The groundscare industry’s annual get together at SALTEX, held at the NEC in Birmingham from November 2-3, once again succeeded in delivering a comprehensive showcase of the latest technologies, products, innovations and learning opportunities to unite every corner of the industry and shape the landscape of groundscare for 2023.
From all-electric tractors to robotics, sustainability to technology, new innovations to industry favourites, ground-breaking ideas to thought provoking debates, Europe’s leading and largest turf management exhibition attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors and thousands of visitors over the two days.
The theme for the Sports, Amenities, Landscaping, Trade Exhibition’s 76th show was sustainability and that was evident across the whole event. An increased number of grounds personnel, greenkeepers, landscapers and contractors were looking for products that deliver quality results, but also reduce carbon footprints to the environment, and SALTEX delivered with the latest innovations and products, daily demonstrations of cutting-edge sustainable technology and advice on how green technology could benefit current working practices.
There was an all-encompassing Learning LIVE education programme, with 35 free-to-attend seminars from expert speakers from the UK and abroad who focussed on the vital issues affecting the industry.
Leila Fuerst, sustainability advisor from idverdi, said: “My job is in sustainability so the fact that the theme of the show was sustainability was the draw to attend. It’s an important and current industry topic which SALTEX is addressing. Almost all the Learning LIVE seminars touch on the subject and there are a couple of seminars I’ll be attending to hear different viewpoints.”
Another visitor who was inspired by the show was Allan Harvey from Ashlandscapes. He commented: “We’ve been coming to SALTEX for the last 20 years. We come to see what new products are coming out that could benefit our business, see old friends, and meet new people. SALTEX is a show which delivers what we want it to year after year.”
Talking about this year’s event, and its role in providing the industry with what it wants and needs, Grounds Management Association CEO Geoff Webb said: “The continued participation be that as a speaker, exhibitor or a visitor creates a buzz unrivalled in our industry. Whether its networking, checking out the latest equipment and products, to catch up with friends or to learn from experts, SALTEX has it all under one roof and yet again we have delivered. We look forward to welcoming the industry back in 2023.”
