TurfTech 2025: a movement in the making

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 September 1 and 2, 2025, the second edition of TurfTech will descend on Switzerland's St. Jakob-Park, FC Basel's stadium. With a program that is at once edgy, international and practical, this top event targets a target group that is often forgotten elsewhere: 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 fourteen countries. And that was just the beginning ..."

From growth light to growth forum

Stogger® Turf Care is known for its hyper-advanced 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 organizing TurfTech not to promote Stogger®, but to move the industry forward," Mans emphasizes. "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."

Groundsmen on stage

That philosophy also translates into the 2025 program. In addition to big names like Limonta Sport, Grassmaster Solutions, Dennis Mowers, Turfcoach and GKB Machines, people on the field 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!"

The man behind the mission

What drives Florian himself? "I've always had a passion for soccer, 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 confident we can achieve the same with TurfTech - and before 2028."

Knowledge sharing as the ultimate strategy

TurfTech is aiming for 300 to 350 participants this year. The organization not only arranges a two-day program with presentations and demos, but also offers two nights with breakfast, 2 x lunch, dinner and an open bar for the attending grounds(wo)men of professional clubs. "It must remain inspiring as well as achievable, but above all it must be a token of appreciation for the hard work these men and women put in day in and day out for the industry," Mans said. "And above all: the difference must be made on the field. Not in the showroom."