We're excited to announce the expansion of GMA Connect in 2026, rolling out six UK-wide events designed to bring practical, accessible learning directly to grounds staff and volunteers.
Following two successful pilot events in 2025, the 2026 GMA Connect programme will take place in Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton and Ipswich, ensuring grounds people can access hands-on learning closer to home.
As a core GMA member benefit, GMA Connect brings the Association’s learning experience into regional hubs whilst also welcoming the wider grounds management industry. Each one‑day event offers a mix of targeted seminar sessions and live demonstrations from leading suppliers, giving attendees the chance to see products, equipment and techniques in action.
Designed around real‑world challenges faced by local grounds teams, GMA Connect focuses on practical solutions and takeaways that can be put to use immediately on site.
2026 schedule:
- Abingdon School (Oxford) - Thursday 16 April
- Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff) - Wednesday 22 April
- Joie Stadium, Manchester City (Manchester) - Thursday 14 May
- Headingley Stadium (Leeds) - Tuesday 19 May
- Stoneham Lane Football Complex (Southampton) - Thursday 21 May
- Ipswich Rugby Club (Ipswich) - Thursday 4 June
What Attendees Say:
Sean Smith, Groundsperson at Croke Park, said: "Events like this are important because they’re accessible and give you the chance to see things outside your everyday routine. You can chat with different people, see what they do differently and share what you do differently. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about attending.”
Ticket Information:
- Joie Stadium, Manchester City: £10 for GMA members | £50 for non-members
- All other events: Free for GMA members | £35 for non-members
"The two pilot events in 2025 were a huge success, so we’re delighted to be rolling out six events across the UK in 2026," said Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA. "It’s all about delivering high-quality learning closer to home and making it more accessible and easier to fit around the busy lives of grounds people. GMA Connect is a core member benefit and these events allow us to bring the GMA learning experience directly into the regions."
GMA Connect is open to grounds professionals and volunteers working across all levels of the sector, from grassroots to elite sport. The programme is supported by GMA Platinum Supporters MJ Abbott, Kubota, Howardson Group, ISEKI, Cramer and GKB, working in partnership with the GMA.
For more information and to secure your place, visit thegma.org.uk/connect.
