The partnership will see BIGGA and GroundsFest working closely on joint initiatives  throughout the year, including attending and supporting each other’s events, hosting  tailored educational content, and working together on joint marketing campaigns. At the heart of the collaboration is a shared desire to encourage crossover between  both event communities – helping professionals discover the value that each show  offers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for community-building and cross-sector  engagement. From greenkeepers and grounds managers to landscapers and  contractors, the partnership aims to unite the wider industry. 

The complementary nature of the two events makes them natural partners: BTME is  a long-established, much-loved winter event held in January in the scenic  surroundings of Harrogate, while GroundsFest offers a vibrant, hands-on summer  experience where visitors can see live equipment demonstrations in action. 

Quote from Jim Croxton, CEO, BIGGA: 

“We at BIGGA are hugely proud of our flagship event, BTME, and the positive impact  it has, particularly on the golf greenkeeping industry on an annual basis and at a  perfect time of the year to give turf managers a much needed boost, be that to their  morale, their industry knowledge or their skill set. However it is our ambition to 

engage with our members and the wider industry far more than just once a year.  GroundsFest provides us with a brilliant opportunity to do so at a different time of  year and in a very different environment. We are looking forward to engaging with  many greenkeepers at Stoneleigh Park this September and to working closely with  GroundsFest on a number of initiatives to move our industry forward.” 

Speaking on the collaboration, Christopher Bassett, GroundsFest’s Event Director,  said: 

“The two shows complement one another brilliantly – both in format and timing.  BTME is a long-standing and special event, while GroundsFest delivers a dynamic,  summer-based event where people can get hands-on with the latest kit. We’re  proud to be working with BIGGA, a fantastic association, and we believe this  collaboration will bring real value to the industry. We very much see this as a long term partnership – action-driven and focused on delivering real benefits to the  sectors we serve.” 

Outside of the two events, BIGGA and GroundsFest are also exploring further  educational opportunities. BIGGA is widely recognised for its exceptional training  and professional development programmes, and with the recent launch of the  GroundsFest Academy, there is clear potential to co-develop training content that  supports professionals across the entire industry – from golf greenkeeping to wider  grounds and landscape management. 

As both events continue to grow, this partnership sets the tone for a more  collaborative future for everyone working in grounds care, landscaping, and golf. More updates will be shared soon.