3 minute read
The Glamping Show 2023 Wows
The Glamping Show returned in September 2023 with another successful event and remains the favourite expo for those in the alternative and outdoor hospitality industry. International Glamping Business is the official show guide publication and our team was thrilled to reunite at the NAEC in Stoneleigh Park.
The number of exhibitors increased by over 10% compared to 2022 – 118 companies were positioned across both indoor and outdoor stands, offering a huge range of accommodation units, services and accessories. New-on-the-scene manufacturer NAKO Modular wowed with its not-so-tiny two-storey tiny home, and Naked Flame – who has been attending since day dot –returned with the show-stopping ‘LuvTub’.
Exhibitors reported phenomenal sales, with one company selling hundreds of hot tub units across the three days of the show, and another team selling everything on their stand on day one – as just two examples!
There was a huge range of accommodation offerings, ranging from the classic yurt from Yurts for Life, to geodesic domes from TruDomes, grass-roofed pods from Escape Pods and charming off-grid converted horse box from Full Circle Campervans – and so many more. On the flip side, services for the industry were abound, varying from septic tanks from Premier Tech, planning and consultancy services from Crown and Canopy, hot tub water testing kits from Lovibond and remote-access keys from DOM UK and Easy Secure.
The expert-led seminar programme was back for 2023, addressing the key topics and issues facing the glamping sector and beyond. Leaders in the industry held 17 sessions held over the three days of the show, with topics ranging from “Has the Glamping Bubble Burst?” by marketing and OTA company Canopy & Stars, to the future of hospitality, led by Sarah Riley of Inspired Courses. Our publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh led a round-up of the key learnings from day one and with standing room only, the feedback from visitors was fantastic.
Our highlight from the show was being invited to the Woodpecker Tubs stand to witness them jumping in one of their wood fired hot tubs – with a sauna hat on, of course. The herd of alpacas from Blackberry Alpacas steadily munching through the hay also gave visitors a good smile.
At the end of the second day, The Glamping Show organised a get-together for all exhibitors. With a live band and steady flow of drinks and nibbles, it was a wonderful way for new exhibitors to get to know each other, and for old friends to catch up in an industry that truly is like one big family. It was a wonderful evening that we hope returns for next year.
Over 3,000 valuable buyers and decision-makers attended the show, with 25% of overall attendance being experienced glamping operators hailing from 42 countries. No other event or marketing activity delivers such a broad selection of leads from a wide range of sectors, including farmers, wedding venues, holiday lets and many more.
Stands are already being booked for The Glamping Show 2024, with several asking for increased space for next year. The location at the NAEC in Stoneleigh Park remains popular, with strong transport access from both air, rail and car. Despite some wet weather at the start, exhibitors and visitors didn’t let it dampen their spirits – a major success for The Glamping Show 2023.
For information on next year’s event, visit theglampingshow.com or contact dan.w@swanevents.co.uk to enquire about booking a stand.
