Architects and greenkeepers – a great team

Having a presence at BTME in Harrogate every year is an amazing opportunity to put architects in front of greenkeepers and educate them about design.

As we have done for a number of years, we had a stand which not only provides a useful base for members, but this year it was noticeable that there was an increase in greenkeepers visiting the stand to have a chat with the members. Questions ranged from the simple: “I have a problem with one of our bunkers – what do I need to do now?”, to “Who does EIGCA recommend for some renovation work?”. We have an online questionnaire for anyone who has a project they wish to alert members to, so directed a number of people to this.

EIGCA Council Member, Paul Kimber, presented a Continue to Learn class on “Renovating your golf course” – one of BIGGA’s Continuing Professional Development sessions – which prompted some of the attendees to visit the stand and continue the conversation about what they had learnt with members.

We held our Reception on the Wednesday evening, which proved very popular. We usually expect 50 people, but we estimate that nearer to 80 were there. This is a brilliant event – straight after the last full day of the exhibition, and is an opportunity for members, partners (current and potential) and patrons to get together in a relaxed environment. The noise is the room was deafening, indicative if the many conversations taking place, relationships being formed or strengthened.

We will be at BTME again in 2024 and have booked the venue for our Reception already … this time in a bigger room!

We are still waiting for the official photos from BIGGA, but in the meantime, these should give you a flavour of what the event was like for us.