At BTME 2018, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) pledged that in 2019 its exhibition would evolve into an even greater spectacular, showcasing the latest innovations and technology within the turf management industry in a larger and more inclusive setting.
Details are beginning to emerge about BTME 2019 and it’s clear that BIGGA has lived up to that promise.
A new layout will see the show utilise around 25% more exhibition space than in previous years, shifting the exhibition towards the Harrogate Convention Centre’s Auditorium, a spectacular showcase venue that can accommodate almost 2,000 people and will play host to the BIGGA Welcome Celebration, along with other major events throughout the week.
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “The expansion of BTME arose due to the exhibition’s incredible popularity among our exhibitors, of which we expect to see a large increase on the 140 who joined us in Harrogate in 2018. In taking a close look at how we can improve upon the existing offering, we’ve been working all year to come up with a whole host of new and innovative ways to greatly improve the visitor experience and further enhance BTME’s position as the premier turf management exhibition in Europe.”
Throughout the show, which runs from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 January, there will be an improved offering for attendees to maximise their BTME experience. There will be more social space for networking and a larger BIGGA stand that will feature a Wellness Area where members can find out more about skin cancer screening, hearing screening and receive advice relating to mental health matters.
Within the show, over 5,000sqm of exhibition space will feature Golf Course Construction Live, a New Products Area and a TED Talk-style theatre, where bitesize presentations will be delivered by some of the leading names in the industry.
As always, Continue to Learn will kick off the week. Beginning on Sunday 20 and running until Wednesday 23 January, BIGGA’s Learning & Development team has put together its largest-ever package of education. New initiatives include a Deputies’ Conference, a Links Forum sponsored by Sherriff Amenity and an Ecology and Environment Forum sponsored by Aquatrols.
The Turf Managers’ Conference and Young Greenkeepers’ Committee return in 2019, ensuring there is something for everyone, no matter what stage of their career BIGGA members are at.
Registration has already opened for BTME and bookings are underway for Continue to Learn. With a number of education sessions already sold out, attendees are encouraged to act quickly to ensure you do not miss out on the education of their choice.