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Platform for the management and construction of sports and golf courses
European hotspot for grounds (wo)men
Anyone who speaks to Florian Mans, Founder of TurfTech, for 15 minutes feels it immediately: TurfTech is not an event. It is a mission and Stogger® Turf Care is its beating heart. On 1 and 2 September 2025, the second edition of TurfTech will descend on Switzerland's St Jakob-Park, FC Basel's stadium. With a programme that is at once edgy, international and practical, this top event targets a target group that is often forgotten elsewhere: the grounds (wo)men.
“There are many events in this sector, but often they get stuck in presentations behind closed doors or expensive showcases beyond the reach of people in the field,” says Florian Mans. “We wanted something different: a movement that brings together technology, hands-on experience and affordable innovations. From 200,000-euro machines to smart solutions for a limited budget.”
The first edition took place in Genk, at the initiative of Stogger® itself. “We financed everything, purely because we believe in the potential of this community. The result: 200 participants from 14 countries. And that was just the beginning ...”
Stogger® Turf Care is known for its hyper-sophisticated LED grow lights, but it also wants to make a broader impact on the industry. The company's mission doesn't stop at technology; it's about impact. “We are organising TurfTech not to promote Stogger®, but to move the sector forward,” Mans stresses. “We also invite competitors such as SGL System, Rhenac Sports LED and Kreon. Because for 48 hours, it's not about who is the biggest, but who can share the most knowledge.”
That philosophy also translates into the 2025 programme. Besides big names like Limonta Sport, Grassmaster Solutions, Dennis Mowers, Turfcoach and GKB Machines, people on the pitch will also be given a stage. “We have top groundsmen from the likes of Hibernian FC and HNK Hajduk Split sharing their knowledge. Because who knows more about daily field quality than them? Soon we will announce additional groundsmen as keynote speakers - stay tuned!”
What drives Florian himself? “I have always had a passion for football, I still play in the sixth division Sunday myself,” he laughs. But it doesn't stop there. Mans has a background in sales, e-commerce and sports innovation. “At Stogger®, everything fell into place. I am technically minded and very interested in the processes behind our machines as well as those within our industry. TurfTech gives me the opportunity to give something back to the profession. My mission is to put both the Stogger® and TurfTech brands on the global map. For Stogger, we are already well on our way in that, and I am convinced we can achieve the same with TurfTech - and before 2028.”
TurfTech is aiming for 300 to 350 participants this year. The organisation will not only arrange a two-day programme with presentations and demos, but also offer two overnight stays with breakfast, 2 x lunch, dinner and an open bar for the attending grounds(wo)men of professional clubs. “It has to remain inspiring as well as achievable, but above all it has to be a token of appreciation for the hard work these men and women deliver day in and day out for the industry,” says Mans. “And above all: the difference must be made on the pitch. Not in the showroom.”
