Glee 2026 is the UK's leading garden trade show, held 8-10 September 2026 at NEC Birmingham. It features 8 curated sectors including home & garden improvement, landscaping, plants, pet products, and more. Co-located with Autumn Fair on 8-9 September, it attracts 20,000+ combined buyers, 80% with purchasing power, and draws buyers from major garden centre chains like Dobbies, Blue Diamond, and Hillier.
Dates
8–10 Sep 2026
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
NEC Birmingham
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Companies exhibiting at Autumn Fair and Glee 2026 include 3A Composites GmbH, 4D Service & Consulting GmbH, A. Westensee und Partner Rohstoff GmbH, acad group GmbH and Achim Pellen Dichtungstechnik GmbH.
Event overview
Glee is the UK's leading garden trade show, connecting garden retailers, buyers and suppliers across outdoor living, home, gift, pet and garden sectors.
It takes place from 8-10 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, co-located with Autumn Fair on 8-9 September to create Europe's largest combined home and garden trade show in the second half of the year.
TL;DR
Visiting Glee provides a concentrated opportunity to source from hundreds of brands across 8 curated sectors, physically test products before committing, and meet the makers. The co-location with Autumn Fair on 8-9 September expands sourcing to Europe's largest combined home and garden trade show, saving time and travel.
Exhibiting at Glee gives brands direct access to serious garden retail buyers, including those from Dobbies, Blue Diamond, and Hillier, who attend specifically to source products. With 80% of the 20,000+ combined buyers having purchasing power, September is the ideal time to secure spring ranges. The co-location with Autumn Fair amplifies reach across home, gift, and garden categories.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
4North Ave, Marston Green, B40 1NT Birmingham, UK
Entrances & gates
Main Piazza
Cloakrooms available in main Piazza; mobility equipment collection at top of stairs/ramp near Hall 5 for Piazza. Piazza entrances P1/P2 on NEC site map.
Atrium
Cloakrooms available in Atrium; disabled parking by Atrium, near Hall 16; mobility equipment collection inside Atrium 2 main entrance. Atrium entrances A1/A2/A3 on NEC site map; Glee 2026 occupies Halls 17-20 on the Atrium side of the campus.
Parking is free for registered attendees with a valid visitor badge. Pre-booking online saves £5 on standard rates. Over 16,500 spaces including designated accessible bays. EV charging available (150 x 7kw chargers in East 3 car park, pre-book required; plus 30+ ultra-fast 300kW chargers first-come, first-served).
16,500 spaces ·
All levels accessible to wheelchair users via lifts, with wheelchair-friendly toilets. Piazza and Atrium main entrances have automatic doors. Blue Badge parking available (pre-book recommended). Mobility equipment hire: wheelchairs £5, scooters £20 – book online 4–6 weeks in advance. Assistance dogs welcome.
Multi-Faith Prayer Room available for prayer, reflection, or meditation. Located on the Piazza (Halls 1-5) next to the chaplaincy office. Includes washing facility, prayer mats, holy books, and other resources donated by local faith representatives.
Cloakrooms located adjacent to each hall. £2 per coat, £3 per bag. Open 30 minutes before event opening and close when event closes. Overnight storage not available.
Secure mobile phone charging units available in the Piazza and Atrium. Compatible with Lightning, Micro USB, and USB Type-C. £2.00 for up to 60 minutes, £4.00 for 60+ minutes. Contactless payment only.
Free shuttle buses operate between car parks and the show. The free Air-Rail Link connects Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International Station (90 seconds, every 2 minutes). Internal pedestrian routes are well-signposted.
Food options
The Atrium Kitchen & Bar, In-Hall Restaurants, MADE, Str(eat) Kitchen, Starbucks, Subway, Cornish Bakery, Wetherspoons
On-site diningParking: Free parking for all visitors (saving around £19.95 per day). Pre-book using promo code GLEE26VIS at parking.thenec.co.uk/NECBirminghamBooking up to midnight the day before. Regular shuttle buses run from the car parks to the NEC entrance. Disabled parking is available by the Atrium, near Hall 16; disabled parking is not permitted at the rear of the halls.
Gate: Have printed badge ready at barrier on entry and exit. Disabled parking by Atrium, near Hall 16; blue badge holders report to Gate 3 for code to raise barrier.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Standard Visitor
Free trade ticket for all days; includes access to Autumn Fair on 8-9 September.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Entry badge is emailed approximately 2 weeks before the show; check junk folders if not received. Badge allows entry on any of the open days, as many times as you like.
Ticket notes
Glee is a free trade-only ticketed event. Free ticket also grants access to Autumn Fair on shared dates (8-9 September). On-site registration desks available, but advance registration is strongly recommended. Registration for the £2,000 buying prize package closes midnight Sunday 16 August 2026.
