Major BTME expansion for 2019 unveiled

By Alistair September 3, 2018 13:31

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has revealed the improvements to the annual BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME).

Prior to BTME 2018, BIGGA revealed a comprehensive set of changes and improvements to the annual exhibition for 2019 and beyond, including expanding the size of the exhibition by up to 25 per cent.

BIGGA has released details of innovations to the exhibition, including Golf Course Construction Live, in which various aspects of golf course construction will take place before the visitors’ eyes.

There will also be an area of the exhibition dedicated to new products, a golf simulator hosted by Perennial and Rigby Taylor, and a theatre on the show floor where short seminars will take place.

As in previous years, Continue to Learn will kick off the week, from Sunday, January 20, 2019. Already the most extensive programme of turf maintenance education in Europe, the offering has been expanded even further with an all-new ‘Deputy’s Conference’ intended for those looking to make the step up to management of a course.

The new Links Forum will have education tailored specifically for those working on or wishing to learn more about links courses, while the Ecology & Environment Forum will focus upon sustainability and the environment.

BIGGA head of Member Development, Sami Strutt, said: “I’m very excited to reveal the Continue to Learn at BTME 2019 education programme. There will be more than 70 speakers and 80 education offerings, so there will be something for everyone!”

BTME itself will run from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 January 2019 and exhibitors have embraced the changes that the association has made to the exhibition’s layout. A total of 140 exhibitors attended BTME 2018 and BIGGA is on course to substantially exceed that number.

So far, returning exhibitors have purchased an average of 10.5 per cent extra space compared to BTME 2018.

BIGGA chief executive officer Jim Croxton said: “The support we have received from our partners and exhibitors has vindicated the decision we made to restructure the BTME experience. Our exhibitors were eager to expand and really showcase their wares and I’m delighted we have been able to offer this opportunity and that they have supported our decision so emphatically.

“Over the coming months we’re looking forward to unveiling even more industry-leading innovations to ensure BTME 2019 is not only our best event ever, but also one of the best events the turf management industry has ever seen.”