INDUSTRY NEWS
SALTEX 2024 recap
Europe ’ s premier grounds management event , SALTEX 2024 , the exhibition owned and operated by the Grounds Management Association ( GMA ), boasted more than 7,300 attendees and a digital reach of 2.8 million .
Networking opportunities , high-caliber visitors , and innovation took center stage . SALTEX 2024 offered attendees the chance to engage with more than 400 leading brands in the grounds management sector . With 19 hours of industry networking , the event served as a hub for collaboration , insight sharing and relationship building .
Education remained a cornerstone of SALTEX 2024 with a Learning LIVE program designed to elevate industry standards . More than 19 hours of educational sessions were delivered by 65 expert speakers , attracting more than 1,000 attendees keen to enhance their skills and knowledge . These sessions covered a wide range of topics , providing actionable insights for professionals managing everything from sports pitches to estate grounds .
As a not-for-profit organization , the Grounds Management Association ( GMA ) has reinvested SALTEX revenue into grounds management since 1938 . With the exhibition ’ s success , this contribution grows each year , demonstrating SALTEX ’ s role in powering progress within the industry .
The GMA uses these funds to subsidize membership fees , offering essential support to grounds professionals , volunteers and organizations . Revenue also helps subsidize GMA ’ s suite of training courses and qualifications , both in person and online .
Since 2009 , SALTEX revenue has supported the GMA ’ s Industry Awards , recognizing excellence in grounds care across sectors . It also funds the annual # GroundsWeek awareness campaign , which highlights the vital work of grounds staff and volunteers , celebrating their impact on sports and inspiring new recruits to the industry .
With 78 % of attendees having purchasing power , SALTEX continues to attract an audience that drives industry change . This represents a 14 % increase compared to the previous year , highlighting the growing influence of the event as a marketplace for innovative products and services .
SALTEX ’ s digital presence reached unprecedented levels this year . Social impressions hit 2.6M ( a 105 % increase ), and social reach climbed to 2.8M (+ 66.2 %). Platforms like TikTok ( 75K impressions ) and Spotify ( 165K impressions ) also helped extend the exhibition ’ s message to a broader , more diverse audience .
From football pitches and cricket grounds to business premises and golf courses , SALTEX 2024 attracted visitors managing all types of grounds . The UK regional breakdown map highlighted strong attendance from across the country , complemented by international visitors , further cementing SALTEX ’ s reputation as a global event .
Looking ahead , SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year , taking place November 12-13 , 2025 . The event will also relocate to Halls 17 , 18 and 19 at the National Exhibition Centre ( NEC ) in Birmingham , UK , introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for visitors and exhibitors .
Penn State ’ s Turfgrass Science program welcomes new faculty
The Penn State University ( PSU ) Center for Turfgrass Science and the Department of Plant Science announced two additions to its faculty : Dr . Manoj Chhetri and Dr . Chase Straw . According to PSU , “ Their expertise and dedication to advancing the field of turfgrass science through education , research , and industry collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen our program ’ s legacy of excellence .”
DR . MANOJ CHHETRI Chhetri joins the program as assistant teaching professor in turfgrass science . With a deep passion for education and research , Chhetri brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program .
Chhetri holds a Ph . D . in Horticulture from Kansas State University , where he focused on cultural strategies for zoysiagrass management in the transition zone . His academic journey also includes an M . S . in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University , where he investigated the effects of shade and drought stress on bermudagrass . These research endeavors have equipped him with a strong foundation in managing turfgrass under challenging environmental conditions .
Before joining Penn State , Chhetri served as an Extension field specialist in Horticulture at the University of Missouri . In this role , he delivered science-based education to homeowners , turf managers and service providers , addressing practical challenges and developing solutions for the turfgrass industry .
At Penn State , Chhetri ’ s primary focus is on teaching and mentoring students in turfgrass management . He is also committed to conducting research on sustainable practices that enhance turfgrass resilience under abiotic stress . His approach emphasizes blending academic rigor with real-world applications , ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle industry challenges .
44 SportsField Management | February 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com