July 2023 Getting pitch perfect
Boost your game at SALTEX - registration now open Visitor registration for SALTEX 2023, Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, is now open. And with it the chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show. The theme for 2023 SALTEX is ‘boost your game’ which will see SALTEX focus on providing visitors and exhibitors with all the key tools needed to be successful in the groundscare sector. With last year’s show bringing together over 8,300 visitors from 50 plus countries with the biggest names in the groundscare industry, there is no better place for those working in the grounds car industry to boost their game. Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, explains: “At this year’s attendees will be supported in boosting their
knowledge, career, skills, sales, surface, and network – all of which will result in an industry that is better connected, holds more expertise, and continues to be at the forefront of turfcare around the world.” Sarah continues: “SALTEX was set up by the industry for the industry, keeping the many different reasons that people attend in mind, at all times. For example, boosting sales is much easier when over 60 percent of visitors attending play a role in the purchasing decision.” In addition, Sarah confirms, “Visitors can hear from the industry’s leading experts, as well as groundscare professionals from the country’s top sports grounds, covering burning topics in the Learning LIVE seminar programme. “There will be opportunities to speak to grassroots pitch advisors from the GMA and representatives from the National Governing Bodies to
receive technical advice as well guidance on accessing muchneeded funding and ways to upskill through the Grounds Management Framework,” she says. “All this is in addition to the unrivalled opportunities to network, earn CPD points and speak to experts offering career advice.” With soon-to-be-announced exciting new show features making their first appearance at the show, Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association is keen to ensure that SALTEX continues to adapt and cater to the industry’s needs as it has done numerous times over its 76 exhibitions: “All income generated by the show is ploughed back into the industry securing its future for generations to come. “By attending SALTEX, visitors are supporting the vital yearround work that enables the GMA to invest in important resources for the sector, as well as developing closer and more
Turf Maintenance Creating the best quality finish Pages 18-21 collaborative relationships with sports bodies that can help create inward investment back into the sector. Registering for your free ticket doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the industry too.” Registering now comes with the bonus of being entered into a free prize draw with the first 1,000
people to register as visitors in with a chance to win a one-night stay at the Moxy Birmingham NEC on the first night of the show. SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. SALTEX
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Course manager at ‘golf club of the future’ achieves MG status The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed that Janne Lehto, course manager at Hirsala Golf, has become Finland’s first certified Master Greenkeeper. Janne, 30, is chairperson of the Finnish Greenkeepers Association and is an agronomist for the Finnish Golf Union.
He began his career at Hirsala, before spells at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland and Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. He returned to Hirsala in 2016, before taking on the course manager role in 2017. Hirsala hosted the Finnish Open in 2011 and 2015, but is also considered one of the
most forward-thinking and environmentally conscious golf clubs anywhere.
Line Marking
The club is GEO Certified and has worked alongside WWF Finland on a number of projects including wetland management, waterway restoration and marine conservation. BIGGA
Technology continues to shape the market Pages 22-23
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