Glee organiser Emap Connect has announced a number of new features for this year's show, as well as improvements to existing aspects.
Designed to showcase products in context, Garden Themes will be new this year and will present 'sets' made up from products at the show. These will each follow a specific consumer trend and will be designed by industry experts.

Themes will include Sustainable, Value, Urban and Convenience and, as well as presenting products thematically, are designed to inspire visitors in terms of merchandising and product co-location.

Also new for 2009 is the Innovator's Zone. This area will allow small-scale manufacturers and entrepreneurs, who may be completely new to the sector, to present their concepts and products to the industry. There will be two zones, one for garden-related products in Hall 5 and one for pet products within Petindex.

The show will again offer a seminar program for visitors with sessions including the return of international retail expert John Stanley. The sessions will take place in the Hothouse as last year, but in its new home in Hall 5 this.

Glee 2009 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on September 20-22.