DIYWEEK.net

Glee 2016 ran from September 12 -14 at the NEC Birmingham, and delivered another successful performance with full-to-capacity exhibiting space and what organisers describe as "a positive, business-building atmosphere" in which hundreds of new products were launched.

This year’s Glee attracted several thousand British and international garden retailers, online buyers, DIY stores, landscapers and builders’ merchants.  Events such as the Leaders for Change lunch and Buyers Power List helped to increase the number of CEOs and MDs attending the show alongside their core category buyers. UK garden centres also attended en masse with over 98% of Garden Centre Association (GCA) members visiting the show to place orders and source innovation and inspirational products ahead of the 2017 season.

Event director Matthew Mein said: "From the opening of the show we have been inundated with positive responses from both visitors and exhibitors, with many stating that Glee 2016 was one of the most successful shows for some time. We know that many people used the show to forge new partnerships, as well as networking with their peers, and building their professional knowledge through Glee’s seminar content. But more importantly, business was being done. Many exhibitors have remarked that this year’s exhibition has delivered more orders and leads than at any other show they have exhibited at within the last 12 months. This is exactly what Glee is there for – to help businesses to build better business and profitable futures, so it’s great to hear that this has been achieved.”

"The level of rebookings is testament to the value that Glee holds for the industry in which it operates. We will of course be working closely with our exhibitors and supporting trade associations to build on this momentum. Further details about our plans for the 2017 show will be revealed soon. For now, I would like to thank everyone who has continued to support Glee.”