Grassroots upwards

Since its inception over 35 years ago, BTME has flourished into the industry’s national event for turf management. This year sees Smart Display return with customers old and new, including the world’s largest producer of grass seed DLF.

Although a new addition to the Smart Display portfolio, DLF is a recognisable face on the show circuit.

“We have exhibited at BTME many times since the event started, under many of our well-known brands including Johnsons, MM and Masterline,” says amenity sales & marketing manager Derek Smith. “BTME is a fantastic event which is very well-attended by end users, and it offers a fantastic educational programme – it’s a great place to raise the profile of DLF.”

DLF took the decision to come on board with Smart Display having admired the stand builder’s previous creations for brands such as Aitkens Sportsturf. Smart Display took on the brief to create an open and welcoming brand environment, maximising the 7 x 8m exhibition area with a lightbox illuminating a striking wild flower graphic, a demonstrative product plinth and competition area to incentivise visitors onto the stand.

“Our experience with Smart Display has been great, with quick responses and great design,” says Derek. “We wanted to make a big impact with the stand and present DLF as the market leader. It’s important that the stand mirrors our company image and projects the very best impression, which will help us in increasing our customers and sales, and ultimately our profits.”

DLF is in good company at this year’s edition of BTME. The show reported last month that its commercial stand space had already outsold its 2023 edition with 110 exhibitors confirmed, and that next year’s event is set to be second largest in modern times.

Organised by BIGGA – the British & International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association – BTME runs concurrently with Continue to Learn, a world-renowned education conference for the golf and greenkeeping community. The show has gathered pace since the end of the pandemic, and has become an industry institution for professionals from all over the world.

“In the aftermath of the pandemic, there was a degree of uncertainty regarding whether we would ever again see thousands of greenkeepers unite in Harrogate,” says BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton. “But exhibitors have bounced back, and we have received an enormous amount of gratitude as attendees enjoyed the first normal staging of the event since 2020.

“Our association grew out of a commitment among our turf professional forefathers to build a community that helps everyone who gets involved to achieve greater things. Today’s trade exhibitions maintain that same ethos, and each year we are reminded that there’s really nothing better than shaking hands, swapping stories and sharing quality time together.”

BTME – BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition – returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre on 23-25 January.