Magazine - BIGGA and IOG Explore Strategic Merger

23 Jan 2007 by purdis

Common sense has prevailed! Surely this can work and benefit all

23 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

This is a very postive step forward and I sincerely hope it succeeds.

Now for a new name. What about British International Sports Turf Organisation..............aaaahhhh

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

23 Jan 2007 by donals

Not before time. Get on with it!

European Sportsground management association sounds like a good name

23 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

Calm down-they are only talking to each other about it. How many times does a football club talk to different players regarding a transfer and nothing happens!

23 Jan 2007 by fes

And how many times has it been talk.ed about in the past

23 Jan 2007 by fes

And how many times has it been talk.ed about in the past

23 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

We've talked about it many times but this time THEY are talking about it. Subtle difference fes.

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

23 Jan 2007 by GeoffP

Ahhhhhhh Bisto,

24 Jan 2007 by fes

There is no need to shout, nobody listens to anbody that shouts.

24 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

Fes I wasn't shouting just emphasising two words. IF I WAS SHOUTING I WOULD USE CAPITALS LIKE THIS

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

24 Jan 2007 by Neil Dixon

It can only be a good thing if it ever happens.

I dont think the Uk is not big enough to justify 2 big shows a year, and considering a that alot of the companies that attend both supply to both Golf course and sports grounds profession, it makes perfect sense to merge the 2.

No doubt the old argument of location and time of year will be the biggest hinderence, personally for me, i think an indoor show in Jan / Feb is the best time, as most people in the turf industry are least busy at this time of the year.

If you want to see a machine get the company in to demo it!

25 Jan 2007 by stevejack1

After this year's saltex and Harrogate with big supplier's pulling out of eaither one , let's just have 1 big show at the N.E.C in Jan or Feb ,

25 Jan 2007 by Steve63

I think social work meetings that take place outside of the exhibition would not be as successful at the NEC. A lot of good work and relationship strengthening occur in the many bars and eating establishments in Harrogate.

Or so I am led to believe!!!

Regards

Steve

Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......

25 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

Money talks

and thats the only reason this is happenning rather than for the betterment of our careers

25 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

Would you care to elaborate Anonymous?

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

25 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

Think about it!
Really isnt that difficult

25 Jan 2007 by shodfriar

Talking of money Anon, how much would they set the subscription at with IOG membership currently at £37 and BIGGA Head Greenkeeper rate of £112.50 some people are not going to be happy.

If we are all going to recieve the same benefits that is.

25 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

We will see these two organisation amalgamate into a more commercial type profiteering corporation with no increased emphasis on members benefits unless there is alot of bucks to made from it.

Now i am not necessarily knocking that but they wont admit that though.

The real breakthrough needed is developing a better relationship between those who manage facilities e.g Head Greenkeepers and those who make the decisions e.g Greens Committees.

If the IOG and BIGGA use their intelligence to achieve this then we are all winners, but for now its £££££££££

26 Jan 2007 by Steve63

I do not see how either the I.O.G. or B.I.G.G.A can develop better relationships between greens chairman and greenkeepers.
Surely this can only be done by the greenkeeper and his committee.

Regards

Steve

Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......

26 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

Anonymous.
Try being a little less aggressive in your tone if you want people to listen to your point of you, and not feel insulted as I did with your first response................and why not identify yourself for good measure.

Steve makes a valid point.

Also I assume anonymous is a greenkeeper, but one who should realise that there are other turf managers other than those in the golf industry. One of the benefits of a merger would be the sharing of ideas and knowledge from ALL fields of the industry rather than the polarisation of the industry between golf and "the rest".

If anonymous' pessimistic and antagonistic attitude is typical of others, the two organisations have one hell of a task on their hands.................but we should, imho, wish them luck

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

26 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

My intention wasnt to be negative but realistic.

I used the greenkeeper analogy as an example and i am not a greenkeeper.

So Peter dont be so judgemental please or feel insecure either for that matter.

I welcome the merger, but its real intentions hmmm....

26 Jan 2007 by petermarkcraig

Think about it!
Really isnt that difficult

Anonymous (still)

Insecurity is not something I am prone too...................being accused of not thinking however is something I take offence to.

So Peter dont be so judgemental

If the IOG and BIGGA use their intelligence to achieve this then we are all winners, but for now its £££££££££

A very good example of arrogance and judegmentaslism in one sentence.

Of course the grass looks good. The sun is shining.

26 Jan 2007 by Anonymous

If you say so Peter.
My apologises if you have been offended or annoyed you poor thing.
Be happy.

26 Jan 2007 by shodfriar

I find myself agreeing with Anon on this one, it does seem to be only the ££££££' that count at Aldwark, but what can you expect when you put an accountant in charge.

26 Jan 2007 by Dave Last edited 26 Jan 2007

As I read it, the proposed merger will benefit all Groundsmen and Greenkeepers. It is not driven by profiteering, more a sense of financial survival.

Companies have already made it clear that supporting two organisations, two shows, two education programs is too much for a small Industry to continue to be viable.

Neither organisation can survive on subscriptions alone and require an annual show to provide the necessary funding for administration, education and training as well as other events.

If the trade is suggesting that two shows are economically unsupportable, the only way forward is to join forces and reduce overheads and costs.

I personally welcome the news, it is something that many people have been striving for over the last few years.

However there are many obstacles to overcome and I wish all those directly involved the very best.

27 Jan 2007 by Clive

Clive Liddiard MSc

30 Jan 2007 by lizoconnor

About time too

Im back baby!

7 Feb 2007 by derekjsmith

the iog and bigga have not mentioned merging!

the only thing being discussed is merging BTME and the SALTEX shows. this is being driven by money and apathy.
Johnsons seed and Dlf trifolium have long supported both organisations, however we have to look at our costs in order to provide the best value for money for our customers. the fact is that if greenkeepers and groundsmen dont support the shows by attending they will shut down.

personally Johnsons had a great show and we look forward to attending again next year with an even better stand.

10 Feb 2007 by Leeboy

The iog have mentioned merging, they sent out a letter to all members saying exactly waht is written in this article