BALI confirms its top 20 highlights for 2020

With 2020 welcoming in a new decade, BALI is looking ahead to a jam-packed 12 months of events, new product launches, announcements and further collaborations. Here are 20 BALI highlights for the forthcoming year.

BALI’s new Digital Masterclass

Members asked BALI to provide new events, particularly as a workshop format. BALI is pleased to introduce its Digital Masterclass at two venues across two dates, ideal for those looking to enhance their marketing knowledge.

BALI supporting Specifi for a second year

Following a strong performance in terms of lead generation for the Association in 2019, BALI has confirmed it will be returning to exhibit at all eight Specifi Landscape events in 2020. A unique 3-in-1 networking, presentation and dinner format, completely free to attend. Check the events calendar to see the full list of events.

BALI targeting local authority decision-makers

BALI is working on plans to exhibit at the Local Government Association Conference in Harrogate this June. Offering the perfect opportunity to promote member’s commercial and grounds maintenance services with Government decision-makers involved in town planning and public realm.

BALI set to return to the ‘big three’ RHS shows

BALI is working with the RHS on plans to return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival and RHS Tatton Park over the Spring and Summer of 2020. BALI will have a trade stand at each event and will be supporting members who are exhibiting, designing, building and supplying gardens.

BALI website to undergo further development

A new decade means a new opportunity for the BALI website to receive its next update. ‘Phase two’ as it is known internally will see a raft of new features introduced in the Summer 2020, including a redesign of the member’s area and member profiles, with a planned rollout of Autumn 2020.

Webinars to become a prominent feature of BALI's events calendar

For the last two years, BALI has delivered over 20 webinars focusing on different subjects, some for GoLandscape, some for BALI's member forums and some focused on specific topics. In 2020, there will be more webinars held than ever before. Keep checking the events calendar for new events as they are published.

BALI e-newsletters to receive a facelift

BALI’s e-newsletters are an important way for the team to communicate with its members, and so in 2020 all e-newsletter templates will be updated with a slick new design, with a new editorial style providing an easy and enjoyable reading experience.

Surge in regional event activity

With the appointment of a Regional Support Officer in 2019, the Landscape House team now has a dedicated colleague who is overseeing all BALI regional activity, with a surge in events already visible on the BALI website for members to book onto. There are many more events to come throughout 2020 so bookmark the BALI website for regular updates.

State of Trade Survey

BALI last conducted a State of Trade Survey in 2017. The survey is an opportunity for members to inform BALI about the health of their business, from staffing to procurement, order books to impacts from the environment, Brexit and economic policy. The data is sensitised, and only collated results are published. Look out for this survey in late February.

BALI’s National AGM this September

Although a firm date has not yet been finalised for the 2020 National AGM, it has historically been held in September. Following last year’s high attendance, excellent quality of speakers and great networking opportunity, there are plans to make the 2020 event even bigger and better. Further details will be shared with members in the near future.

Who’s Who is going digital

Following requests from members, and to help BALI reduce its carbon footprint, in 2020 the popular Who’s Who Landscape Directory will be made available digitally as well as in print for the very first time. The digital edition will be locked down for members to access only and will not be visible to the public. Members who wish to advertise in the 2020/21 edition can contact Diane McCulloch. Available late June 2020.

Make sure you follow #IYPH

2020 has been designated the International Year of Plant Health and BALI will be supporting the campaign on behalf of its members, disseminating information regularly throughout the year in a variety of formats. From helpful infographics and online resources to a free member-only webinar planned for April to coincide with National Plant Health Week, BALI is not holding back on being part of this worldwide event to help protect our plant health and biosecurity.

ROLO Supervisor and Manager courses

In Spring 2020 BALI will launch the much-requested ROLO Supervisor and Manager level courses, to accompany the current Operative level course. Currently awaiting ratification from BuildUK, the new courses will allow senior landscape professionals to undertake a course relevant to their level of skill and experience.

Trees, People and the Built Environment 4

In April 2020, BALI will be supporting this popular urban trees research conference at the University of Birmingham. Interested in trees, look out for the #TPBE4 hashtag on social media from now until the event for the very latest updates.

BALI reduces plastic to protect the environment

With continued efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the team at BALI Landscape House are making further changes to marketing and promotional items in 2020, including pens and exhibition equipment. 2019 saw 100% biodegradable mailers used for both Landscape News and the Who’s Who Landscape Directory, as well as all printed material on FSC-approved stock. BALI has also removed plastic carrier bags and is exploring paper-based or 100% recyclable plastic options for all future events and exhibitions.

GoLandscape continues to grow

2019 was a big year for the GoLandscape initiative, with 63 visits to schools and colleges, the creation of a new career adviser information pack promoting the real truths of the landscape industry has resulted in over 100 requests for school visits, and, the sponsorship of horticulture and landscape students and apprentices achieving additional industry tickets with the support of the BALI Chalk Fund.

BALI National Landscape Awards 2020

2020 wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the largest industry Awards in the landscaping calendar. Put the 4th December 2020 in your diaries and look out for an announcement for when entries open in late February, early March 2020.

Membership Survey

Although September may seem a way off, BALI hopes more members will participate in this annual survey which the Association uses to further develop products, services and tools that members request. It also provides an excellent opportunity for members to directly influence and shape their trade association and provide feedback on current operations and performance.

New opportunities for members to exhibit

BALI is currently working with the organisers from Futurebuild, The LANDSCAPE Show and SALTEX to provide members with an exclusive exhibitor package, including a dedicated space for BALI members.

Special announcement for Spring 2020

For many, the new decade symbolises a time for reflection and change. BALI is currently working behind-the-scenes, preparing for a special announcement scheduled for Spring 2020.