms.

Founded in Finland in 1991, Avant Tecno are the world’s first producer of the compact loader – a multi-functional machine built to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease and efficiency.

With over 200 attachments designed to meet the needs of their customers, Avant loaders support productivity across construction, plant hire, agriculture, landscaping, equestrian and property maintenance applications.

Also founded in Finland, Leguan Lifts specialise in designing and manufacturing reliable, technologically-advanced and off-road-capable self-propelled access platforms.

“If you’re attending any of these events this September, come and say hello to the Avant and Leguan team!” concludes Raimo.

For more information about GroundsFest, visit https://groundsfest.com/

For more information about APF 2026, visit https://www.apfexhibition.co.uk/

For more information about Vertikal Days, visit https://vertikaldays.net

For more information about Avant Tecno, visit https://www.avanttecno.com/uk

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FJDynamics at GroundsFest 2026

FJDynamics at GroundsFest 2026

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FJDynamics at GroundsFest 2026

FJDynamics is a robotics company focused on digitalization, automation, and new energy. We are committed to creating practical and affordable robots for the most labor-intensive industries and using our technology to drive digital transformation across those traditional industries for improved productivity and working environment. Today, our solutions are widely applied in agriculture, landscaping, construction, surveying, and facility services. As our business expands globally, we are excited to collaborate with partners and clients to create a better future for the world.

FJDynamics at GroundsFest 2026

FJDynamics at GroundsFest 2026

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Super Exciting STIGA Prizes to Be Won at GroundsFest 2026

Super Exciting STIGA Prizes to Be Won at GroundsFest 2026

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Super Exciting STIGA Prizes to Be Won at GroundsFest 2026

The STIGA team are ridiculously excited to be heading to Groundsfest this September, and not just because they have been planning a stand so spectacular it may need its own postcode!  Why all the excitement? Well, alongside a seriously impressive line-up of STIGA, Mountfield and ATCO machinery, STIGA has teamed up with England Rugby to bring you some rather brilliant prizes too.

Super Exciting STIGA Prizes to Be Won at GroundsFest 2026

Super Exciting STIGA Prizes to Be Won at GroundsFest 2026

Join the team on 16th and 17th September for two days packed with machinery, technology, food, coffee, competitions and plenty of opportunities to put the products through their paces.

The coolest stand at Groundsfest? You bet!

Let’s be honest, even the most enthusiastic machinery fan needs a sit-down occasionally.

The STIGA stand will be your VIP pit stop, complete with comfy seating, charging points and plenty of friendly faces. Whether you’re catching up with customers, talking shop with fellow professionals, recharging your phone, or simply recharging yourself, come and put your feet up for a while.

Coffee will be available for dealers, and because no one should ever have to survive on coffee alone, Jack’s Meat Shack will be back for STIGA or Mountfield dealers to enjoy too!

Fancy owning a tiny piece of rugby history?

STIGA has teamed up with England Rugby to celebrate the iconic Allianz Stadium pitch, which is being reconstructed this summer as part of its major renovation.

The famous turf is being replaced for the first time in 14 years, bringing one chapter of rugby history to a close. But rather than simply saying goodbye to it, the turf is being transformed into a limited collection of commemorative cubes…meaning fans can own their very own little piece of sporting history.

And there will be THREE of these exclusive cubes to give away to lucky winners at Groundsfest!

So, if your idea of a good day out involves machinery, burgers and the possibility of going home with a piece of England Rugby history… you know where to be.

And if you cannot wait until next month, enter for the chance to win one of these cubes now at: www.stiga.com/uk/own-a-piece-of-sporting-history

Come and get hands-on with the latest kit

There’ll be plenty to see, try and talk about on the STIGA stand, with a huge selection of machinery from STIGA and Mountfield.

From keen gardeners looking to make life easier to professional users demanding serious performance, there’ll be something worth getting your hands on.

Visitors can get up close and personal with products including the award-winning APX Pro, VISTA Robot range, ePark Pro and Battery Tractors, showcasing just how far battery technology has come, and how effortlessly it can help get even the toughest jobs done.

And yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the machinery in action and, where possible, have a go yourself.

So, mark 16th and 17th September in your diary, grab your Groundsfest essentials and head over to the STIGA stand.  Come for the machinery. Stay for the burgers. Enter for the rugby history. Leave wondering why every trade show isn’t this much fun.

Come and see us at:

  • STIGA Stand: OSA790
  • GroundsFest 2026, NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2LH

Register for free: www.groundfest.com

Find out more: www.stiga.com/uk

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