James Haskell will make an appearance at Saltex 2025 exhibition

James Haskell, a former England international rugby player

Saltex is set to welcome James Haskell, for an unmissable Learning LIVE and Clubhouse DJ session on 12 November.

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25 September 2025

Saltex, the UK’s cutting-edge sports turf, grounds care and landscaping exhibition is set to take place at the NEC Birmingham on 12-13 November 2025 packed with vibrant mix of industry insight and entertainment.

James Haskell, a former England international rugby player, will join the stellar Learning LIVE line up and deliver a keynote session on 12 November.

He commented: “I know first-hand the difference that world-class pitches make to performance, so it’ll be great to share my experiences from the professional game with the people who make it all possible.”

Since retiring from professional sport in 2019, James has embarked on a multi-faceted career as a podcaster, presenter and professional DJ.

His talk during the event will explore the parallels between elite sport and professional development, touching on leadership, resilience and the importance of adaptability in high-performance environments.

“His session will offer valuable insight into resilience and mindset but also provide plenty of entertaining stories,” Sarah Hunter, head of events at the Grounds Management Association, said.

She continued: “Adding someone of James’ stature to an already fantastic Learning LIVE programme just shows the breadth of knowledge and inspiration visitors can expect at this year’s show.”

As a former professional athlete, James understands first-hand the critical role high-quality playing surfaces play in elite performance, and he brings a genuine appreciation for the work of grounds staff and turf professionals at all levels.

“High performance isn’t just about elite sport and sportspeople, it’s about mindset and finding ways to bring out your best every day,” Haskell said.

He is one of the best-known rugby players and sportspeople in the UK, having played 77 times for his country, as well as competing internationally and for the British and Irish Lions.

Exclusive live DJ set

James will also perform an exclusive live DJ set at the Saltex Clubhouse to kick off Happy Hour on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 November.

Known for his love for electronic music and high-energy performances, he will bring ‘Café Mambo vibes’ to Birmingham – blending uplifting house beats with a relaxed, Ibiza-inspired atmosphere.

The Clubhouse offers visitors a unique opportunity to unwind and network in a vibrant, informal setting.

The Saltex Clubhouse has been revamped for 2025 to provide even more opportunities to unwind.

Open throughout the show, it will host informal meetups and specially designed networking events to help visitors build meaningful relationships.

Saltex 2025 is expected to welcome thousands of professionals and volunteers from across the sports turf, grounds care and landscaping sectors, with more than 400 brands and 65+ expert speakers confirmed.