GroundsFest has officially announced its 2026 education programme, with four dedicated seminar theatres delivering two days of free expert-led sessions covering the biggest topics affecting the grounds management, landscaping, local authority and sports turf sectors.
Taking place on 16 and 17 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, the CPD-focused programme has been designed to give visitors practical advice, fresh ideas and valuable insight they can implement straight away.
With no pre-booking required, visitors can simply turn up to the sessions they want to attend. However, with many talks expected to be extremely popular, arriving early is recommended to guarantee a seat.
Spread across four theatres located throughout Hall 1 and The Landscape Zone, the programme brings together leading industry professionals, researchers and practitioners to tackle some of the sector's most pressing challenges. From climate resilience and emerging technologies to workforce development, AI, sustainability and business growth, there is something for every visitor.
Delivered in partnership with industry organisations including BIGGA and BALI, the programme features an impressive line-up of respected speakers. Among those taking to the Pitchcare stage in Hall 1 are Gary Barwell from Edgbaston Stadium, who will share his expertise on renovating turf following periods of extreme heat and drought stress, and Dr Jonathan Knowles from Leicester City FC Sports Turf Academy, who will discuss the growing importance of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals.
In the BIGGA and DLF theatre visitors will hear from Glenn Kirby, Research Director at STRI, on the role of light in turf performance, while sessions from DLF, Mansfield Sand, Origin Amenity Solutions, ICL, Husqvarna and Aquatrols will explore the latest developments in turf science, topdressing, irrigation, battery technology and robotics.
The Landscape Zone theatre will focus on the future of landscaping, featuring discussions on autonomous equipment, resilient planting, healthier soils, battery-powered machinery and business development. Visitors can also gain practical advice on topics including AI for marketing, scaling a landscaping business, career development, recruitment and creating sustainable public spaces. The programme also includes fast-paced Landscape Careers Live recruitment sessions.
The BALI and HortWeek Theatre will host sessions that explore the rise of autonomous and battery-powered equipment, creating more resilient landscapes, the business case for BALI membership, recruitment and skills development, and the importance of well-designed outdoor spaces. The theatre will also host the prestigious GroundsFest Innovation Awards, celebrating the products that are pushing the industry forward.
Whether you're responsible for sports pitches, golf courses, bowling greens, parks, estates, landscaping projects or public spaces, the education programme has been developed to provide practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Bradley Tennant, Education Director of GroundsFest Academy, said:
"Education has always been a huge part of what GroundsFest is about. We wanted to create a programme that isn't just informative, but genuinely useful for people working across every part of the industry. Together with our partners we've brought together leading experts who will be sharing practical knowledge, real experiences and forward-thinking ideas that visitors can immediately apply in their own roles. Best of all, every session is completely free to attend."
GroundsFest takes place on 16 and 17 September 2026 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Entry to the education programme is included with a free GroundsFest visitor pass, and there is no need to pre-book seminar sessions - simply arrive early to secure your place.
Register for FREE at www.groundsfest.com
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