Garden industry professionals, including garden, home and DIY retailers, landscapers, and other key buyers, are eagerly anticipating the upcoming edition of Glee (27-29 June, NEC Birmingham). The International Festival for Garden, Leisure and Pet will showcase the latest innovations from hundreds of garden industry suppliers in one convenient location. As the 2023 show approaches, Event Director, Matthew Mein, outlines the show highlights and what attendees can expect from this year’s offering.

Looking for the latest innovations or core best sellers for the upcoming year? With ten dedicated product sectors, Glee is a must-attend event for any retail buyer.

Buyers can peruse the freshest, most exciting brands and amazing new products, pick up inspiring garden retail insights and make the most of exceptional face-to-face trading, networking, and the growth of new ideas in this truly innovative industry.

We are thrilled that a brand-new exhibit, the Talent Store, will debut at Glee in 2023. This exciting live project in conjunction with the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and renowned horticultural influencer, Michael Perry (also known as Mr Plant Geek) and Deborah Flowerday will showcase emerging talents in the industry. Featuring inspiring indoor and outdoor plant displays from up-and-coming merchandisers from garden centres, the pop-up displays will demonstrate how various designs can be used to showcase products and trends in creative and eye-catching ways.

The Stage will once again host a raft of live presentations designed to help you improve and grow your business for the year ahead, with the theatre being the perfect place to relax and learn.  Visitors can gain valuable tips and tricks on how to market, sell and propel their business from industry experts TrendBible, the HTA and Michael Perry – this is a must-visit for attendees who can take away ideas and inspiration to help implement successful strategies in store.

Glee Green Heart will make a comeback in 2023, situated at the entrance of the show in the NEC's atrium area. Horticulture will be brought to the forefront with over 50 benches showcasing British and internationally grown plants.

The new area will be complemented by a fresh new exhibit, led by Glee Ambassador Michael Perry, that highlights Future Plants which won't be available for retail for another 18-24 months.

For the newest and most cutting-edge products at Glee, check out the New Product Showcase as your first port of call. This popular feature allows exhibitors to unveil brand-new innovations and products. All Glee exhibitors have the chance to win a coveted industry award, with winners chosen by a panel of experts based on criteria like innovation, design, promotion, and sales potential.

The Innovators Zone is a dedicated area specifically created for start-up companies to transform their pre-commercial product concepts into market-ready product releases. The Innovators Zone aims to nurture innovative grassroots product development and unique design ideas, whilst bridging the gap between market-ready new product launches from established companies and pre-commercial product ideas.

The Fire, Grill & Chill outdoor demonstration area will showcase a range of Outdoor Entertaining exhibitors who will demonstrate their products while serving mouth-watering food.

Spread over four halls with 400 exhibitors, the event is split into ten show sectors:

Glee believes in giving back to the community through the Giving at Glee initiatives. The show is dedicated to supporting the Greenfingers Charity, which builds enchanting gardens for children's hospices. On Floral Thursday (29th June), visitors and exhibitors are invited to dress in their most vibrant floral apparel to support this worthy cause.

Retailers and suppliers are also urged to participate in the Power of One by taking small actions towards a sustainable future for the retail industry which includes promoting environmentally friendly materials and fair treatment of workers to make a positive impact on the world collectively.

Entry to Glee is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors.  Simply register via the Glee website at www.gleebirmingham.com/register