Eighty editions after its inception, SALTEX welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to the NEC Birmingham as thousands of grounds professionals, exhibitors and industry leaders gathered to celebrate a landmark moment in the history of the industry's flagship exhibition.
The milestone event honoured eight decades of innovation, collaboration and professional excellence while showcasing the people, technologies and future talent shaping the next chapter of grounds management.
As Europe's leading grounds management exhibition, SALTEX has brought together generations of industry professionals for 80 editions, serving as a platform for innovation, education and business growth while helping to advance standards across the sector.
During his visit, The Duke met a range of exhibitors representing some of the industry's leading manufacturers, suppliers and service providers. His Royal Highness was introduced to the latest innovations in machinery, turfcare technology and sustainable grounds management solutions, gaining first-hand insight into how the sector continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern sport and outdoor spaces.
The Duke also met the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Jason Booth and Tom Rowley, Key Account Manager (Football), to learn more about the impact of the Association's Pitch Advisory Service and its role in improving playing surfaces across the country.
During the discussion, The Duke heard how the service supports clubs, schools and community facilities to enhance the quality, safety and sustainability of sports pitches, helping to create better playing environments and increase opportunities for participation at every level of the game.
The conversation highlighted the critical link between quality playing surfaces and thriving communities. By helping facilities improve their pitches, the service enables more sport to be played, reduces cancellations, enhances the player experience and encourages greater participation in grassroots sport across the UK.
His Royal Highness also spent time meeting grounds professionals from across the country, recognising the expertise and dedication required to maintain the playing surfaces and green spaces that support sport, recreation and community wellbeing.
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting members of GMA NextGen, the Grounds Management Association (GMA)'s network for young and aspiring grounds professionals. Discussions focused on attracting and developing the next generation of talent at a time when the industry faces a significant workforce challenge.
The Duke heard directly from young grounds professionals about their experiences entering the sector, their ambitions for the future and the opportunities available within grounds management. The discussion reinforced the importance of championing skills, training and career pathways to ensure the industry has the workforce needed to support sport and communities for decades to come.
Geoff Webb, Chief Executive Officer of the Grounds Management Association, said: "We were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to SALTEX as we celebrated the show's 80th edition.
"For 80 editions, SALTEX has brought together the very best of our industry, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration and innovation. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the generations of grounds professionals, exhibitors and industry partners who have shaped the profession and supported the exhibition throughout its history.
"It was particularly meaningful to showcase the breadth of the work taking place across our sector. From the exhibitors whose innovations are shaping the future of grounds management, to the impact of our Pitch Advisory Service in supporting community sport, and the young professionals developing their careers through GMA NextGen, the visit demonstrated how our industry supports participation, wellbeing and communities across the country."
As SALTEX celebrated its 80th edition, the event not only reflected on the achievements and progress of the last eight decades but also looked firmly to the future, showcasing the innovation, expertise and talent that will shape grounds management for generations to come.
