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Brighton & Hove Albion FC welcomes the international sports turf industry for its most ambitious edition yet
Following the success of the 2024 and 2025 editions, TurfTech is taking another major step forward. This year’s event, hosted at Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s American Express Stadium (AMEX Stadium), aims to bring together between 95 and 100 football clubs from around the world. As a result, TurfTech 2026 promises to be not only bigger, but also more international than ever before.
According to Florian Mans, Chief Commercial Officer and co-owner of Stogger Turf Care, the real strength of the event lies in the open exchange of knowledge between industry professionals. “This year promises to be something truly special – something our industry has never seen before. What makes TurfTech so unique is the willingness of clubs, grounds teams, suppliers and experts to share knowledge and learn from one another. We want to strengthen that culture and continue building an event that truly represents the international sports turf industry.”
According to Phil Fifield, Head Groundsman at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, it is no coincidence that TurfTech 2026 is being held at the club. For years, Brighton has built a reputation for putting sustainability and innovation at the heart of its operations. “Brighton & Hove Albion FC is the perfect venue for TurfTech. The club has a strong focus on sustainability and is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. Our recent investment in the new Stogger LED grow lights
helps us support turf health, growth and recovery in an efficient and responsible way.” Fifield also sees the event as an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow professionals from both the UK and overseas. “We welcome every opportunity to talk about turf management and showcase what we do. By networking and exchanging ideas with colleagues across the industry, we can all continue to develop as professionals.”
TurfTech clearly positions itself as much more than a traditional conference or trade exhibition. The event brings together professionals from across the industry, including grounds managers, agronomists, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers and technology specialists. According to Mans, that diversity is precisely what makes the event so valuable. “At its heart, TurfTech is about celebrating our industry and, above all, recognising the people who make it possible. The people who arrive first and leave last. The people working behind the scenes week after week to deliver world-class playing surfaces. TurfTech is our way of recognising the grounds crews who form the backbone of our industry.”
Alongside technological developments, the industry is also facing significant challenges in terms of recruitment and retaining skilled staff. According to Fifield, this deserves just as much attention as innovation. “Recruitment and staff retention are challenges across the entire industry. At Brighton & Hove Albion FC, however, we’ve made real progress through initiatives such as the MyAlbion Internship Programme and our Apprenticeship Scheme.” Even so, he sees tremendous opportunities for people entering the profession today. “It’s a fantastic industry to be part of. You’re literally creating the stage on which sport comes to life.
Much of the work that goes on behind the scenes remains invisible, which is exactly why events like TurfTech are so important in raising awareness of our profession.”
TurfTech 2026 will be Fifield’s first time attending the event. Nevertheless, the reputation it has built over recent years has already made a strong impression. “The previous editions looked extremely well organised and highly informative. I’m looking forward to exchanging ideas and catching up with both familiar faces and new contacts.”
Mans likewise believes the success of TurfTech is measured not by visitor numbers, but by the willingness of professionals to share their experiences. “We want to keep building an event that brings together the creativity, innovation and expertise that drive our industry forward.”
As the event continues to grow, so does the organisation behind it. Mans therefore highlights the importance of the people helping shape TurfTech. “A special word of thanks goes to Alexandra Bălan and Rens Dekkers, who have recently strengthened both Stogger Turf Care and the TurfTech organisation. Thanks to their dedication, professionalism and hard work, the event is now better organised than ever before and is no longer a one-man show. I have tremendous respect for everything they have already achieved and for the way TurfTech 2026 is coming together.”
Alongside expert presentations, live demonstrations and networking opportunities, Fifield hopes visitors will return home inspired. “Everyone will undoubtedly take something away from the event – whether it’s something they’ve learned or something that has inspired them. The Stogger team is incredibly passionate and approachable, and I believe visitors will be impressed by everything on offer over these two days.” According to him, TurfTech’s greatest strength lies in bringing together professionals who all work in completely different environments. “We don’t all work under the same conditions. Every venue has its own challenges and obstacles. That’s exactly why seeing a different approach or thinking outside the box can often lead you to the solution you’ve been looking for.”
With growing international interest, a strengthened organisation and a clear focus on knowledge sharing and collaboration, TurfTech 2026 is well on its way to becoming its most ambitious edition yet. Not as a traditional trade show, but as a meeting place for the people who work every day to deliver outstanding sports surfaces around the world. Or, as Mans puts it: “What makes TurfTech so special is people’s willingness to share knowledge and look ahead together. Ultimately, that’s what makes our industry stronger.”
