6 minute read

The Glamping Show 2022: Bigger Than Ever

The Glamping Show is fast approaching, set to take place at NAEC Stoneleigh from the 15th to the 17th of September. The growth that the industry has seen over the past couple of years will be mirrored in the event with some big changes coming this year.

The Glamping Show remains the only dedicated event in the glamping sector providing a place for people to get together and discuss all the new products and services available, learn from recognised industry experts who give seminars covering every aspect of successfully running a glamping business, and catch up on all the news and trends in the industry.

Swan Events (organisers of The Glamping Show) are excited to once again put on a show that brings the glamping industry together. While safety is still a primary concern, the lack of restrictions means that the Swan Events Team are able to make certain decisions that have not been possible over the last two years, such as holding the seminars live at the event. International Glamping Business Editor Will Rusbridge caught up with Dan Wiseman, Exhibition Manager at Swan Events, to find out what we can expect at The Glamping Show 2022.

The Glamping Show has moved to a new location, why did you decide to make the move?

TGS has continues to grow since its launch in 2015 and quite simply, we ran out of space at the existing enclosure. To allow us to continue to improve the show for both exhibitors and visitors we have moved to a new spot for 2022.

Where is the new location?

Don’t worry, we are still at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park, and all visitors will use the same entrance. (for full details visit - https://www. theglampingshow.com/arrive).

What does the new location offer?

The new area is just a stone’s throw away from the previous location and offers a fantastic layout, and great surroundings. As well as being a beautiful area, it offers far better access and much more space for the exhibitors to demonstrate their products. It also gives us a chance, as organisers, to try new things and make The Glamping Show a really great event to visit.

Will the seminars be held online again this year? Or will they be held live at the event?

I’m pleased to confirm that we will be able to return to face-to-face seminars taking place during the show. The online platform was great, but everyone has been asking when the live sessions will start again.

The seminar programme will take place in a structure that offers professional conference space but also the chance for us to include some indoor exhibit space and additional catering areas.

Why should people who are looking to set up or upgrade a glamping site come to the glamping show?

The Glamping Show is simply the most comprehensive, one-stop-shop for anyone involved in the business of glamping. In one visit, attendees can find a combination of structures, services and accessories that will cover every aspect of their business. Whether they are just beginning their journey into glamping or established operators look for ways to expand and enhance their offering, they will be able to find and explore the very latest and best that the glamping industry has to offer.

Add to this the opportunity to hear and speak to some of the most experienced experts in the sector and a trip to the Glamping show becomes pretty compelling proposition.

What kind of glamping structures will be at this year’s event?

The answer is a huge range of every type of structure, from pods to tipis, shepherd huts to safari tents, geometric domes to yurts, bell tents to converted containers and tiny homes to bespoke treehouses.

There will be brand new companies with brand new structures, and it is also exciting to see the innovations and inventions from returning exhibitors who continue to develop their products every year. It is hard to think of any other event or venue that can offer such a comprehensive range of products to see and touch, all in one place.

What kind of glamping services will be at this year’s event?

The importance of glamping services is sometimes not always fully understood. From setting up your first destination to enhancing a group of destinations the implementation of services is as key as selecting your preference of structure(s). From booking systems to fire pits, from stoves to wild kitchens, from matting to interior design, from cool boxes to chartered surveyors, from hot tubs to waste solutions, from finance companies to toilet/shower blocks to off-grid and solar technology.

Glamping has seen a huge boost in popularity over the past couple of years, how is this being reflected in the event?

The Glamping Show 2022 will be the largest glamping show so far. Established suppliers and returning exhibitors are increasing their space to showcase their product ranges and we have a healthy and growing list of first-time exhibitors.

Over the years I’ve watched exhibiting companies become more professional, improving their product ranges and branding and presenting some spectacular displays. As UK staycations are here to stay with increased levels of investment in the sector, the future looks bright.

Having held safe and successful events throughout the pandemic, what is it like organising the event without the threat of lockdowns and new rules?

The Glamping Show was one of a very few trade events to remain open throughout the lockdown periods. It was challenging to handle such a fluid situation and try to cover all of the risks, but working closely with the local authority, the venue and relying on the advice of our floor management and security experts, who are amongst the best in the industry, we were able to stage events in both 2020 & 2021. The most important element however was the positive attitude and willingness of all the exhibitors and visitors who worked with us, obeyed the rules and made both events a real pleasure to attend.

Will there be Covid related safety measures in place at this year’s event?

At present, there are no rules in place for mass events. We will however monitor the situation and all guidance and make whatever changes may be necessary.

Will dogs be allowed?

YES! Everyone loves the dogs and as so many visitors work in the open air and are dog lovers/owners they have become a very important and enjoyable element of the Glamping Show. As usual we will be asking owners to keep the dogs on leads at all times, but they are more than welcome.

To find out more about The Glamping Show UK 2022 or to register for your place, head over to the website at theglampingshow.com.

This article is from: