2016 Glee exhibition closes with record re-booking

Offering buyers the chance to shop across every aspect of their gardening ranges, the 2016 Glee exhibition included a strengthened ‘Green Heart’, refocused show sectors and a sold-out roster of exhibitors including over 220 new or lapsed brands and 100 international companies.

This year’s Glee show attracted several thousand British and international garden retailers, online buyers, DIY stores, landscapers and builders’ merchants. Events such as the Leaders for Change lunch and Buyers Power List helped to increase the number of CEOs and MDs attending the show alongside their core category buyers. UK garden centers also attended en masse with more than 98% of Garden Centre Association (GCA) members visiting the show to place orders and source innovation and inspirational products ahead of the 2017 season.

Matthew Mein, Glee event director, says: “From the opening of the show, we have been inundated with positive responses from both visitors and exhibitors, with many stating that Glee 2016 was one of the most successful shows for some time. We know that many people used the show to forge new partnerships, as well as networking with their peers, and building their professional knowledge through Glee’s seminar content. But more importantly, business was being done. Many exhibitors have remarked that this year’s exhibition has delivered more orders and leads than at any other show they have exhibited at within the last 12 months. This is exactly what Glee is there for – to help businesses to build better business and profitable futures, so it’s great to hear that this has been achieved.”

Rebooking for Glee 2017 breaks records

Following the 2016 show, it has been confirmed that the 2017 show has already broken Glee’s own rebooking records.

“The level of rebookings is testament to the value that Glee holds for the industry in which it operates,” Matthew Mein adds. “We will, of course, be working closely with our exhibitors and supporting trade associations to build on this momentum. Further details about our plans for the 2017 show will be revealed soon. For now, I would like to thank everyone who has continued to support Glee.”

Glee 2016 overview

The seven dedicated sections featured in this year’s Glee encompassed every aspect of garden retailing, including garden care, landscaping and garden decoration, plants and nursery, outdoor entertaining, home, gift & clothing, retail experiences and services; and pet. More than 550 exhibitors showcased their latest ranges, including 220 new and lapsed exhibitors, plus more than 100 international brands.

Among the show’s visitor features were the Glee New Products display (featuring the New Product and Retailers Choice award winners), the Glee Inside Retail Theatre and Green Heart plant area, which featured an exciting series of merchandising displays. Other initiatives included Glee’s Buyers Power List awards, a Leaders for Change lunch attended by top industry decision-makers and an extensive Innovators Zone launching entrepreneurial new products. The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) Business Village and Buyers Connect meetings and UKTI / Gardenex International Buyers' Centre created even more business-building opportunities.

To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2017, call 020-3033-2160.