GMA Connect Durham to tackle turf management challenges with expert-led workshops
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is gearing up for a significant regional event, GMA Connect, which will take place on 18 June at Durham County Cricket Club. This initiative follows the resounding success of the Bristol gathering earlier this month, where attendees praised the informative seminars and interactive nature of the programme. The GMA aims to foster community and communication among grounds professionals, providing a platform for networking and sharing insights essential to the industry.
Feedback from the Bristol event highlighted the impact of the seminars, with one attendee commending Alex Vickers for his engaging presentation style. Such interactions underline the importance of these gatherings in addressing contemporary turf management challenges, a theme that will carry forward into the Durham event. The GMA insists that these localised forums are designed not only to disseminate knowledge but also to cultivate relationships across the grounds management spectrum.
The Durham programme promises an impressive slate of expert speakers and workshops. Mark Hunt, a well-respected weather expert, will lead a session focusing on "Turf Management in the Current Climate." This presentation is particularly pertinent given the industry's ongoing struggle with unpredictable weather patterns. Hunt will offer practical strategies for adapting turf management practices to mitigate climate-related challenges, such as disease risks from weather fluctuations. Additionally, Alex Vickers will return to conduct an interactive workshop titled "Reading Your Soil," which aims to equip attendees with the skills necessary to assess soil health and identify issues related to compaction.
To provide further insights into the practicalities of maintaining elite surfaces, Vic Demain, Head Groundsman at Durham County Cricket Club, will host the workshop "What’s in Your Shed?" Here, professionals will get a behind-the-scenes look at the equipment that underpins the maintenance of high-quality sporting surfaces. The event will also feature a critical panel discussion addressing "Dealing with Climate Change Challenges at Professional Venues," with contributions from Vickers, Demain, and Aaron Tong from Hull City’s MKM Stadium. This highlights the collaborative approach needed to address the pressing challenges that climate change poses to all levels of sports ground management.
Ian Mather-Brewster from the GMA will present sessions focused on performing surface assessments, ensuring participants leave equipped with actionable knowledge on how to conduct assessments and leverage the findings for facility upgrades. This practical knowledge is invaluable for grounds professionals aiming to improve the quality and safety of their facilities.
Organisers indicate that GMA Connect offers invaluable opportunities for both learning and networking, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to meet contemporary challenges. Victoria Jones, Facilities and Investment Manager at Cricket Wales, remarked on the importance of such events for fostering connections among peers in the industry, stating that they enhance the overall quality of grounds management through shared ideas and best practices.
For those considering attendance, tickets are complimentary for GMA members, while non-members can participate for a nominal fee of £15. Entry for members also includes access to a wealth of resources, training discounts, and support services designed to aid professional development throughout the year.
As the GMA continues to advocate for the grounds management community, GMA Connect at Durham promises to be another significant step in strengthening industry ties and advancing knowledge in turf management, particularly in the face of evolving environmental challenges. The commitment to fostering expertise and collaboration is a testament to the GMA’s ongoing dedication to the sector.