The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has announced that this year’s National Conference and Industry’s Awards will be held at MK Dons Stadium in Milton Keynes on Thursday 4 December.

Building on the success of previous years, the IOG’s sixth, annual, national event will host leading speakers from across the sports turf industry as well as influential experts in major sports facility and event operation.

The evening Awards event will celebrate the very best practice in groundsmanship – from grounds management teams at top, internationally-renowned sports venues to grassroots club volunteers.

New for 2014, the IOG has joined forces with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to introduce three BIGGA Awards that will recognise the achievements of greenkeepers the length and breadth of the UK, whether they are employed at large multi-course facilities or smaller venues.

Commenting on BIGGA’s involvement, IOG CEO Geoff Webb says: “The IOG welcomes this new partnership with BIGGA. The addition of golf awards will enhance this great event that has quickly become a central feature within the turf industry. Like groundsmen, greenkeepers deserve recognition for the great work they do. We look forward to welcoming our friends at BIGGA to this year’s event.”

BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton added: “The IOG Conference and Awards event has developed into a fantastic occasion during which we celebrate great achievement in the groundsmanship industry.  I’m delighted that we are partnering with the IOG to bring greenkeeping awards into the fold.

“The sponsors and supporters of the event see great value in the opportunity to bring the entire turf management industry together to reward the remarkable achievements of its practitioners and we very much look forward to working closely with the IOG to add further value to one of the highlights of the industry calendar.”

The successful Awards will be the sixth in the annual series. They highlight the high standards of volunteer and professional grounds staff and facilities, from grass roots to professional stadia level. Covering categories such as sport, young people and the environment, the awards are judged by an independent panel on criteria that include effective use of resources, budgetary control, presentation and housekeeping standards, as well as environmental considerations.