Glee, the biggest garden, pet and leisure show of its kind, has unveiled the details of this year’s added value visitor attractions. The initiatives are set to make the show the strongest, one-stop destination for garden, pet and leisure buyers looking to build their business profits.

As well as meeting suppliers from across six core product sectors in one convenient location, visitors to the leading show, which is taking place 20-22 September at the NEC Birmingham, will be able to take advantage of a host of new retailing inspiration, expert insight, staff training and visitor planning opportunities.

Attractions already confirmed are:

NEW - Garden Angels (Hall 4): Glee’s very own Dragons Den-inspired showcase, the Garden Angels will see six business thinkers put forward their pitch for their product and business case. Taking place in two, one hour sessions on Monday and Tuesday, the Garden Angels will be made up of a panel of industry leaders, led by Gardenforum.co.uk’s George Bullivant.

NEW – ‘Off the shelf’ (Hall 4): Glee’s new ‘Off the Shelf’ feature draws on the show’s key theme of retail inspiration. Taking products 
that are notoriously difficult to merchandise, the Glee team will build a series of displays throughout the show to demonstrate how effective outside-the-box thinking can be. Alongside each creative display will be an example of the standard display for each product, helping to illustrate the difference some fresh thinking can make.

NEW - Wonderwall (The Hothouse, Hall 5): Launching on
gleebirmingham.com in the lead up to the show, and then in The Hothouse during the show, the Wonderwall is the place to source practical retail inspiration. A place for retailers, buyers and sales reps to upload their photos of merchandising best practice, the Wonderwall will feature those examples of how best to maximise retail displays.

Innovators Zone (Hall 5): Following its inaugural launch in 2009, the Glee Innovators Zone is back and even bigger in 2010. The Innovators Zone is designed to provide an at-a-glance chance to source innovative products from entrepreneurs and small-scale manufacturers who are taking their first steps into the market, or making their debut at Glee. Two dedicated display areas will help buyers to tailor their search: Pet and Aquatic products will be located in Petindex (Hall 3), and Garden related products in Hall 5. 

The Hothouse (Hall 5): Glee’s popular seminar theatre returns and is even more interactive than ever. A rich resource inspiration at Glee, The Hothouse will feature key industry figures such as international retail guru John Stanley and The Gardenworks team. Addressing those issues that are affecting the industry today, seminar sessions confirmed so far include: Investigating the Garden Industry 2050 with John Stanley, as well as in-depth discussions on how to make events in garden centres successful and profitable, maximising the Grow-Your-Own opportunity and ‘Team Training in 30 minutes’.

Added to this, The Hothouse will also play host to the Garden Retail Top 100 Garden Centre event. Debuting at the show last year, this event focuses on those garden centres that have excelled during 2009/2010. A panel debate will address the successes of those making waves, and will offer advice to other garden centres that are looking to repeat this success in 2011.

The Petindex Pet Care Trust Seminar Theatre (Hall 3): A must-see part of Petindex, the dedicated seminar programme – designed and led by Petindex’s partner association, The Pet Care Trade Association – allows visitors to take advantage of the latest retail innovations and leading edge thinking. Added to this, the Petindex seminar programme also features practical hints and tips, as well as demonstrations, regarding City & Guilds grooming qualifications.


Glee New Products (Hall 5): Hundreds of new products are set to launch at Glee this year. To make navigating them that bit easier, they will once again be collected in the Glee New Products areas. The two dedicated stands for garden and pets and aquatics will provide buyers with a whistle-stop tour of the newest innovations on the market. The products featured will also be entered into Glee’s New Product awards, where industry experts will select the next big thing across a range of categories.

Sam Mitcham, Glee event manager, said: “The features outlined for Glee 2010 are sure to add value for exhibitors and visitors alike. Whether looking for in depth, industry facing information or simply want to rethink your merchandising techniques, there will be something for everyone. I’m really looking forward to seeing everything in situ at the show and hope people enjoy them as much as we have planning them!”

Also attending Glee this year is Gardman, who is inviting existing and potential customers to visit its stand in Hall 5, B36/C35. 

Gardman’s Marketing Manager, Suzanne Broughton explained: “GLEE is THE event in the gardening trade’s calendar and we’re delighted to be supporting the show once again this year by taking a stand.  

“We hope as many of our current retail partners come and see us as possible. We would also like to meet anyone who is interested in finding out about the products and services we offer.” 

Gardman is the country’s leading provider of gardening and wild bird care products. Its products are designed to bring gardens to life.  

The company’s comprehensive and innovative range also includes gardening tools, greenhouses, Grow Your Own products, hanging baskets, lighting and accessories, backed by an exemplary customer service policy.

Online registration for Glee is now live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket to the leading showcase for the garden and leisure industry. Register online today to save yourself £20 and receive free parking and show catalogue. For more information visit www.gleebirmingham.com.