Registration deadline
Prize draw registration closes 16 August 2026 at midnight; general registration open until event end (10 September 2026).
Who runs the show
Hyve Group
Organiser
Daniel Mcalpin
Head of Retention
James Kenton
Sales Manager for Garden Care, DIY, Home and Gift, and PAW
Licia Viscito
Sales Manager for Outdoor Entertaining and Landscaping & Garden Decoration
Elle Cavanagh
Account Manager for Retail Services & Experiences, Home, Gift & Clothing, and PAW
Visitor Enquiries
Visitor, badge and registration enquiries
Exhibitor Enquiries
Existing exhibitor enquiries
What's on
2
Awards
1
Fireside Chat
3
Event days
TBA
Typical time
Laura Loveridge
Speaker @ HTA
What’s really happening in garden retail right now and what consumer trends are set to shape the market to come?
Harry Redman
Speaker @ HTA
What’s really happening in garden retail right now and what consumer trends are set to shape the market to come?
Vanessa Cranford
Speaker
Turning everyday data into better decisions
Michael Perry
Director, Mr. Plant Geek @ Mr. Plant Geek
Future of horticulture
Sam Dickson
Speaker @ Squire’s Garden Centres
Outside-in perspective on garden retail
Ricky Towers
Group Restaurant Director @ British Garden Centres
Hospitality operations in garden retail
David Robinson
Chief Executive Officer @ Dobbies Garden Centres
Keynote Interview
Guy Moreton
Speaker @ MorePeople
Finding and keeping the right people
Boyd Douglas-Davies
Speaker @ The Boyd Partnership
Solving the People Puzzle: Recruitment, Retention and Culture
Penny Cook
Speaker
Finding great hospitality talent
Wave
Panel @ Wave
Water costs in garden retail
National Trust
Panel @ National Trust
Water costs in garden retail
Hillier
Speaker @ Hillier
Sustainability in practice
Alison Battisby
Founder @ Avocado Social
Social media strategy for retailers
John Abbate
Economic Growth Lead for High Streets @ Westminster City Council and Online Visual Merchandising Tutor, SDEA
Creating in-store experiences
Lisa Maslen
Lead, National Business Crime Centre @ City of London Police
Retail crime prevention
Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026
New Product Awards: The Pitches (Part One)
What’s really happening in garden retail right now and what consumer trends are set to shape the market to come?
Most retailers have the data, very few are using it properly
Future Plants Walking Tour with Mr Plant Geek
New Product Showcase
Coffee as a destination: bridging the gap
Menu engineering for garden centre hospitality
Documentation, training and communication in allergen and food safety management
Self-order screens, milk automation, QR codes: how far should you go?
New Product Awards Winners Announcement
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026
Water costs in garden retail: panel discussion with Wave and the National Trust
Menu engineering for garden centre hospitality
Finding great hospitality talent
Finding and keeping the right people
As garden centres evolve: compelling reasons to stay, explore, and return
Outside-in perspective on Squire’s Garden Centres with Sam Dickson
Fireside chat with Ricky Towers on hospitality operations
Future Plants Walking Tour with Mr Plant Geek
Keynote Interview with David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies Garden Centres
Thursday, Sep 10, 2026
Future Plants Walking Tour with Mr Plant Geek
Hillier: proving sustainability in practice
Floral Thursday: charity raffle and best dressed awards
Unique customer food propositions
Autumn Fair
Co-located with Glee 2026 for two days, creating Europe's largest retail buying event.
Discover the next big thing in fashion retail
Discover the hidden potential within your store with John Abbate
Licensing: how to get involved
Leveraging AI tools for social media
Homeware and gifting brands pitch products
Retail crime: practical strategies
Online behaviour and live shopping trends
Practical AI skills for business growth
Fireside chat with Co-Founder of Shopify agency Squashed Pixel
Inventive brands creating products for play, learning and family lifestyles
Elyse McAvoy on consumer insights and product trends
Buying & Beyond live podcast
Leveraging Google tools to showcase your business online
Retail Huddle Live: supercharge your 2027 strategy
Community of founders, retailers and industry experts
New Product Awards
Industry-renowned award for the most innovative new products in garden retail, in association with Garden Trade News. All Glee exhibitors can enter via the E-Zone. Shortlisted entrants pitch live at Glee, and winners are voted by a panel of industry experts based on criteria such as innovation, design, promotion and saleability.
How the last edition performed
Visitors
7,000
Exhibitors
450
Exhibitor countries
50
Visitor countries
50
Growth over time
Edition recap
Glee 2025, held 16–18 September at the NEC Birmingham, was one of the most vibrant editions in recent years, with over 450 brands including 250 new and returning exhibitors. The show floor expanded to fill halls 8–12, with major returning names like Mercia Garden Products and Gino Pizza Ovens, and debuts from Atom Grills. The new Food @ Glee area added a flavour-focused dimension, featuring Ritual Coffee Roaster and CAYE Coffee Machines UK. Highlights included the Future Plants display, the Green Heart, and the New Product Awards, which crowned three 'Champion of Champions'. Award-winning horticulturalist David Domoney and Mr Plant Geek drew crowds, while Alan Roper from Blue Diamond Garden Centre led industry dialogues. The show attracted 7,000+ buyers from over 50 countries, reinforcing Glee's position as the UK's leading garden retail event.
