SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience

SALTEX welcomes most diverse audience: SALTEX 2024 reached new levels of international engagement, attracting a diverse audience from around the world including attendees from China, Cyprus, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

This year’s show offered high-quality interactions among industry leaders, creating connections that could deliver substantial partnerships and collaborations across borders. With over 7,300 visitors, SALTEX reaffirmed its position as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.

The ever-popular Learning LIVE programme, which was attended by over 1,000 visitors, addressed current and future trends in the industry, covering topics from sustainability practices to technological advancements – giving visitors the insights to drive progress within the industry.

With the latest innovations in grounds management technology on display in the shape of 30+ new product launches, exhibitors were able to showcase their state-of-the-art equipment and solutions designed to advance the sector.

This year’s exhibition attracted a high calibre of senior decision-makers from organisations such as Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC and Manchester City, as well as prestigious sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon, Allianz Arena and 2025 Open Championship venue Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The presence of over 130 educational institutions (including universities, colleges and independent schools) and almost 100 local authorities further emphasised SALTEX’s importance as a key networking platform for the whole grounds management sector.

SALTEX saw a rise in younger visitors, with over 20% under the age of 30. The increase shows the exhibition’s strong appeal to the next generation in grounds management.

The expanded Community Sports Zone created even more opportunities for engagement. The larger space welcomed a strong turnout of volunteers and County FA representatives, all eager to enhance their facilities.

Ian Mather-Brewster, Cricket Key Account Manager at the Grounds Management Association (GMA), said: “It was great to see so many volunteers and county pitch advisors as well as County FA and County Cricket Board representatives come together in the expanded Community Sports Zone. These are the people who are dedicated to improving community sports facilities and making their playing surfaces the best they can be for players of all ages. SALTEX offers the perfect opportunity to connect and explore the latest funding opportunities.” 

Malcolm Farrow, a grassroots volunteer from Mowbray Rangers FC said: “Being a volunteer it’s been good to see all the different aspects of turf and seeding and everything else that goes with being involved in grounds. It was definitely worth coming to see all the stands and machinery here and all the information you get that we wouldn’t usually get as a volunteer. The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, everyone is friendly and has got time to talk to you, and the information has been second to none. Everyone’s been so helpful and friendly, there’s such a friendly atmosphere. SALTEX has been a brilliant experience, it’s been set out so well and I can’t wait to do it again.” 

Revenue generated from SALTEX is reinvested directly into the grounds management industry, helping to fuel growth and advance industry standards. As a not-for-profit organisation, the GMA channels this revenue to subsidise memberships and training, while also offering vital resources like independent advice and information.

Beyond training and membership, SALTEX revenue funds several impactful GMA programmes. The annual Industry Awards celebrate excellence in grounds care, bringing recognition to professionals and volunteers across the sector. The annual #Groundsweek campaign, reaching over 18 million online in 2024, promotes the contributions of grounds staff and encourages new talent to join the field.

Additionally, SALTEX funds support diversity initiatives like the ‘Women in Grounds’ event at Emirates Stadium, spotlighting the role of women in grounds management and reaching an audience of 188 million.

Rhys Adams, National Sales Manager at Milwaukee Tools said: “SALTEX has been really good for us, and it’s been busy as always. For us it’s a nice central point for us to meet customers and there’s lots of new products coming out so it’s a great opportunity to see that. We find that there’s a lot of end users here and it’s great to see them using our products. For the users that haven’t used our products, it’s a fantastic opportunity to put the product in their hands and speak to some of the larger councils and new dealerships.” 

Geoff Webb, CEO at the Grounds Management Association, said: “The success of SALTEX 2024 reaffirms its role as an essential meeting ground for the global grounds management community. This year, SALTEX continued to attract a broad audience from across the globe, which shows the international relevance of the exhibition as the industry’s hub for knowledge sharing and innovation. It was also clear to see the significant investment from exhibitors in their stands and setups, with a large number of exhibitors choosing SALTEX as the destination to launch their brand-new products. 

“Our Learning LIVE programme continues to be one of the standout features offering visitors the latest insights on topics such as sustainability and technological progress, and more ensuring they have the tools to address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s needs. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that SALTEX remains not only the go-to event in the UK but also a significant event on the international stage, with a layout and programme tailored to serve the evolving needs of the grounds management industry.” 

Looking ahead, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year, taking place on 12-13 November 2025. The event will also relocate to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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