SALTEX 2025 drew a large crowd to the NEC, and IGFH used the event to reconnect with people across the sector.
We spent time with Kersten UK (an IGFH sponsor), talking through plans for the upcoming Integrated Weed Management educational day with the GroundsFest Academy in February. We were also able to catch up with familiar faces, including Harvey Milne, Brad’s former apprentice from Crosfields School. He’s now working at Vincent’s Tractors in Devon, and it was good to see him settled into a role that suits him.
We also ran into Alex McDermott from Quadrop, and later caught up with Frank Eckert from Eckert Golf Sales in Orlando. Brad last crossed paths with Frank at the GIS event in San Diego in 2022, so it was nice to finally reconnect!
This year’s show introduced a few new features. The Workshop Zone, led by Tom Stidder of TCS Turfcare Equipment Consultant Services, walked through tractor set-ups and machinery adjustments. There was also a new Arcade Zone, which added something a bit different, with leaf blower challenges and small robots racing around an obstacle course.
The free-to-attend education programme of seminars returned from last year, with talks from big names in the industry, including Adam Kaliniecki, the Premier League’s Senior Football Operations Manager, Craig Knight, Head of Grounds & Playing Surfaces at Everton F.C., and Dr Denise Ludlam, Environmental Sustainability Strategic Lead at Sport England. The Live Demonstration Area stayed active as well.
Later in the afternoon, the Clubhouse filled up as DJ James Haskell (who previously played professional rugby) took over with a playlist of Ibiza chill tunes.
SALTEX 2025 left us with plenty to follow up on and reminded us why the event still holds value for the sector. One of the reasons why we return to this event every year is that every pound generated is reinvested into the sector, helping us to collectively build a future for grounds professionals.
You’ll need to register in advance to attend SALTEX, and entry is free. You can learn more about SALTEX and register for 2026 here.