As SALTEX prepares for its landmark 80th edition on 11-12 November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, the show moves forward under the theme Rooted in History. Driving Progress. - celebrating the heritage of the industry while championing the innovation, technology and people shaping its future.
Originally launched as the National Association of Groundsmen Annual Exhibition at the Hurlingham Club, SALTEX has grown alongside the industry it serves.
From traditional turf maintenance to today’s advanced technologies, hybrid surfaces, robotics, sustainability solutions and smart equipment, the exhibition has continually evolved to reflect the changing needs of grounds management professionals.
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has been shortlisted for the Independent Event Organiser Award at the AEO Excellence Awards 2026.
The
award recognises organisations delivering outstanding events and
experiences across the UK exhibition industry, with the GMA shortlisted
alongside a number of major and highly respected event organisers.
Over the decades, SALTEX has adapted to industry shifts while remaining true to its purpose: bringing the sector together to learn, connect, discover innovation and move the profession forward.
The exhibition officially adopted the name SALTEX in 1994 - standing for Sports Amenities Landscaping Turf Exhibition - reflecting the growing breadth of the industry and audiences attending the show. In 2008, the event relocated to the NEC Birmingham, creating a larger, more accessible and weatherproof home capable of supporting the event’s continued growth.
Today, SALTEX is recognised as Europe’s premier grounds management show, attracting thousands of visitors and hundreds of brands from across sport, education, local authority, landscaping, estates, contractors and amenity sectors.
While the industry has evolved, one thing has remained constant: SALTEX continues to be owned and organised by the Grounds Management Association (GMA), the not-for-profit membership organisation representing the grounds care industry. Revenue generated through SALTEX is reinvested back into the sector, supporting training, education, advocacy and the future workforce.
SALTEX 2026 will not only celebrate the history of the exhibition, but also showcase the ideas, innovations and expertise driving the industry forward - bringing the grounds management community together once again at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November 2026.
