James Haskell to Headline SALTEX 2025: Keynote Speaker and DJ Extravaganza at NEC Birmingham

James Haskell Set to Headline SALTEX 2025 as Keynote Speaker and DJ

Birmingham, UK – Former England rugby international James Haskell is gearing up to be one of the standout attractions at SALTEX 2025, the UK’s premier exhibition for sports turf, grounds care, and landscaping. Scheduled for November 12-13 at the NEC Birmingham, Haskell will take the stage as both a keynote speaker and a guest DJ, promising an engaging experience for attendees.

With an impressive 77 caps for England and a stint with the British and Irish Lions, Haskell is celebrated not only for his athletic prowess but also for his vibrant personality. His unique perspective as a former professional athlete allows him to appreciate the vital role that high-quality playing surfaces play in elite sports performance.

Since hanging up his boots in 2019, Haskell has transitioned into a multifaceted career, becoming a popular podcaster, presenter, and DJ. He hosts the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Rugby and has made appearances on various hit shows including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Chase, and A League of Their Own.

Haskell’s keynote session will be part of the esteemed Learning LIVE lineup, where he will delve into the parallels between elite sports and professional development. Topics such as leadership, resilience, and adaptability in high-performance environments will be explored, providing valuable insights for attendees.

Later in the day, Haskell will take to the decks for an exclusive live DJ set at the SALTEX Clubhouse, kicking off ‘Happy Hour’ with a blend of uplifting house beats and an Ibiza-inspired atmosphere. Known for his love of electronic music, Haskell’s set is expected to bring a vibrant energy to the event.

The Clubhouse will serve as a lively networking hub throughout the exhibition, offering attendees a chance to unwind and connect in an informal setting.

“I’m really looking forward to joining everyone at SALTEX this year,” Haskell said. “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. High performance isn’t just about elite sport; it’s about mindset and finding ways to bring out your best every day. I can’t wait to dive into that with the visitors, and then round things off with a DJ set in the Clubhouse.”

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the Grounds Management Association, expressed her excitement about Haskell’s participation. “We’re absolutely delighted to have James Haskell joining us at SALTEX 2025. He is one of the UK’s most recognisable sporting personalities and brings a wealth of experience from the very highest levels of performance, both on and off the pitch. His session will offer valuable insights into resilience and mindset, along with plenty of entertaining stories. And, of course, what better way to round off the day than with James swapping the microphone for the decks to kick-start Happy Hour in the Clubhouse? It’s going to be a real highlight of the show.”

SALTEX 2025 is anticipated to attract thousands of professionals and volunteers from the sports turf, grounds care, and landscaping sectors, featuring over 400 brands and more than 65 expert speakers.

Don’t miss out! Register for free to attend SALTEX ’25 by visiting www.saltex.org.uk.