SALTEX 2025 returns to the NEC this autumn, driving industry growth through world-class learning, brand new innovations and, most importantly, reinvestment - all for the benefit of the entire grounds management community.
Powering Progress from the Ground Up
Every year, SALTEX stands apart from other trade shows - not simply because of its historical reputation, but because of what happens after the doors close. Unlike commercial shows, SALTEX operates as a not-for-profit event. Every surplus generated goes straight back into the industry, fuelling the training, education, memberships and development of the people who keep green spaces thriving.
This model has tangible impact. In the last year alone, funds from SALTEX helped subsidise over 60% of memberships through the Grounds Management Association (GMA), easing the financial burden for clubs and individuals at every level of the sector. Those same funds also supported the delivery of more than 2,000 training courses and qualifications - a 7% increase on the previous year.
And the GMA is the only sector body recognised under the Department for Education’s matrix Standard - a testament to the quality of its learning provision. That means every ticket scanned at SALTEX, every exhibitor stand and every conversation contributes directly to a more sustainable future for grounds professionals.
Learning LIVE: Free Education, Real-World Impact
A cornerstone of the SALTEX experience is Learning LIVE - the UK’s largest free educational programme dedicated to grounds management. The CPD-accredited sessions are designed to give professionals practical, transferable skills that make an immediate impact on the ground.
The 2025 programme explores some of the sector’s most pressing and forward-thinking themes: sustainability, data-led turf care, water management, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re managing a grassroots pitch or an elite sports venue, these sessions offer tools and insights to future-proof your work.
This year’s line-up features an impressive roster of sector experts and industry leaders, including:
Tony Hanson, Managing Director, Environmental Solutions International
Dr Denise Ludlam, Environmental Sustainability Strategic Lead, Sport England
Mark Hunt, Technical Specialist, Prodata Weather Systems
Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture & Landscape Strategy, The Royal Parks
Jack Matthews, Director of Programmes, Football Foundation
Graeme Beatt, Course Manager, Royal Portrush Golf Club
Their collective expertise spans everything from environmental compliance and smart data integration to practical turf care and national facility investment.
The Workshop: Hands-On Learning, Real Results
For the first time, SALTEX 2025 introduces The Workshop, a brand-new feature designed for those who learn best by rolling up their sleeves. Led by turf machinery specialist Tom Stidder, whose career spans elite venues and major international tournaments, The Workshop brings technical expertise directly to the show floor.
Community-focused workshops will cover the essentials: machine handling, maintenance and safe operation - giving volunteers and operators the skills to keep equipment performing at its best. Professional sessions, meanwhile, will delve into advanced set-ups, calibration and optimisation, helping experienced teams extract maximum performance and extend equipment life.
Open Q&A clinics will let visitors bring their own challenges to the table, leaving with actionable solutions tailored to their day-to-day work.
It’s practical learning at its best.
Arcade Zone: Where Play Meets Purpose
Innovation doesn’t have to be all serious. This year’s Arcade Zone is a lively, interactive area designed to blend learning with a dose of fun and friendly competition.
Located in Hall 17 between the Spotlight Stage and the VIP Lounge, the Arcade Zone offers a perfect mid-show pit stop. Visitors can test their turf knowledge and even walk away with prizes.
Highlights include:
GMA Grass Identification Game - Fastest correct answers win a year’s GMA membership.
Husqvarna Robot Mower Racetrack - Pit your racing skills against the clock.
Cramer Leaf Blower Darts - High score takes home Cramer’s 82V Blower 22 N.
Fast Feet Football Challenge - Test agility in a timed skills sprint.
Racing Simulator - Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton.
Virtual Golf: Closest to the Pin Challenge - Precision, power and bragging rights.
The Arcade Zone adds energy and entertainment to the show, creating memorable moments that keep the community buzzing long after the event ends.
A Headline Act: James Haskell
SALTEX 2025 is also set to welcome one of the most recognisable names in sport: former England rugby international James Haskell. Known for his dynamic career on and off the pitch, Haskell will join the Learning LIVE stage for an unmissable keynote on day one, before taking to the decks for a Clubhouse DJ session in the evening.
His session will explore the parallels between elite sport and professional development - tackling themes such as leadership, resilience and adaptability in high-performance environments. Crucially, Haskell brings a deep appreciation for the role of grounds teams in delivering elite-level sport. He knows better than most that great performances start on great surfaces.
Investing in the Future: NextGen Takeover
No industry thrives without fresh talent, and SALTEX continues to champion the next generation of grounds professionals through its NextGen Takeover.
Under-35 ambassadors will lead discussions on youth engagement, inclusion and pathways into the sector, ensuring young voices are not just heard but celebrated. Dedicated networking events will help connect emerging talent with experienced professionals, bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
By nurturing new talent and showcasing the breadth of career opportunities, SALTEX helps build a vibrant, future-ready workforce that can take on the sector’s biggest challenges.
A Trusted National Platform
Beyond the stands and stages, SALTEX represents something bigger. It’s a trusted, national platform that brings the industry together - from volunteers and greenkeepers to manufacturers, governing bodies and national stadiums.
Every conversation, every workshop, every Learning LIVE session contributes to delivering exceptional, sustainable playing surfaces and green spaces for communities nationwide. From subsidised training and CPD-accredited learning to practical demonstrations and networking, SALTEX equips the sector with the tools it needs to thrive.
That’s why year after year, it remains Europe’s leading grounds management show. It’s by the industry, for the industry, and it’s shaping the future of grounds care from the ground up.
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership
This November also marks a special milestone for the Grounds Management Association: CEO Geoff Webb celebrates 20 years at the helm.
Over two decades, Geoff has helped steer the organisation through immense change including championing professionalism, raising industry standards and ensuring grounds staff and volunteers have a powerful voice at the national level. His leadership has been instrumental in growing SALTEX into the sector’s most influential annual event.
Under Geoff’s guidance, the GMA has expanded its reach, modernised its training offer and built trusted partnerships with national governing bodies just to name a few milestones. His devotion has not only helped strengthen the association, but also left a lasting legacy across the wider sector.
As SALTEX 2025 prepares to open its doors, it also stands as a celebration of the community and leadership that continue to drive the industry forward.
SALTEX 2025 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, on 12-13 November. For full details, visit www.saltex.org.uk. Visitors can also enter a draw to win a Cramer Tools All Terrain Lawn Mower, complete with charger and battery!