The turf industry is now preparing to head to Harrogate for the show of the year BTME 2016 – which with countless highlights promises to be one of the biggest yet!
If you’re travelling to the Harrogate International Centre in North Yorkshire don’t forget to beat the queues and pre-register at www.btme.org.uk – you will then be able to quickly gain access to the five Halls packed with exhibitors from all corners of the turf management industry.
BIGGA are delighted to announce that Club Car, who you can see at Stand A6 at BTME, have become the Association’s latest Education Supporter.
Dennis de Roos, Utility Sales Director for Club Car in EMEA, said: “Club Car has been one of the most respected brands in the golf industry for many years, with the range of fully connected golf and utility vehicles, alongside its various vehicle configurations, designed to provide golf course managers and greenkeepers with complete control over their fleet.
“The company advocates BIGGA’s commitment to the continuing professional development of its members and the ongoing support of excellence in golf course management throughout the greenkeeping profession.”
Club Car becomes the 17th industry organisation to sign up as an Education Supporter, and with nine BIGGA Partners already on board it shows how strongly the industry is supporting the Continuing Professional Development of BIGGA members.
One of BIGGA’s Partners Kubota are offering complimentary bacon sandwiches and tea or coffee on the first two mornings of the exhibition. Visitors to the Stand – Q22 – will be able to claim a refreshments voucher to be redeemed at the various catering points – but it’s on a strictly first come first served basis!
BIGGA’s newest recruit James Hutchinson, the Association’s Sustainability Executive, will be joining experts from the Golf Environment Organisation and the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Association on the GEO & FEGGA Stand on B28. They will be on hand during BTME to discuss any environmental issues or projects. In addition there will be the opportunity to sign up for OnCourse, the GEO system which is the first step towards getting your facility recognised for Environmental Best Practice. Just like admission to BTME itself, this is all completely free.
Our superb Continue to Learn programme will again be kicking the week off in style on Sunday 17 January – featuring first-class speakers delivering presentations on a hugely diverse range of subjects. The Turf Managers’ Conference will take place on Monday in the magnificent Royal Hall.
The Royal Hall is also the venue for the popular Welcome Celebration on Tuesday, and will be hosted by BBC presenter Naga Munchetty. This will again be a memorable evening toasting the fabulous efforts of greenkeepers everywhere over the past 12 months. The winners of the three BIGGA Awards kindly sponsored by Jacobsen, Pitchcare and GBR Technology will also be announced live.
Wednesday and Thursday sees GolfBIC’s debut at BTME, in conjunction with the UK Golf Course Owners Association and the Organisation of Golf & Range Operators. Also hosted by golf fan Naga, this will feature presentations, discussions and panel debates with industry experts, and a keynote address from former high-flying CEO turned inspirational speaker Hamish Taylor.
Wednesday evening sees a highlight of the week’s packed social calendar with the GolfBIC drinks reception and dinner. Musical entertainment, a three course meal and a charity auction on behalf of the Golf Foundation guarantees a terrific evening.
These are just a small selection of the highlights during what promises to be another memorable week.
BTME www.btme.org.uk