GroundsFest 2025 is raising the bar yet again – and this year’s free CPD-accredited educational programme is set to be bigger, and more varied than ever before.
With five dedicated seminar theatres, a host of expert speakers, and topics that truly reflect the challenges and opportunities in today’s outdoor spaces, GroundsFest is the go-to destination for professional development – whether you’re in turf, landscaping, horticulture, groundscare, or greenkeeping.
Here is a snapshot of what to expect from the education programme:
A Must-Attend for Greenkeepers
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) will be delivering a selection of educational seminars, specially designed for greenkeepers or anyone working in golf course management. BIGGA’s seminars have built a reputation for combining practical insight with thought leadership. Expect expert-led discussions, game-changing ideas, and actionable advice to take your course management to the next level.
Pitchcare Theatre
Tackle key sports turf topics including moisture management, plant growth regulators, and the rise of robotics, along with sessions on employment and biodiversity. These seminars will be delivered by a range of leading sports turf experts.
Lantra Theatre
Lanta will be exploring ‘How industry can collaborate in addressing recruitment and retention’. Acting as session chair, Lantra trustee - Professor John Moverley will set the scene, introduce individual members of the panel and then invite them in turn to speak for about 5 minutes each. The panel has been chosen to draw from different sub sectors to share thoughts and experiences around sector recruitment and retention. After the presentations, John will then invite the audience to make comment and ask questions. In this seminar theatre visitors also can discover what’s changing at BASIS, with essential updates on how training and certification are evolving to support the sector.
The Landscape Theatre
From AI in marketing to urban sustainability, mental health in the trades to wildflower meadows, this theatre brings together real-world business strategies and green innovation. With speakers from Glendale, Blakedown, The Green Partnership and more, these sessions are a must for anyone in landscaping or urban greenspace development.
Hort Week Theatre
Join Hort Week’s Rachael Forsyth and leading horticultural experts for a packed agenda. Topics include integrated weed management with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, machinery tips, scam prevention, and a lively Horticulture Question Time. Plus, don’t miss the Innovation Awards in this theatre, sponsored by Cramer and Bosch, celebrating the products shaping our industry.
Bowls Seminar Theatre
Dedicated to improving greens and supporting bowls clubs at all levels, this two-day masterclass will offer insider knowledge from top suppliers and provide greenkeepers with actionable takeaways to improve playability and performance. It will feature insights from DLF, Aquatrols, Agrovista Amenity, Dennis, SISIS and KAR UK. From seed selection and fertiliser to machinery and irrigation, these sessions will cover all the essential elements that contribute to a high-performing green. Whether you’re a club volunteer or a full-time professional, this is your chance to learn from the very best in the business.
From sports turf to local authority, estate management to landscaping – GroundsFest’s education programme is tailored to every corner of the industry and it’s completely free to attend.
Register for your FREE tickets at www.groundsfest.com
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