EDGE (Expo Demo Green Europe) has been jointly created by Fedagrim of Belgium — organiser of Demo Groen/Demo Vert — the Institute of Groundsmanship of Great Britain (organiser of IoG Saltex), SALC of the Netherlands (organiser of Demo-Dagen) and Salonvert of France (organiser of Salonvert).

Their objectives are to:

• Maintain the high standards of these leading events;
• Establish a pan-European partnership that will develop an increased profile for exhibitors across all four shows; 
• Share best practice of event planning and management.

In addition, EDGE will establish a Best Innovation Award for products and equipment displayed across the four shows; encourage, co-ordinate and promote exhibitor presence at each event; and consider the organisation of a pan-European education event that will address issues common across the industry.

Fedagrim's Michel Christiaens holds the inaugural two-year presidency of EDGE with Salonvert's Frédéric Bondoux as vice-president.

Christiaens said: "As exhibition organisers, the EDGE partners are constantly looking to add value to the time spent at our events by both visitors and exhibitors, and it is clear that everyone will benefit through such a collaboratory partnership where Europe's leading open space exhibition organisers share their extensive knowledge bases, skill sets and vast expertise."

He added that while four partners have initially collaborated, EDGE is not necessarily an exclusive organisation. 

Commenting on the development, IoG chief executive Geoff Webb said: "The IoG welcomes this new partnership. As well as being able to share on experiences and approaches, a more co-ordinated approach from the organisers of these events can only benefit exhibitors and visitors alike. We already have a delegation from France visiting this year's IoG Saltex, which will add value to this year's show building on our international audience."

SHOW STATS

Demo-Dagen, Papendal, Holland

Averages 250 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors annually at the National Olympic Sportscenter in Papendal.

Demo Groen - Demo Vert, Brussels, Belgium

Approximately 100 exhibitors attract 4,500 visitors to this biennial event at the Parc de Laeken.

IoG SALTEX, Windsor, UK

Staged annually at Windsor Racecourse, IoG Saltex attracts 460 exhibitors and around 13,500 visitors.

Salonvert, France

Staged in Saint-Cheron near Paris (in even years) and holding regional events in south-east and south-west France (odd years), the Salonvert series attracts around 350 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors/ 6,000 for regional events.

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