What is the BASIS Knowledge Trail?

Industry exhibitions are busy environments. Time is limited, information is abundant, and meaningful technical discussion can be difficult to prioritise. The Knowledge Trail provides BASIS members with a structured way to use that time effectively by engaging in short, focused technical discussions with exhibitors, supported by assessment and formal CPD recognition.

The Knowledge Trail operates at selected BASIS-supported industry events and contributes towards formal BASIS CPD requirements.

Purpose of the Knowledge Trail

The Knowledge Trail is built around knowledge exchange rather than product promotion. Its purpose is to encourage purposeful, technically relevant conversations between industry professionals and exhibitors on topics that matter in practice, including turf management, agronomy, and best practice.

By linking discussion directly to assessment, the Knowledge Trail moves learning beyond passive stand visits. It helps ensure that key principles are clearly understood, not simply heard, and that learning outcomes are retained once the event has finished.

How the Knowledge Trail Works

Participation in the Knowledge Trail follows a consistent and transparent process at participating events.

1. Technical discussion

BASIS members visit a participating stand to discuss a defined technical topic linked to the exhibitor’s area of expertise. This may relate to turf management principles, plant health, or practical maintenance considerations that influence day-to-day decision making on site.

The emphasis is on discussion rather than presentation, allowing members to question application, understand limitations, and relate the topic directly to their own working environment.

2. Knowledge check

Following the discussion, participants complete a short quiz provided by the exhibitor. The quiz is designed to confirm understanding of the subject matter, rather than recall of promotional information.

3. Assessment and validation

Completed quizzes are checked by the stand team. Participant cards are stamped only when a minimum pass mark of 80 percent is achieved, equivalent to correctly answering four out of five questions.

Supporting CPD Through Engagement

The Knowledge Trail supports BASIS CPD by encouraging active participation rather than simple attendance. It recognises that meaningful learning at industry events often comes from direct discussion with technical specialists, rather than the volume of information collected.

For BASIS members, this approach allows CPD points to be earned efficiently within a busy show schedule, while reinforcing understanding of practical, real-world challenges. For exhibitors, it provides a clear framework for delivering educational content that contributes to professional standards across the sector.