With 7,300+ attendees and an unprecedented digital reach of 2.8 million, SALTEX 2024 once again showcased why it’s Europe’s premier grounds management event.
Unmatched networking opportunities, high-calibre visitors, and innovation took centre stage, and this year’s exhibition delivered exceptional value for attendees and exhibitors alike. Significant growth in key areas such as learning opportunities and social reach further solidified the event’s reputation as the premier destination for the grounds management industry.
Let’s explore the numbers behind the success of SALTEX 2024…
Uniting the industry
SALTEX 2024 welcomed 7,300+ attendees, offering them the chance to engage with 400+ leading brands in the grounds management sector. With 19 hours of industry networking, the event served as a hub for collaboration, insight-sharing, and relationship-building.
SALTEX brought together visitors from Premiership Rugby clubs to Independent Education providers, and Colin Campbell, a visitor from JCB, said:
“I come here every year to see what new equipment there is, especially with the electrification of grounds care. It’s very busy, you can see a lot of the kit under one roof, on the same day, all in one place.”
Empowering professionals through education
Education remained a cornerstone of SALTEX 2024 with a Learning LIVE programme designed to elevate industry standards. Over 19 hours of educational sessions were delivered by 65 expert speakers, attracting more than 1,000 attendees keen to enhance their skills and knowledge. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, providing actionable insights for professionals managing everything from sports pitches to estate grounds.
Reinvestment back into the industry
As a not-for-profit organisation, the GMA has reinvested SALTEX revenue into grounds management since 1938. With the exhibition's success, this contribution grows each year, demonstrating SALTEX’s role in powering progress within the industry.
The GMA uses these funds to subsidise membership fees, offering essential support to grounds professionals, volunteers and organisations. Revenue also helps subsidise GMA's unique suite of training courses and qualifications, both in person and online.
Since 2009, SALTEX revenue has supported the GMA’s Industry Awards, recognising excellence in grounds care across sectors. It also funds the annual #GroundsWeek awareness campaign which highlights the vital work of grounds staff and volunteers, celebrating their impact on sports and inspiring new recruits to the industry.
Attracting key decision-makers
With 78% of attendees having purchasing power, SALTEX continues to attract an audience that drives industry change. This represents a 14% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing influence of the event as a marketplace for innovative products and services.
Amplifying the industry’s voice
SALTEX’s digital presence reached unprecedented levels this year . Social impressions hit 2.6M (a 105% increase), and social reach climbed to 2.8M (+66.2%). Platforms like TikTok (75K impressions) and Spotify (165K impressions) also helped extend the exhibition’s message to a broader, more diverse audience.
A truly diverse audience
From football pitches and cricket grounds to business premises and golf courses, SALTEX 2024 attracted visitors managing all types of grounds. The UK regional breakdown map highlighted strong attendance from across the country, complemented by international visitors, further cementing SALTEX’s reputation as a global event.
Looking ahead to SALTEX 2025
SALTEX 2024 provided attendees and exhibitors with the tools and connections to grow their businesses and develop their skills. Whether you’re looking to showcase your brand, engage with decision-makers, or learn from the best in the industry, SALTEX 2025 is your opportunity to take the next step.
Looking ahead, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot next year, taking place on 12-13 November 2025. The event will also relocate to Halls 17, 18, and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.
Stay tuned for more updates as we build momentum for another unmissable event in 2025. Join the waiting list for SALTEX 2025! Register now for priority access and be the first to get updates.
