SALTEX 2025 delivered a vibrant showcase of innovation at the NEC, cementing its position as Europe’s must-attend grounds management event, organisers have said.
With a dynamic mix of new features plus high-profile speakers, focused learning opportunities and exclusive product launches, this year’s edition brought fresh sense of energy to the show floor and strengthened connections across the industry.
Among the standout additions were the Workshop and the Arcade, interactive zones offering hands-on demos and engaging activities to make the show floor lively and immersive.
The introduction of the Football Foundation Funding Desk proved a game-changer for grassroots sports with visitors gaining direct access to funding opportunities, unlocking potential to support community-led projects and facilities that are the beating heart of the industry.
The ever-popular Learning LIVE programme returned with a sharper focus on the most pressing topics in grounds management. From sustainability and technology to mental health and career development, sessions were curated to deliver actionable insights for grounds people at every level.
A highlight of the programme was a keynote by James Haskell, who shared powerful insights on elite mindset and performance. His talk was followed by a high-energy DJ set in the newly revamped Clubhouse, transforming the space into a social hub that blended networking with entertainment.
From across all of Europe including France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland to further afield with visitors from New Zealand, United States, Bahrain, and Hong Kong attendees came from across the world.
Visitor quality remained exceptionally strong, with 75% of attendees identified as influential buyers and decision-makers. Representatives from leading sports venues - including Manchester City, Liverpool FC, Croke Park, Twickenham, AELTC, Ascot Racecourse, Yorkshire CCC, and Glamorgan CCC - were in attendance, alongside top educational institutions such as University of Southampton, Queen’s University Belfast, and The King’s School.
The show also welcomed The National Trust, Grosvenor Estate, Hayward Estate and Grounds, and Soho Farmhouse, local authorities, and major contractors like Mitie. This strong presence demonstrates a shared commitment across sectors to investing in the future of their operations.
Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “This year’s SALTEX was a powerful reminder of what our sector can achieve when we come together. The energy across the show floor, the quality of conversations, and the appetite for innovation was truly inspiring. The new features brought fresh perspectives to the show floor, and the Learning LIVE programme continues to raise the bar for professional and workforce development.
"As we look ahead to our 80th edition in 2026, we’re building momentum for the future. SALTEX remains the beating heart of the grounds management industry, and we’re proud to champion its growth both nationally and internationally.”
SALTEX 2026 will mark the 80th edition - a landmark celebration of decades spent delivering value, driving innovation and elevating the standing of our profession both nationally and internationally - at NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November next year.
