Alistair McGowan, the renowned impressionist, stand-up comic, actor and writer, will be entertaining the hundreds of groundscare experts and sports industry dignitaries attending this year’s IOG Industry Awards.

His after-dinner slot at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole hotel on November 4 will be another highlight of an event that celebrates the skill and best practice of groundscare staff who raise industry standards.

Hosted by talkSPORT radio’s Mark Saggers, the awards – which enjoy headline sponsorship from Rigby Taylor and Top Green – recognise the contribution made by professional and volunteer expertise at venues across the UK and in all major sports. Visit www.iogawards.com NOW to view the 19 categories and to make your nominations before July 31.

The awards are being held on the evening of the opening day of the SALTEX exhibition (www.iogsaltex.co.uk) at the adjacent NEC, a two-day exhibition that showcases a myriad of money-saving products and provides an unrivalled and free education programme on subjects that appeal to every visitor.

To book your place at this prestigious event please visit www.iogawards.com or contact the IOG at events@iog.org. 

Alistair McGowan is best known to British audiences for ‘The Big Impression’ which was, for four years, one of BBC1’s top-rating comedy programmes – winning numerous awards, including a BAFTA in 2003. He has also featured on ‘Bake Off For Comic Relief’, ‘Mock The Week’, has been seen on ‘Live At The Apollo’ and began his career by providing voices for the iconic ‘Spitting Image’.

The 2015 IOG Industry Awards are sponsored by the AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club), Briggs & Strattton, Campey Turf Care Systems, DLF Trifolium, ECB (the England and Wales Cricket Board), Everris, the Football Association (The FA), the Football Foundation, Headland Amenity, Imants BV, John Deere, Johnsons Seeds, the Lawn Tennis Association (the LTA), Mansfield Sand, the Premier League, Ransomes Jacobsen, Redexim Charterhouse, Rigby Taylor, the RFL (Rugby Football League), the RFU (Rugby Football Union), Souters Sports,  Sport England, Syngenta, Top Green and Toro.