Reesink Turfcare, Sherriff Amenity and McConnel have been announced as the final three companies competing to get their hands on the SALTEX 2018 Innovation Award.   

After making its successful debut at last year’s show, the SALTEX 2018 Innovation Award attracted even more entries from various exhibitors across the globe and included a wide variety of high-quality products, services and equipment. 

Judged by an independent panel of industry experts it was decided that the Toro Outcross 9060 from Reesink Turfcare, PrecisionPro from Sherriff Amenity and a product that cannot yet be named from McConnel were the stand out entries. 

The final three companies will now take to the stage on the first day of SALTEX in the all new Innovation Hub (stand K021) from 11.30am to 12.35pm. A representative from each will take place to offer a great insight into their respective innovations and answer questions from Innovation Hub host Kevin Lynch – a former referee and current football speaker. 

The winner’s ceremony will then commence in the Innovation Hub at 2:30pm where the overall winner will be announced.  

Innovation Hub visitors can also expect interviews with industry experts and those at the forefront of new groundscare innovations and listen to research and trial work findings. Furthermore, a number of key speakers will take to the stage to discuss and explore current groundscare trends.  

Kevin Lynch and IOG CEO Geoff Webb will kick-start proceedings at 11:00am on the first day of SALTEX by commenting on what most would agree has been a golden period in innovation in sports turf over the last 10-15 years. 

A panel debate featuring Horticulture Week’s Sally Drury, IOG regional pitch advisor Rob Donnelly and IOG learning programme architect Chris Gray will take place shortly after. The panel will be providing an update on new technology in groundscare and will have their say on what key developments they feel have had a significant impact on the industry. 

It is no surprise that digital media is being utilised by many within the industry and this topic will be explored in the next session.  

The loss of important active ingredients is becoming more frequent than ever and a number of products are being taken off the market, especially in regards to pest management – so an expert panel will be exploring alternative solutions.  

This will be followed by sessions on what’s new in grass cultivars, cordless machinery and robotics.  

Reinforced pitches for cricket and tennis will be the final topic of the day with turf consultant Alex Vickers, ECB pitch advisor Chris Wood and Neil Stubley from the AELTC – who will discuss their views.  

The Innovation Hub will conclude with the SALTEX 2018 Innovation Award winner’s ceremony.  

The programme of events will be replicated on day two of SALTEX. 

www.iogsaltex.com