Glee at the NEC

Has anyone been to GLEE http://www.gleebirmingham.com/ before. The site shows Garden, Pet and Leisure (an unusual mix to my mind). I was wondering what the Garden section was like as we will be in the area around that time and would pay it a visit if was worthwhile. I also see that it is for the trade .......... it maybe difficult to get into?

 

Hi foamcutter, The Glee show is trade only, which is a shame as it it a great place for inspiration. I have been several times myself (Company I used to work for has a stand every year)The mix is not so strange when you think that most people who have pets (Rabbits, cats, dogs etc) have gardens and the leisure part is mainly garden tables, chairs, climbing frames etc. From what I can remember you have need a trade pass to get in but perhaps you could bribe someone outside....

 

I can see your point but I also see the posts saying what can I do about this cat (or Dog) that is damaging a plant etc etc.

I suppose it depends on how strict they are and the criteria they use. You never know the director of Acme garden innovations may want to attend with his computer made business cards.

Thanks Floydgreg for the information anyway.

 

Its easy to get a trade pass I would have thought- look at their web site. I would have gone if I wasn't planning on being on holiday. I do sell some plants and have a domain name and web site - have to work on that side and can produce headed note paper. Where I buy my pots and compost from they decided I should be getting trade prices cause I was obviously doing what a lot of people start off as.
But I would have gone to GLEE looking for suppliers. If I want new ideas or to see what is in vogue then i go to the shows like Tatton, Gardeners World Live etc.

 

Just been to Tatton park today. I was thinking of going to GLEE but I was asking one of the growers about his suppliers of micro propogated stuff. He suggested I attend the Four Oaks show in September where the suppliers attend. He said forget GLEE, its just for the owners of garden centres really and the emphasis is not on plants.

 

Hi the Glee show is for traders, but you can visit,particularly if you belong to a gardening club or are a group of Hort students. As a self-employed gardener I make a visit each year. You have to register with them and they send you your ticket beforehand or you can register on the spot on the day, but beforehand is best. It' really where you go to make contact with Specialist suppliers. You just have a look whats new etc and if your are lucky you might catch a glimpse of people like D.Gavin, Titchmarsh. If you are a trader then you can place your order with suppliers.