As more exhibitors sign-up to SALTEX 2015, show visitors can expect to see many of the leading names in the industry. The most recent exhibitors to confirm their presence at the NEC from 4 to 5 November 2015 are Kubota, Lely (UK) and Rigby Taylor.  

 Alan Ferguson, head groundsman at St. George’s Park is positive about SALTEX moving to the NEC.

Kubota is renowned for producing the highest quality products from powerful tractors to mowers, and after a short absence from SALTEX, the move has re-ignited the company’s interest in the exhibition. With a more central location making it more accessible to a much wider audience, it was an opportunity that Kubota could not ignore.

“We were one of the companies over the last few years to pull out of SALTEX at Windsor, letting our dealers promote our products as we felt it had become a regional show. Full credit needs to go to the IOG for making the change. The central location and moving the show indoors at a different time of year is perfect for us to showcase our products to a national audience,” said Dave Roberts, managing director of Kubota UK.  

Lely (UK) comprises the sole distribution rights for the Toro commercial range of turf maintenance products throughout the UK. As well as its own signature products, the company will be displaying Toro’s machinery, which has been a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance since 1914. 

Marketing manager at Lely (UK), Holly Jones, was optimistic about the exhibition’s new era: “The move to the NEC for SALTEX will see both old and new visitors attending and with this in mind Lely (UK) / Toro wouldn’t miss the opportunity in supporting the new show format,” she said.

As one of the UK’s leading supplier of products for the improvement, maintenance and construction of sports, amenity and landscape areas, Rigby Taylor is also keen to make the most of the new changes at SALTEX 2015, according to marketing director, Richard Fry:

“The move of SALTEX to the NEC and the change of timing to November are big plus points for us a company. Having an indoor exhibition ensures the show is not weather dependant and the more central location is expected to draw visitors from a wider geographical area.

“The NEC as a location, we feel, may also attract visitors who would not wish to trundle around a racecourse venue. November is a time for turf professionals to be considering their New Year programmes so it provides an ideal opportunity for visitors to review the past year and discuss what changes they could be considering. 

“Another positive is that the IOG is to hold their Conference and Awards presentation at the same time as the exhibition. Rigby Taylor has for many years supported the conference and, as an award sponsor, welcomes the combination of the three events at one time and under one roof,” he said.

December also saw SALTEX’s first Open Day for exhibitors. Representatives from a wide range of confirmed and potential exhibitors turned up at the NEC to find out more about what to expect from SALTEX 2015 and its new venue.

Commenting on the success of the Open Day, Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) CEO Geoff Webb said: “We’ve received some positive comments from both confirmed and potential exhibitors following the Open Day we held. We are now seeing companies signing up to the new show format on a daily basis and the positive response and support from visitors has been overwhelming.”

Alan Ferguson, head groundsman at St. George’s Park is among those visitors that support the new format: “I think the move to the NEC reinforces the IOG’s desire to get things right. It’s a great venue in the middle of the country with modern facilities and is the right place for the industry to showcase itself. I attend shows abroad which are indoors and work well. Windsor was good but this will be even better,” he said.

SALTEX’s new era begins on 4-5 November 2015 and with a vast array of exhibitors, greater opportunities to socialise, network and learn, visitors can expect to enjoy their greatest ever SALTEX experience. 

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and visit the website at www.iogsaltex.com