With just nine weeks to go until the doors open on Glee 2014, the show’s organisers, i2i Events, have confirmed that this year’s show will mark an exciting chapter, as it is set to grow in terms of both footprint and exhibitor numbers.
This growth clearly demonstrates the positive reaction and confidence that the garden retail industry has had to the changes that are taking place at Glee 2014. From a new location within NEC halls 17 -20, which will see a refreshed and renewed layout, to additional, added-value features – this year’s Glee will be unlike any that have come before.
i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager said: “Glee is in great shape, in fact it is already at the same size as last year! With just a few weeks to go until the doors open, there is undoubtedly plenty of time for the show to far exceed that of the 2013 show. In fact we are confident that we’ll be delivering a show that is bigger in terms of the its footprint, as well as welcoming more exhibitors than we have in recent years. At the current rate we foresee exhibitor numbers to grow by 10% overall – something we are incredibly excited about.”
Matthew adds why he thinks their growth has come about. He said: “The success of Glee 2014 lies with the fact that so much of it is new. From a new location and format, to brand new and exciting content, this year’s Glee is an incredibly exciting and refreshing concept. A revised floorplan and location might not seem like much, but it actually has the ability to completely change the way that Glee looks and feels. More than this, the way that visitors will walk the show will also change, opening them up to exhibitors they may not have seen before. Many companies are keen to tap into this potential, which is why we’ve seen so many making their return to Glee, as well as existing exhibitors ensuring the secure their place. Glee 2014 really cannot be missed!”
UPDATE: Super Sunday at Glee
The news that Glee is growing does have implications for other parts of the show, most notably Super Sunday – a day of special initiatives designed to make the opening day of the annual garden retail show the most fulfilling and action-packed yet.
Matthew Mein explains: “Glee’s growth is fantastic news, and I’m sure the industry will be pleased to see it thriving like this. Growth however means more space is needed, and as such we have made the decision to remove the proposed clearance section from our Super Sunday schedule. This will enable us to add a large additional section to our floorplan, ensuring that all interested parties are able to secure an exhibition stand at Glee 2014.
“Whilst the clearance event is not taking pace, the rest of the Sunday-only activities – such as The Glee Garden Party, International Buyers Connect and announcement of Glee New Product Showcase winners – will remain a key aspect of the programme. Sunday is an incredibly important day at Glee, and our research has shown that the industry feels the same. It was with this mindset that we decided to build these activities that offer a sense of exclusivity, whilst also kick starting the show in the best possible way. We’re excited about what these plans can bring to the show, and hope that the industry will engage with them in the same way.”
Find out more
Glee – organised by i2i Events Group – is the UK’s leading garden trade buying event, and the only one to bring the whole industry together under one roof. Glee 2014 will be the 40th successful year for the show, and will see it enter a new era as it moves to a new location within the NEC’s Halls 17 – 20; creating a host of fresh indoor and outdoor exhibiting, feature and visitor opportunities that meet the buying and selling needs of the modern garden retail industry.
Further details about Glee 2014, including a wealth of additional brands confirming their support for the show, will be announced soon. For exhibiting information and to book your place at the Glee Exhibitor Workshop, call 0203 033 2160, and to find out the latest show news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com.
