The two-day event will take place on Monday, 27 October 2025, at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark, and on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at Eleda Stadion in Malmö, Sweden.
Parken Stadium in Copenhagen is Denmark’s leading sports and event venue, known for its modern design and fanatic atmosphere. With a seating capacity of over 38,000, it is the home of FC Copenhagen, one of Denmark’s most successful football clubs. The stadium hosts a wide variety of events, including football matches, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings, attracting fans and visitors from across the country and beyond. We are proud to have Parken Stadium as the host venue for Day 1 of our event.
Malmö FF’s Eleda Stadium opened in 2009 and has a capacity of around 22,500 spectators. The design of the stadium focuses on giving fans a close view of the pitch, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere during matches. It offers practical and modern facilities that meet the needs of both players and visitors. Over the years, Eleda Stadium has become an important venue in Swedish football, hosting many domestic and international games. We are pleased to have Eleda Stadium as the host venue for Day 2 of our event.
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Welcome & coffee |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Presentation SGL |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 – 14:15 | Presentation by Oliver Deeming (Head Groundsman – FC Copenhagen) |
| 14:15 – 15:15 | Pitch visit |
| 15:15 – 15:30 | Coffee break |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Presentation by James Ward (Stadium Grounds Manager – Tottenham Hotspur F.C.) |
| 16:30 – 16:45 | Closing presentation |
| 16:45 – 17:15 | Networking drinks |
| 17:15 – 17:45 | Bus to hotel |
| 17:45 – 18:00 | Check in hotel |
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Time to feshen up |
| 19:00 – 19:30 | Transfer to restaurant |
| 19:30 – 23:00 | Dinner |
| 08:00 – 09:15 | Travel to Eleda Stadion (Malmö) |
| 09:15 – 09:30 | Welcome & coffee |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Opening |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Presentation by Jerry Wihlborg (Stadium Director – Malmö FF) |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | SGL Innovation presentation by Paul Zwerus |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | SGL Data demonstration |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Pitch visit |
| 13:00 – 13:15 | Questions & closing |
| 13:15 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | End of programme and bus back to Copenhagen |
James Ward is the Stadium Grounds Manager at Tottenham Hotspur F.C., responsible for overseeing the maintenance and quality of the world-class playing surface at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Since joining the club in 2018 as Assistant Head Groundsman, James has steadily progressed, taking on the role of Head Groundsman in 2021 before his promotion in 2025. He leads a skilled team that employs advanced turf management techniques and the latest technology to deliver consistently top-quality pitches. These surfaces cater not only to Premier League football but also to NFL games and other high-profile events held at the stadium. James is known for his expertise in maintaining adaptable, high-performance turf under demanding conditions.
Oliver Deeming is the Head Groundsman at FC Copenhagen and therefore responsible for their home Parken Stadium and training ground Nummer 10. He took on the job in Denmark beginning of 2024 after gaining experience at Tottenham Hotspur FC, and in rugby at Northampton Saints, which he joined after starting in the industry at local side Bury St. Edmunds Rugby Union FC. Oliver made real impact in his first year at FC Copenhagen, being voted Employee of the Year by management of the club, and Colleague of the Year by his teammates. He’ll tell you all about how they work at FC Copenhagen, his experience in England and where the real differences lie between Danish Superligaen and the English Premier League.
Jerry Wihlborg is the Stadium Director at Eleda Stadium. In this role, he oversees the full operation of the stadium, including event management, facility maintenance, safety, and customer experience. He is responsible for maintaining the stadium’s reputation as a well-run and welcoming venue for fans and players alike. Jerry’s leadership helps position Eleda Stadium as a reliable and well-managed venue in Swedish sports. During the event, Jerry will share insights about his work at Eleda Stadium and the important role the pitch plays in stadium operations. As a Stadium Director, he juggles many responsibilities and offers a unique perspective on pitch management compared to a groundsman.
Comwell Copenhagen Portside is a modern, sustainable hotel located in the vibrant Nordhavn district, just 10 minutes from the city centre. With stylish Scandinavian design and comfortable, well-equipped rooms, it offers the perfect base during our SGL Showcase Scandinavia. The hotel features a restaurant with a seasonal, low-waste menu, flexible meeting spaces, and quiet outdoor areas by the canal. Opened in 2021, Portside combines smart functionality with warm hospitality, making it ideal for both business and leisure. We’re excited to stay here and enjoy its inspiring atmosphere during our time in Copenhagen.
From rugby dreams to pitch-perfect results in Denmark, FC Copenhagen’s Oliver Deeming shares how he’s leading turf innovation with LED grow lights, sustainable strategies, and a bold vision for the future of football groundskeeping.
Cancellation