SALTEX news

TECHNICAL UPDATE | COVID-19 ADVICE SALTEX

UPDATE

SALTEX 2021 “will be integral to the industry’s recovery”

GMA’s SALTEX and events director, Luke Perry, believes that SALTEX 2021 will provide a huge opportunity for the grounds management industry to regroup, re-unite and celebrate

LUKE PERRY was appointed by the Grounds Management Association as SALTEX and events director just six weeks before the 2019 event. “I was blown away by the exhibition,” he says. “I’ve been involved with many trade events and I have never seen such an opening to a show. The queue was stretching down to the NEC atrium and it really hit home just how passionate people are about SALTEX. It was inspiring.”

Luke’s words are high praise indeed from someone who has worked on some of the UK’s most prestigious exhibitions. He has been immersed in the events industry for over 20 years and has worked across a diverse portfolio of shows including BBC Countryfile Live, The British International Motor Show and Autosport International.

Enthused by his first taste of SALTEX, Luke was straight to work on preparations for the show’s 75th anniversary but will now have to wait a little longer than planned following the announcement that the show has been moved to spring 2021. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but the correct one. I think the feedback and support from the industry is testament to this. We’ve had a fantastic response from exhibitors, with many claiming that it will provide them with enough time to recover and plan effectively. In fact, many have suggested that spring is actually a better time of year and that echoes the same feedback we have had from visitors. With such an unprecedented few months ahead, we’re planning more than ever behind the scenes to make sure SALTEX hits the right mark.”

He adds: “We are planning for every eventuality, which includes ensuring we can deliver a show where people can assemble and interact with a real awareness of the need to maintain safe practices. Should guidelines or restrictions still be necessary in March, we are working hard to ensure the show remains a brilliant and valuable experience for exhibitors and visitors. After an extended period of isolation, there will be a real appetite for SALTEX, and all the signs are pointing towards an incredibly busy and vibrant show – and we’re planning to deliver exactly that.”

SALTEX 2019 saw a recordbreaking attendance of 9,104. The show also received a huge number of first-time attendees, an increase in younger visitors and the international audience grew significantly. Once again, it proved to be the industry’s showcase event in the UK. But Luke has his sights set even higher: “We’ve got a great standing, a great pedigree and a history of success. Britain is a global leader in grounds management. SALTEX reflects that and has the opportunity to be the biggest and best in the world. After this difficult period, I believe SALTEX will play an integral role to help people in the industry network, collaborate and continue to support one another more than ever before.” ■

KEEP IN TOUCH

SALTEX 2021 will take place on March 3 & 4, 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk. Follow SALTEX on Twitter and Facebook

Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer

SALTEX and events director Luke Perry says that next year’s show will bring the industry together

For SALTEX sales and sponsorship:

Matthew Knight: matthewknight@rabdf.co.uk Charles Neale: charlesneale@rabdf.co.uk Luke Perry: lperry@thegma.org.uk

For SALTEX invoicing enquires:

Alan Clarke: accounts@thegma.org.uk