An internationally recognised expert with almost 40 years’ experience of setting quality standards for sports surfaces and sports facilities. During my career I have participated in the development of all leading international and UK standards including the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf, IRB Performance Standard for Synthetic Turf Rugby Surfaces, Rugby Football League Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic Turf Pitches, European and British Standards, World Bowls Board Performance Standard for Artificial Flat Green Bowls Surfaces, The International Tennis Federation Initial Study on Performance Standards for Tennis Surfaces, The All England Netball Association Performance Requirements for Netball Courts, UEFA Requirements for Artificial Football Surfaces (2004), GAA Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic Turf Pitches and the ECB Performance Standard for Non-turf Cricket Surfaces.

I am currently Facilities and Quality Programme Manager at the International Hockey Federation (FIH), advising on all aspects of facilities infra-structure and hockey equipment. I also provide technical support to the England Netball, European Synthetic Turf Organisation (ESTO) and the UK's Sport and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). I also chair the European Standards working groups dealing with standards for outdoor sports surfaces and test methods for sports surfaces.

During my career I have provided consultancy services to FIFA, UEFA, The Football Association, Football Association of Wales, Football Association of Ireland and Rugby Football Union (RFU), Lawn Tennis Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). I am privileged to been elected to serve two terms on the Synthetic Turf Council (USA) executive board.

Currently the Turf and Equipment manager at World Rugby, having joined the organisation in 2022. Main roles are managing World Rugby’s Regulation 22 artificial turf program and handling the certification of all player game worn equipment. Previous to my role at World Rugby, I worked for one of our Accredited Test Institutes for a number of years.”

Paul Fraser is the Head of Marketing & Strategy for Tarkett Sports Europe and the Chair of ESTC. Paul is also the Tarkett Sports representative for sports governing bodies FIFA and World Rugby’s preferred producer programmes. Based in Scotland, Paul has more than 20 years experience in the synthetic turf industry, specifically in yarn extrusion and turf production. Having worked in a variety of roles including marketing, business development, R&D and product management, Paul has significant international experience across Europe, South America, Australasia and Eastern Asia.

Managing Director of GUT/ECRA since 2023. More than 30 years experience in technical textiles (paper machine clothing, awnings, filter media). Study of Chemistry and Economy at RWTH Aachen, phD in Polymer Science, O1 visa holder USA for exceptional scientists.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Iman Taha studied mechanical engineering and obtained her Ph.D. in 2007 from the Technical University of Clausthal in the field of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Between 2014 and 2022 she headed the department Materials and Testing at the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology. Since 2021 she is Professor for Sustainable Materials in Polymer Engineering at Aalen University.

As a futurist, keynote speaker, and trendwatcher, Richard van Hooijdonk is an authority on new technology.
He has several chip-implants, because he wants to physically experience the future. His inspiration sessions have been attended by over 600,000 people. Richard is a regular guest at radio and television programs.

With his international research team, he researches many trends in the fields of artificial intelligence & generative AI, robotics, drones, self-driving systems, 3D & 4D printing, sensors, blockchain, quantum computing, neurotech, biotech, platforms and augmented & virtual reality. Combined with artificial intelligence, these technologies offer groundbreaking opportunities, but also lead to challenges and threats for people, organisations, and governments. (pictures can be found here: https://richardvanhooijdonk.com/en/about-us/