New this edition
Food @ Glee area
All-new area featuring leading coffee roasters Ritual Coffee Roaster and CAYE Coffee Machines UK, adding a flavour-focused dimension to the show.
SourceDIY Sector Launch
First-ever DIY sector at Glee, supported by BHETA and BIRA, enabling garden retailers to capitalise on emerging DIY trends with products from brands like Rustins, Soudal, and LEDLenser.
SourceGreen Heart Relaunch
For the 50th anniversary in 2024, the Green Heart plant exhibition area returned with a new look, relocated to the main lobby to create a more vibrant and colourful space.
SourceSeptember Timetable Reversion
Glee reverted to its original September dates for the 2024 edition, facilitating pre-Christmas and early spring buying, and enabling the return of nearly 30 lapsed brands.
SourcePhotos
Testimonials
The buzz is back. I've been fortunate enough over the last two days to get around and talk to lots of different buyers about the show. I think there's just an overwhelming joy that we've moved the show to September.
From the second we cut the ribbon to officially open the show, the energy was electric. One exhibitor summarised it perfectly by saying 'the buzz is well and truly back in the aisles', and that is all due to the enthusiasm and willingness of our visitors and exhibitors.
Looking at the hall, we had over 400 exhibitors in this year with 183 new exhibitors at the show this year. There's been more for buyers to see in terms of newness, so that's going to really help the journey.
Next edition outlook
2026-09-08 – 2026-09-10Glee 2026 runs 8-10 September 2026 at NEC Birmingham, co-locating with Autumn Fair (6-9 September) to create Europe's largest combined home and garden trade show in the second half of the year. The 2026 edition introduces new Food at Glee and Home and Garden Improvement areas, plus The Clubhouse buyer lounge.
Co-location with Autumn Fair with shared access on 8-9 September Launch of Food at Glee sector Launch of Home and Garden Improvement sector Introduction of The Clubhouse buyer lounge
Impact
Glee 2025, held 16-18 September 2025 at NEC Birmingham, continued its role as the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show for over 50 years. The edition featured over 400 brands and a reconfigured layout across NEC Halls 8-12. Exhibitor testimonials from the 2025 show report immediate commercial impact, including large orders placed during the event, new account openings, and strong lead quality, with several exhibitors rebooking immediately.
Audience quality
Trade-only audience of purchase-ready buyers from garden centres, independent retailers, and major chains. In 2025, attendees included senior buyers from Dobbies, ASDA, Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, and Robert Dyas, who use the event to source new suppliers and manage existing relationships.
Exhibitor outcomes
2025 exhibitors reported firm orders taken on the stand, immediate rebooking, and new account openings. EcoCrops left with large orders placed; James C Brett met four garden centres wanting to work with them; Ivyline opened new accounts; SOCKSHOP received firm orders and rebooked immediately. iSqueeze noted good lead quality and won an award at its first outing.
Intelligence
400
Exhibitors
16
Categories
18
Countries
15
Pavilions
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
~66% of listed exhibitors are from United Kingdom.
United Kingdom
China
Netherlands
Italy
Ireland
Latvia
France
Germany
India
Canada
Belgium
Poland
Portugal
Austria
Finland
High priority
Buyers sourcing
Other Garden Retail Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Garden Retail Suppliers (profile Pending)
Buyers sourcing
Garden Care & Growing Media Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Plant & Nursery Stock Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Outdoor Entertaining & Furniture Suppliers
Medium priority
Buyers sourcing
Landscaping & Hard Landscaping Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Home, Gift & Clothing Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Retail Technology & Shop Fitting Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Eco & Sustainable Product Suppliers
Buyers sourcing
Home & Garden Improvement Suppliers
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The garden retail industry is experiencing a shift toward sustainability, with 70% of gardeners choosing peat-free compost in 2024. Innovation in traditional products, such as Marvellous Mulch's seaweed-enhanced straw mulch, highlights the importance of reinvention. Garden centres are also evolving into culinary destinations, expanding beyond traditional gardening to attract a broader customer base.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability as a Mainstream Buying Driver
Sustainability is now shaping almost every buying decision in garden retail, with water conservation and soil health moving firmly up the agenda. Evidence: 70% of gardeners who bought compost in 2024 chose peat-free, and 37% said they were gardening with wildlife in mind.
