Following a successful debut at SALTEX 2025, The Workshop will return to SALTEX 2026, once again delivering hands-on machinery guidance to grounds professionals and volunteers looking to get the very best from their equipment.
Located in the same position on the show floor as last year, The Workshop will provide visitors with live expert advice and interactive Q&A sessions focused on machinery maintenance and performance optimisation.
Sessions will be led by Tom Stidder who is one of the industry's most respected turf machinery experts. With more than 28 years' experience in turf care, Tom has worked across every level of the industry, from workshop technician through to senior technical training and consultancy roles with leading turf machinery manufacturers.
Now an independent trainer and advisor, Tom works with prestigious organisations including The Football Association (FA), the All England Club, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and football clubs around the world, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge to the SALTEX audience.
Stidder will be supported by Tom Spencer, who began his career in 2011 as a Machinery Technician with a major John Deere dealership where he worked across the full range of John Deere equipment before specialising in professional sports turf machinery, providing both technical support and servicing expertise.
Since 2022, he has operated independently, delivering technical advice, training and support to the likes of The FA and the Grounds Management Assocation (GMA). He also provides technical support and product training for Ventrac equipment on behalf of Price Turfcare.
Each day, visitors will have the opportunity to attend a series of focused 30-minute sessions, followed by a 30-minute Q&A. The daily programme will include:
10:00am - Volunteers: Mowers and Attachments
A practical session designed to help volunteers and community grounds people build confidence when operating and maintaining mowers and attachments safely and effectively.
11:00am - Mechanics Forum: Challenges and Solutions
A specialist session based on Euro stage 5 diesel engines including how they work, diagnosing faults and general maintenance procedures.
1:00pm - Professionals and Volunteers: Sprayers
Covering essential sprayer set-up, operation and maintenance principles, this session will help attendees improve application efficiency and safety.
2:00pm - Professionals: Mowers
Designed for experienced grounds professionals, this session will explore mower set-up and techniques for achieving consistently high-quality results.
As part of the enhanced programme for 2026, a dedicated SALTEX meet-up for mechanics will take place immediately after the Mechanics Forum session. The informal gathering will provide an opportunity for mechanics and workshop professionals to discuss common challenges.
Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association, said: "We're delighted to welcome The Workshop back to SALTEX after such a positive response from visitors in 2025. The combination of practical demonstrations and extended Q&A sessions provides real value for attendees, whether they're volunteers or experienced professionals."
Tom Stidder added: "The response to The Workshop last year was fantastic, so I'm really pleased to be bringing it back for SALTEX 2026. The sessions are all about providing practical advice that people can take away and apply immediately.
"We've also introduced a dedicated meet-up for mechanics which I'm particularly excited about as it will give workshop professionals a chance to strengthen their network within the industry. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting plenty of new ones at the NEC."
The Workshop promises to be a must-visit feature for anyone looking to improve their machinery knowledge and performance at SALTEX. Join us at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 November 2026.
For more information and to register for free, visit www.saltex.org.uk.
