ESSMA presents lifetime achievement award to Robert Else

Robert Else has been the driving force behind the Terraplas juggernaut since its inception back in 1990. Having pioneered the first Turf Protection system for quality stadium turf at Wembley National Stadium back in 1991, Else and Terraplas have been synonymous with quality turf protection for the last three decades, with almost all of the world’s multi-use national stadiums choosing Terraplas.

At the recent ESSMA Summit 2023, hosted at Legia Warsaw Municipal Stadium, Else – who has understandably been given the moniker of “Mr Turf Protection” – was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging the role he has played both within the professionalisation of the turf protection industry and his long-standing support of the European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA).

Else received a standing ovation from the 250 stadium professionals and partners gathered at the ESSMA Summit, delivered in partnership with Legia Warszawa, PGE Naradowy and Ekstraklasa S.A.

As Else enters retirement from Terraplas, Alex Goldsack, has taken over the reins at the world’s leading turf protection, drivable stadium access and ice conversion covers.

ALSD International 2023 is being hosted at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, October 9-10. Optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions is the key focus of this industry-leading event, with architecture & design, fan experience, hospitality, premium seating sales & service, sustainability and technology taking centre stage. Terraplas will once again be an Exhibiting Sponsor, with Alex Goldsack joining the speaker lineup.

Goldsack said:

Two years has flown by since I joined Terraplas, as Global Business Development Director, under Robert’s guidance and mentorship, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the industry and had enormous laughs to boot!

Robert’s boundless energy and commitment to the business has been unwavering, and during our extensive travels anyone who knows Robert, will know, he has endless humour filled stories to regale. I will certainly miss our travels together and wish him a very happy retirement. 

I am now relishing the challenges my new role as General Manager will bring, and, with the existing team remaining in situ, we can assure him that Terraplas is in good hands!

As a longstanding VIP Sponsor Plus of Sports Venue Business, we would like to wish Robert a very happy ‘retirement’ and thank him for his and Terraplas’ unwavering support over the years.

Sports Venue Business organises and delivers ALSD International – the leading event and 365 community for the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector – on behalf of the Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD).

ALSD International 2023 will take place at Etihad Stadium this October, with venue tours complimenting the high-level conference, exhibition and networking events. This year’s edition will also feature a 1-day Tech Symposium, and a 2-day Fan Experience breakout being delivered by IIFX.

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector

#ALSD – Leading the Premium Seat sector for the last 30 years

#sportsvenuebusiness – The leading platform for sector news, views & developments