Full reviews of the 2006 Annual Conference are available below. Click on the links to view the articles and pictures in full.

IOG Study Tour of Ascot

IOG Study Tour of Highbury

Olympics will raise image of groundsmen

IOG Football Seminar

IOG top groundsman wins Premier League award

IOG Conference Presentations

Please click into the links below for the presentations from the IOG Conference 2006 guest speakers;

The Legacy of Sport

Stephen Baddesley

The Changing Climate, and its Possible Effects on Sports Turf

Brian Robinson

Recycling of Waste The availability of waste material that can be recycled for use on sports turf surfaces

Mick Higgins

HSE's Methods of Operation and the Effects of New Regulation on Grounds Management (including the new noise & vibration legislation)

Alan Plom, HM Principal Inspector of Health & Safety

The Wonders of Aeration, What really goes on beneath the sports surface?

Alex Vickers, Course Director, Cranfield University

What Makes the Right Grass for the Right Surface?

Derek Smith, Amenity Sales Manager, DLF Trifolium

Just How Much Water Does your Sports Surface Need?

Colin Munford MSc, Research Engineer, Cranfield University

The Latest Material Development for Rootzones

Mick Higgins

The Challenge of Sport Provision for a Local Authority

John Simpson, Education Customer Services Officer, Nottingham City Council Chris Handbury

The Need to Control the Rate of Surplus Water Flow off Urban Sports Surfaces Gordon Jaaback, Consulting Agronomist

Does the Condition of the Pitch Really Matter? Dr Richard Earl, Managing Director, Turftrax

IOG AGM - Alex Millar re-elected as national chairman

Also, Neil Baker was re-elected as North West Region director and Terry Charlton took over the North East Region chair vacated by Tom Francis on his retirement.

Chairman’s Award For Colin Kimber

Leading IOG personality Colin Kimber of Winchester received the chairman’s award at the national conference in Watford.

Alex Millar, national chairman of the IOG, said: “Having been in the industry for well over 35 years, working in the amenity market as well as the private sector, Colin has a wealth of knowledge about the industry.  An active member of the Winchester branch he was the driving force helping to keep it going forward and making people do things."

“He acted as chairman when the chairman was unwell, and has been in that position ever since.  He was very active in the conference at Portsmouth last year, which was a great success."  

“Secretary, treasurer, he has undertaken all these roles, helping to make Winchester a highly successful branch."

“Working tirelessly for the IOG he has great enthusiasm and he is a real stickler for detail.”

Colin said:  “I am in shock at receiving this award but I thank everyone for their support.  I will keep going.”

Gary leaves for New Zealand with award

Gary Mack, Northern Ireland IOG branch chairman, received a chairman’s award at the annual gala dinner. As grounds superintendent at Queen’s University, Belfast, he has been a tireless worker for the organization and leading light in training. He is leaving for a new post in New Zealand. Gary, a former IOG director, said: “I am deeply honoured ro receive this award. It is completely unexpected.”

Northants and Milton Keynes double triumph

Northants and Milton Keynes IOG branch scooped both the national quiz trophy and the Wheatley Cup for best-run branch at the annual conference.

Quiz runners-up were Fife.

Second in the Wheatley Cup was Bristol and third London South West.