Following the announcement earlier this year, Hyve Group is thrilled to unveil more details of the eagerly anticipated 2026 co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair at the NEC Birmingham, a move driven directly by industry demand and underpinned by strategic evolution, designed to create the UK’s most powerful and future-focused September retailer experience.

Glee, the definitive event for the garden, outdoor leisure and pet industries, 8th – 10th September 2026 will run side by side with Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading retail marketplace for Home, Gift and Fashion, 6th – 9th September 2026. While the two shows will retain their individual brands and identities, they will co-locate for the first time, unlocking massive potential for both visitors and exhibitors.

The new format provides a two-day crossover, Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 9th September, allowing seamless access across both shows. With no barriers between halls, a unified layout and thoughtfully curated sector adjacencies, visitors will enjoy a free flowing, energised buying, learning and networking experience designed to inspire discovery and maximise return on investment.

The co-location is a direct response to feedback from the retail and garden communities. Buyers and exhibitors have been calling for a more connected, efficient, and impactful retailer event, and in 2026, Hyve is delivering exactly that.

For exhibitors, the benefits are compelling. Delivering unparalleled exposure to a wider network of high-quality retailers across multiple sectors. This confidence is built on strong 2025 momentum, Autumn Fair is 15% up on visitor numbers year-on-year, while Glee is set to deliver its largest ever footprint since 2005 seeing a 15% growth. Buyer attendance by close of show, across both shows is projected to rise by 20%, proving the strategy for creating compelling retailer experiences is working. 

 

With shared footfall during the two crossover days in 2026, exhibitors will have the opportunity to engage not only with their core customer base but also with new and adjacent audiences, from independent retailers and garden centres to department stores, lifestyle boutiques, and online stores. It is anticipated that this broader reach will deliver up to a 50% increase in 2026. Combined buyer audiences shopping both shows translates into more leads, greater brand visibility, and increased order potential, underscoring Hyve’s position as a leader in the retail events industry.

Visitors to both Autumn Fair (Halls 6–9) and adjoining Glee (next door in Halls 17–20) in 2026 will feature dynamic layouts and vibrant feature areas designed to maximise visitor flow and spark discovery. As Autumn Fair continues to grow, from 2025 further enhancements will be added to the value-added visitor experience with more opportunities for new product discoveries, as well as a revitalised content programme delivering masterclasses, trend forecasts, growth workshops and seminars, experiential features, and exclusive spaces such as the Buyers Retreat for buyers to relax, be inspired, and network.

As the epicentre of horticultural innovation and inspiration, Glee will complement this with a highly targeted showcase for garden, outdoor leisure, and pet buyers, spanning eight key sectors from garden care, landscaping, and plants to outdoor entertaining, pet products, home & gift, and food & catering. Alongside its unrivalled sourcing opportunities, Glee will immerse visitors in lifestyle-driven outdoor entertaining areas and premium garden showcases such as Garden Lux, while focal points including Food at Glee and Fire, Grill & Chill will highlight growth in outdoor dining and cooking.

Together, these interactive features, content-led programmes, and new experiences will create an energised environment designed to inspire, connect, drive commercial growth, and help buyers transform their business.

This isn’t just a one-off. The co-location reflects Hyve’s long-term strategy to evolve and futureproof its portfolio by building events that align with the evolving buying landscape and respond to the full spectrum of retailer needs. Autumn Fair x Glee 2026 will deliver engaging and business-altering experiences that go beyond product discovery, from immersive content programmes and expert-led masterclasses to peer-to-peer learning and strategic networking opportunities. With global September shows facing uncertainty, this unified platform is poised to become the biggest and most influential trade event in the second half of the year, offering retailers and suppliers alike a marketplace that inspires, connects, and equips them for success. With a single NEC visit, buyers can cover two leading shows, reducing travel time and cost, a huge win for time-pressed retail professionals.

Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director, Hyve Group commented, “The co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair is a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to evolve with the changing retail landscape. Our communities told us they wanted more than just a buying event, they wanted a platform that delivers inspiration, learning, and connections that can transform their businesses. By bringing these two powerhouses together, under one roof, we are creating an experience that goes beyond sourcing new products to provide the insights, partnerships, and opportunities that today’s retailers need to thrive. This is about futureproofing not just our events, but the industries we serve. Our ongoing partnership with the NEC – which is celebrating its 50th year in 2026 – means Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC are consolidated as the home of retail.”

Glee and Autumn Fair continue to connect industries by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring growth. To learn more or to register interest in exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2026 (6th – 9th September, NEC Birmingham), visit www.autumnfair.com and Glee 2026 (8th  - 10th  September, NEC Birmingham) visit www.gleebirmingham.com