Continue to Learn

Continue to Learn 2024


Continue to Learn 2024

21-24 January 2024 - Harrogate Convention Centre

Continue to Learn is BIGGA's world-renowned education conference, providing the equivalent of two hours-worth of education for every golf club in the country. That makes it among the most influential and important annual events in the golf and greenkeeping calendar - and we hope to see you there.

This year's programme is divided into three parts: Conference, Classes and Seminars.

There will be more information below to help you select the professional learning opportunities that will best support you, your team and your golf club.

If you'd like to learn more about how Continue to Learn can help you achieve your ambitions, check out our Justifcation to Attend section.

Download the BIGGA App where information on BTME and Continue to Learn events will be available as soon as live.

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Continue to Learn 2024 Booking Form

 

What's on at Continue to Learn?

Conference

The Conference will feature a wide choice of sessions over two days followed by a half day Young Greenkeepers Conference for young greenkeepers and those who are new to the
industry.

Each day of the conference will kick off with a general session before splitting into two distinct programmes. At the end of the day we'll bring everyone back together for a key final session.

You can purchase one or two-day tickets for the Conference and discounts are available for individual teams.

Throughout the Conference there will also be sessions relating to The R&A's Golf Course 2030 roadmap, with updates provided on the progress of related projects.

Conference

 

Classes

Classes are what you may previously have known as workshops, focus on sessions and career development sessions.

They may be half a day, a full day or even two days in duration, but they are learning opportunities based around a specific area of knowledge that you would like to improve upon.

Topics include: irrigation; renovation; strategic planning; cutting units; managing stress; managing teams; water efficiency; drought management; conflict resolution; recruitment; supervisory skills; fertiliser plans; mathematics; turf machinery maintenance; soil analysis; reading trial data; tree surveying; building a budget; positive thinking; identifying grass species; drainage; motivation; utilising data; personality profiling; health & safety; team building and many more.

Classes

 

Seminars

Taking place in the Harrogate Convention Centre's Seminar Theatre in Hall 4, these sessions will be an opportunity to gain knowledge without leaving the exhibition floor.

The free-to-attend seminars will be hosted by exhibitors at BTME and headphones will be provided to all attendees so you don't miss anything.

Seminars

 

Discounts are on offer and Turf Rewards from ICL and Syngenta can be used to book the education of your choice.

Meet our speakers

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Chris Tritabaugh

Hazeltine National Golf Club

Chris is superintendent at Hazeltine in Minnesota and was responsible for preparing the course for The 2018 Ryder Cup.

Hazeltine will host The Ryder Cup again in 2029 and during his time at the venue, Chris has overseen the hosting of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the US Junior Amateur Championship and the upcoming US Amateur Championship in 2024.

Chris was previously superintendent at the little-known Northland Country Club in Minnesota.

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Dr Paul Redmond

University of Liverpool

Paul is the director of student experience and enhancement at the University of Liverpool. During his career he has worked at a number of leading universities and has been responsible for guiding the careers of thousands of students and graduates.

In addition to writing regularly for national newspapers and other publications, he is a frequent guest on both radio and TV, appearing on numerous BBC and independent news and current affairs programmes.

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Professor Elizabeth Guertal

Kansas State University

For 28 years, Elizabeth taught at Auburn University in Alabama. She retired in June 2022 and now works for Kansas State University in an international position. Elizabeth works, writes and teaches in the area of turfgrass management, with a specialisation in soils, soil fertility and turfgrass fertilisers. 

Elizabeth received the Presidential Award of the Crop Science Society of America at the organisation's 2022 meeting, having previously been president of the association in 2020.

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James Wilkinson

Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation

James has almost 23 years' experience in mechanics, 18 of which have been spent within the golf industry. An expert in maintaining turf equipment, James is currently workshop and equipment manager for Arora Group, based at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club. His remit is about to expand as he tales on a group role that will include potential Ryder Cup host Luton Hoo Golf & Country Club.
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Dave Cottrell

Mindset by Dave

With his own history of living with Type 2 Bipolar Disorder, Dave brings a relatable perspective to mental health education that you cannot find in a text book. 

Dave's work has earned him two prestigious awards including a Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister. His work alongside the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust also received a nomination for the Health Services Journal Mental Health Innovation of the Year in 2022.

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Vicky Elliott-Potter

Elliott-Potter International Consulting

Vicky Elliott-Potter's knowledge is drawn from her experience of working her way up to board level positions in regional and international media corporations and working with business owners in all sectors.

This will be the third consecutive year that Vicky has attended and supported BTME, consistently gaining positive feedback. 

In addition to EPIC, Vicky owns a horticultural business and is married to a deputy course manager.

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Gavin Oattes

Tree of Knowledge

Gavin is an inspirational keynote speaker, comedian and author of Shine, Life Will See You Now and Diary of a Brilliant Kid.

Although he spends much of his time speaking to business leaders, Gavin's inspiration for what he does comes from where he started his career - primary school teaching. Gavin is a firm believer that adults can be every bit as inspired by young children as they can by us grown-ups.

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Dr John Dempsey

Independent Turfgrass Research

John has 40 years' greenkeeping experience and was superintendent of Ireland's oldest golf course, The Royal Curragh. John has conducted independent reserach for the past 15 years and since 2019 has headed Independent Turfgrass Research.

His current work focuses upon biotic and abiotic stresses in turfgrass, integrated disease control and the enhancement of turfgrass disease responses. John has presented at numerous conferences and seminars across Europe and the United States.

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Chris Minton

Turf Equipment Technicians Organisation

Chris has been head mechanic and workshop manager for Leicester City Football Club since September 2017. He previously spent 12 years as head mechanic at The Belfry.

Prior to that, Chris worked at Ransomes and Toro dealerships and he began his career working at the local mower shop, meaning his entire working life has revolved around turf equipment. He also studied mechanics at Moreton Morrell College of Agriculture.

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Timmy Sethi

Adrian Mortram Associates

Timmy has more than 10 years' experience in the greenkeeping industry with a focus on irrigation maintenance, installation and design. Since 2019, Timmy has been working alongside Adrian Mortram on projects including Open venues and international championship courses. 

He resides in Switzerland, enjoys mountain biking and travelling in his spare time. Prior to joining the business, Timmy was deputy course manager and irrigation technician at Golf De Lavaux.

Helpful documents

Download the BIGGA App to keep up to date on the latest information.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Continue to Learn, BTME and Harrogate in 2024

Got questions? Contact BIGGA on 01347 833 800 or email [email protected]

 

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