Thei Preview s www.gleebirmingham.com
WELCOME Hello and welcome to the Glee preview!
Building on the positive changes to keep Glee up to date, this year three of the exhibition’s core sectors are set for a makeover to further reflect the modern garden retail environment.
We’re excited to share a sneak peek at this year’s show with everything you need to start planning your visit to Glee 2016. The show is bursting with exhibitors, innovations and content, showcasing 550 exciting brands, including 100 international suppliers as well as 220 new and lapsed brands as well as a free, three-day Seminar Programme organised in conjunction with the HTA (Horticultural Trades Association).
Garden Leisure, Glee Garden Design and Landscaping and Retail Services will debut under the new guises of Outdoor Entertaining, Landscaping and Garden Decoration and Retail Experiences and Services with the PetQuip Business Village, launched last year making a welcome return. Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director
Highlights of the Speaker programme at Glee this year include TV’s Diarmuid Gavin, who will be opening the show, and award-winning garden designer Ann-Marie Powell sharing her thoughts on the evolution of garden trends and details of her journey to Chelsea.
I’m excited to look ahead to this year’s show. Plan your visit and I look forward to welcoming you to Glee 2016 very soon!
OPENING TIMES
Monday 12 Septembe r 09.00-18.00 Tuesday 13 Septembe r 09.00-18.00 Wednesday 14 Septem ber 09.00-16.00
Why visit
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Glee is a fresh, inspirational and knowledge-led show that brings together the whole garden retail community. It’s an essential event for a buyer looking for new innovations, hidden gems or that extra edge to complete their portfolio of products. Glee is an industry leading event that provides all visitors with free advice and guidance to help grow businesses through increasingly challenging trading conditions.
Getting to Glee
The exhibition venue, Birmingham NEC is accessible via train, plane, car and coach with international air and railways links and signposting on motorways and major roads. Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for further travel information. London is only 80 minutes away and trains also run directly from many regional towns and cities. Make the most of the 25% discount from Virgin trains visit our travel page to follow the link to the discount. Contact our Travel Partner If you require further help with your travel plans for the exhibition, contact our official travel partner: Event Express T: 01905 732 737 E: reservations@eventexpressuk.com W: http://www.eventexpressuk.co.uk/glee
Accommodation
There are accommodation options to suit every budget during your visit to Glee, close to the venue, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) or in Birmingham City Centre. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates. For competitive hotel rates and help with your accommodation needs, book through our official travel partner: Event Express T: 01905 732 737 E: reservations@eventexpressuk.com W: http://www.eventexpressuk.co.uk/glee
International Visitors
If you are exhibiting or travelling from overseas, please contact: Event Express T: 01905 732 737 E: reservations@eventexpressuk.com W: http://www.eventexpressuk.co.uk/glee
The NEC Facilities
The NEC is the biggest exhibition centre in Europe and offers disabled facilities, a Visitor & Business Centre, Medical Centre and a bank. Further information on the venue facilities is available on the dedicated NEC Birmingham information page.
WHAT’S ON Green Heart
Returning in 2016, Green Heart will see 80+ growers create a leading showcase for both British and internationally grown plants. Welcoming visitors in the atrium space, the display will include plants, shrubs, bedding plants, benches, display systems, Christmas tree, accessories, grasses, herbs, houseplants, labels, ornamentals and much more. Green Heart will also feature inspirational product displays based on HTA consumer profile market research: Gardening Elders, Garden Proud and Family Focus. The Garden Works’ Kevin Waters will be running a complementary programme of interactive guided tours which will demonstrate how cross merchandising can highlight a continual year-round association with the plant offer.
Innovators’ Zone
The Glee Innovators’ Zone is the place to find brand new companies launching themselves into the gardening sector. This year 30 new companies will be joining the 150 alumni of the Innovators’ Zone, keen to introduce new ideas to the industry, so be sure to check out what they have on offer.
GIMA Business Village
The GIMA Business Village is home to a great selection of up and coming companies exhibiting with the support of GIMA. Glee is also pleased to present the GIMA Business Lounge, an ideal place to take a break, arrange meetings and catch up with key suppliers. It is also home to the “Buyers Connect” speed networking sessions which will see selected exhibitors meet with show visitors for 10 minute slots for a power-networking session.
International Buyers Centre/ VIP Lounge International visitors are warmly welcomed to Glee 2016 and will find the International Buyers Centre (IBC) in partnership with Gardenex, a great resource! Located in Hall 18, the team at Gardenex will be on hand at the IBC to provide support and advice, as well as translation services if needed. A special speed-networking event, “International Buyers Connect” will also be held at the IBC to promote international business connections. The VIP Lounge also located in Hall 18 will provide facilities including refreshments, free cloakroom facilities, daily goody bags and phone and laptop charging facilities, as well as hosting VIP events.
WHAT’S ON New Product Showcase and Glee Awards
The New Product Display, in association with Garden Trade News, is the place to head to see the most innovative, unique and commercial products from the hundreds of suppliers at Glee. The competition sees new designs and products perfectly displayed for your consideration with the best of each category receiving the accolade of a ‘Glee Award.’ Show visitors can also cast their vote for their favourite, awarding one lucky entrant with the title of ‘Retailers Choice Award’.
PetQuip Business Village
The PetQuip Business Village provides a leading showcase of pet brands that are keen to build a presence within garden retailers. Under the leadership and support of PetQuip, the Village will provide pet suppliers of all sizes with a platform to launch and showcase their 2017 ranges to garden retail buyers and key decision makers.
SECTORS
Garden Care is predicted to be 15% bigger than 2015 this year, featuring returning international brands and new names making their debut. Landscaping and Garden Decoration has a new name and is packed with the largest landscaping brands. Outdoor Entertaining offers the latest in alfresco dining, furniture options and more from international brands. Home, Gift & Clothing has achieved the largest growth year-on-year, offering standout gift ideas and showcasing several indoor furniture suppliers. Plants and Nursery showcases suppliers of Bedding, Nursery stock, Christmas trees, Cut flowers, Florist sundries, Herbs, House plants, Trees & Shrubs, Young plants and more. Food & Catering continues to be a growing sector at Glee and a must see for any garden retailer. Visit to experience product demonstrations and discover speciality brands. Pet Products allows you to discover innovative pet products, from food to luxurious well-being products for our furry friends! Retail Experiences and Services provides new ideas and technology to enhance your customers’ entire experience.
MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR APPOINTMENTS Monday, September 12
Tuesday, September 13
Wednesday, September 14
9.00
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14.00
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Briers
Burgon & Ball
Fallen Fruits
Garden Connect
Carlos A S Godinho
Pines & Needles
Think Outside
Soell
The Pot Company
Roccbox
Eden Greenhouses
Hazelmill Ltd
La Siesta
NAP Brands
Zest 4 Leisure