This year’s BTME felt different for us, as we stepped onto the show floor behind the GroundsFest Academy stand. Having a stand gave us a good base for speaking directly with the greenkeeping community and sharing what both IGFH and the Academy are building.
Throughout the show, many greenkeepers stopped to talk with us. We spoke with people at every stage of their careers and discussed how we’re helping support long-term development within the industry.
The event also gave us the opportunity to show a united front with BIGGA, which organised BTME and continues to work closely with the GroundsFest Academy. BIGGA, IGFH, and the GroundsFest Academy all share the same aim: supporting education, skills, and progression across sports turf and grounds management.
This year also marked our first-ever seminar at BTME: Champion Greens. Stuart Yarwood of DLF Seeds led the session and delivered a practical talk on the maintenance of bowling greens. He covered the rising costs faced by clubs and the challenges they present, as well as the need for stronger business management to support sustainable operations.
Stuart also addressed key maintenance areas, including aeration, overseeding, dry thatch management, and consistent, affordable day-to-day practices that improve surface quality.
Back on the show floor, we had the chance to reconnect with a wide range of people and organisations. We caught up with teams from Wimbledon and The Belfry, along with former colleagues from Wembley Stadium, to name just a few! Throughout the event, we were reminded just how much knowledge exists within the industry and how valuable it is to keep sharing experiences across different sports and settings.
BTME delivered a strong programme this year, with a busy exhibition hall and plenty of opportunities to speak directly with suppliers and employers.
We were particularly encouraged by our conversations with the numerous colleges and educational establishments in attendance. It’s clear that the wider industry continues to support these institutions, and that backing plays a big role in improving what colleges can offer students interested in a sports turf role.
We’ll continue to support and champion events like BTME because we see their value in bringing people together in one place. They create space for honest conversations and help build relationships that last well beyond the event itself. Ultimately, they’re the simplest and most effective way to stay connected to the industry and keep our work grounded in the needs of greenkeepers and grounds staff.
BTME’s 2027 show dates have been released – you can find them here. You can learn more about the GroundsFest Academy on the official website.