The team behind GroundsFest 2023 have revealed more details the new-look industry show, including some of the exhibitors who have already signed up for the two-day event.
GroundsFest will be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 20 and 21 September 2023.
The event will feature outdoor demonstrations, indoor zones, free education, interactive workstations, machinery workshops, a wellbeing hub, a live music festival plus much more, is set to be the annual must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, local authorities, estate managers and contractors.
We asked behind the event what progress has been made with the event since the initial launch in October:
1 - Following the initial launch of GroundsFest what has been the overall industry reaction?
It has been a hugely positive start. We are receiving exhibitor enquires daily from a wide range of companies across a variety of different sectors within the industry. Many are from brands most people would have heard of, but we are also being contacted by a lot of companies who haven’t exhibited at a trade show for several years. We feel that the chance to demonstrate products, and our pricing, has been a big factor in this.
From a visitor point of view, GroundsFest has really struck a chord. We only launched the show six weeks ago and hundreds have already signed up to our visitor newsletter through the website. From greenkeepers to landscapers; groundspersons to local authorities, we’ve been really pleased to see so many different types of visitors interested in the event.
2 - You have talked about redefining the show experience for visitors, can you explain a bit more how that will work?
We don’t want GroundsFest to be seen as just another show. Instead, we want it to be an event for the whole industry - an event where those in a management position can bring the whole team along with them. As well as seeing products in action, there is going to be some great hands-on, interactive features. For example, there will be live working stations where visitors can find out the latest trial data on pesticides, fertilisers, bio-stimulants and many more. There will also be a service workshop where a leading expert will be on hand to tell you how to maintain and get the best out of your equipment. GroundsFest will also provide accredited education seminars, a wellbeing hub – which will provide information, advice, and guidance about emotional and mental wellbeing; and of course, there will be live music which will prove to be an excellent networking opportunity after the event.
3 - Does this different approach also extend to exhibitors? What will be different for them at GroundsFest compared to other events?
GroundsFest is providing exhibitors with a blank page so to speak. It is their space, and they can use it however they choose to. We’ve heard of some brilliant, and creative ideas from many exhibitors already. Whether exhibitors want to demonstrate a product, showcase new equipment, present findings from trial work or research, raise brand awareness or even host a barbecue on their stand – GroundsFest allows for so many possibilities.
Also, where many other industry events tend to wind down after lunchtime, GroundsFest will aim to keep visitors at the event for a longer period due to the live music which will be on stage. This will allow visitors and exhibitors to unwind after the event, listen to some live music and tuck into the many wonderful street food stalls on site. We are also looking at putting on travel for anyone wishing to stay later which will have drop off points at the local accommodation.
4 - Are you in a position yet to reveal more details about which exhibitors have signed up for 2023.
Over 60% of the floorplan has already been reserved which is incredible just six weeks into a launch event. We have a wide variety of exhibitors signed up including ICL, Turf Tank, Kress UK and Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Overton UK, Aspen Fuel, Outdoor Professional Products, Mansfield Sand, RT Machinery, Dennis and SISIS plus many more. Keep an eye out on our social channels and website where we’ll be publishing the full exhibitor list over the coming weeks.
5 - Are you still open to working with any industry organisation or trade body?
Yes absolutely. We would welcome all the industry organisations into GroundsFest and would love the opportunity to work with them. GroundsFest is an event for everybody, and we feel that by working together we could really help to benefit their respective members.
6 - The education aspect is an important feature of GroundsFest, are you able to reveal more details yet of ways in which you hope to attract the next generation of professionals?
We are working hard behind the scenes on the education content and will be announcing some exciting details on this soon. In terms of attracting the next generation of professionals, we are planning on holding a careers fair at GroundsFest. This will involve several schools attending where students can find out just how amazing this industry is. They will get the opportunity to speak to groundstaff, receive a guided tour of the event, see some products in action, and even get involved in some practical demonstrations such as line marking. The plan is to really help put this industry on the map.
For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com
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