Day Two – ESTO Congress

Day 2 of the ESTO Congress sponsored by TOTAL gave the ESTO members an insight into a) What’s happening in the industry b) Digital and marketing inspiration c) Technical focus on rubber crumb.

Philippe Thiraux, Business Manager – infrastructure and durables gave a short introduction and welcome. Nigel Fletcher, Executive Chairman gave a word of welcome and a full detail overview of what is occurring at ESTO and for members to maximise the marketing and communication benefits of which there are plenty. Emphasis was put on the dual focus off “technical” and “marketing” with overall strategy to ensure synthetic turf and the benefits are constantly portrayed to a diverse audience. Nigel continued to focus on landscape market and in particular the landscape classification – continued positive developments occurring with the first product now passed.

At different points of the day both Magali Geens, Managing Partner of Insites consulting gave a powerful presentation on marketing especially focussing on digital platforms. Kevin Roberts from the Roberts network gave an insight into the innovation and marketing of the global sports industry.

EU issues and dealing with them are becoming more important component for the synthetic turf industry. Frederic Van Houte, Director General, EATP/CIRFS delivered an insightful overview. A variety of presentations on the hot topic of “rubber crumb” followed leading to a healthy discussion and debate. Alastair Cox gave a round up of the technical aspects of the synthetic turf industry featuring CEN, Landscape. The final presentation came from Stefan Diderich, Board member of Synthetic Turf Council (and also ESTO member) who gave an overview of activities and structure in North America.

Nigel Fletcher rounded up the day, thanked the sponsors TOTAL and revealed FIFA Museum 2017, Zurich will be the destination of ESTO Congress 2017.