SALTEX UPDATE
TECHNICAL UPDATE | COVID-19 ADVICE
SALTEX rescheduled for March 2021
KEEP IN TOUCH SALTEX 2021 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on March 3 & 4, 2021. Visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk for more information. Follow SALTEX on Twitter and Facebook
Chris Bennett SALTEX press officer
In light of continued restrictions surrounding mass gatherings, combined with the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, the Grounds Management Association’s Board of Directors has taken the unanimous decision to reschedule this year’s SALTEX to March 3 & 4 next year DE SP I T E E ARLY O P T I M I SM , the decision has been made to move SALTEX, taking into account the best interests of all parties. This decision has been guided by discussions with industry bodies, as well as exhibitors, and is based on ensuring the safety of everyone connected with the event. By acting now, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) says the move gives the sector an opportunity to re-group and recover ahead of the show. GMA is also realigning the following year so that SALTEX runs in Spring 2022.
A new opportunity Speaking about the announcement, David Carpenter, independent chair of the GMA, said: “We would like to reassure our community that personal wellbeing remains our top priority. It is a case of mixed concerns at the moment, but I am hugely optimistic because I believe that the rescheduling of SALTEX will result in a much stronger show in Spring 2021. The new date will enable even more people to visit and celebrate the innovation, technology and the passion that the grounds industry represents – including excellent networking opportunities, as well as focusing on new business needs.” Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA said: “This has been a difficult decision to make, and I hope all our exhibitors join forces with us to mark a return to more ordinary working conditions in the not too distant future. Professional and personal lives have been placed on hold, and that will have a knock-on effect. We want to help ease that load. “We’ve seen the grounds community come together and
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adapt during this challenging period, and we hope that exhibitors will help us host something beyond a trade show – a celebration of what our industry can overcome when working together.” GMA also believes that holding the 75th SALTEX on March 3 & 4, 2021 will help companies get the respite required to adjust to changing professional and personal circumstances. The organisation understands the impact of Covid-19 on many businesses and individuals in the grounds management industry. Geoff Webb continued: “Next year, the event will provide a huge opportunity for our sector to regroup, reunite and celebrate. After this difficult period, the show will help to rekindle the economic activity of the industry. Until then, all our thoughts and support are with those facing the challenges posed by the spread of coronavirus.”
GMA is pleased to be able to honour all existing bookings and has also secured the same halls at the NEC to minimise disruption for exhibitors. It is also in the process of contacting exhibitors with new payment terms, with later dates, and it is also working with companies that may require further assistance during this challenging period. GMA and its SALTEX partners are working closely together to assist businesses with the transition. GMA can be contacted for further support via SALTEX@thegma.org.uk ■
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