SourceReinventing Garden Centre Classics
Innovation is not only about brand-new products; established categories like mulch are being modernized to improve usability and performance. Marvellous Mulch's chopped, dust-extracted straw mulch with seaweed promises easier application and up to eight times more coverage.
SourceGarden Centres as Culinary Destinations
Garden centres are expanding into food and dining, becoming culinary hotspots that attract customers beyond traditional gardening. This trend reflects diversification in retail offerings and customer experience.
SourceEco-Friendly Gifting
Shoppers increasingly scrutinize the origins of gifts; eco-friendly gifting is on the rise, relevant for garden centres.
SourceGarden Centres as Holiday Destinations
Garden centres are becoming go-to destinations for holidays like Mother's Day, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior and retail opportunities.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
Busting the Biggest Myths About Working in Garden Retail
ReadMeet the Glee 2026 New Faces: How Marvellous Mulch Is Reinventing a Garden Centre Classic
ReadThe Glee Roadshow 2026 Highlights
ReadEarth Day Every Day and the New Sustainability Role of Garden Centres in 2026
ReadEarth Day and the Rise of Eco-Friendly Gifting
ReadHow Garden Centres Are Becoming the Ultimate Mother's Day Destination
ReadGlee @ Spring Fair Returns to Reignite Early Season Garden Retail
ReadThe UK and Europe host a variety of garden and gift trade shows, providing ample opportunities for retailers to discover new products and trends. Key events include Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Top Drawer, Maison&Objet, and spoga+gafa.
Maison&Objet September 2026
Paris, France
Held at Paris Nord Villepinte, features 5,000 brands and new trends.
websiteTop Drawer A/W26
London, UK
Held at Olympia London, showcases contemporary brands and cutting-edge creators.
websiteHarrogate Christmas & Gift Fair 2027
Harrogate, UK
Held at Harrogate Convention Centre, features over 90 exhibitors.
websiteSpring Fair 2027
Birmingham, UK
Held at NEC Birmingham, features over 40,000 visitors and 1,500 suppliers.
websitespoga+gafa 2027
Cologne, Germany
Held in Cologne, showcases the latest trends in garden living and outdoor lifestyle.
websiteAutumn 2026
Focus on autumn buying season with a mix of UK and European events.
Spring 2027
Spring buying season with key UK and European trade shows.
Dates and event details sourced from official event websites and industry publications.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
Located on the NEC campus. Free Air-Rail Link connects the airport terminal to Birmingham International Railway Station in ~90 seconds (runs every 2 minutes). From the station, it's a short covered walk to the NEC halls. Serves over 150 destinations.
Adjacent
to venue
~5 minutes
by car
East Midlands Airport
Regional airport with flights from across Europe. Accessible via M1/M42 motorways. Direct train connections via Derby or Nottingham to Birmingham New Street, then onward to Birmingham International.
~56 km
to venue
~45–60 minutes
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Major international hub. Direct train service from Heathrow to Birmingham New Street via London Euston (approx. 1.5–2 hours), then local train to Birmingham International (10–15 min). Also accessible via M40/M42 motorways.
~160 km
to venue
~2 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 50–150 / night
Glee attendees can book discounted hotels via HotelMap platform, with options for individual and group bookings (9+ rooms).
USD 40–80 / night
Budget hotels near Birmingham Airport offer convenient access to the NEC.
USD 80–150 / night
Mid-range hotels in Birmingham City Centre provide a balance of comfort and accessibility to the NEC.
USD 150–300 / night
Premium hotels at Resorts World Birmingham offer luxury accommodations with easy access to the NEC.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
By car
Driving is a convenient option with ample parking at the NEC.
By train
Birmingham International station is a five-minute walk from the NEC.
By air
The Air-Rail Link provides a free and fast connection between Birmingham Airport and the NEC.
Shuttle buses
Shuttle buses are available from car parks to the NEC entrance.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | Non-visa nationals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or need to stay longer than the visa-free period. | $160.00 | 3 weeks | |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visitors from countries that can travel to the UK visa-free. | $20.00 | Usually within a few days |
Visitors from EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and other visa-free countries do not need a visa for short business trips to the UK. However, they must obtain an ETA before travelling.
ATA Carnet is accepted for temporary importation of goods for trade shows and exhibitions in the UK. It allows duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. Exhibitors should ensure that all goods are listed on the Carnet and re-exported within the validity period.
Official visa pageWeather
September in Birmingham sees mild autumn conditions. Daytime highs average 17–19°C (63–66°F), with overnight lows around 9–12°C (48–54°F). Expect changeable weather with occasional rain showers – average rainfall for September is approximately 60–65 mm. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The NEC is the UK's best-connected venue. Birmingham International Railway Station is on-site, a 5-minute covered walk from the halls. Direct rail services run to Birmingham New Street (10–15 min), London (from 1.5 hours), and other major cities. The M42, M40, and M6 motorways provide direct road access. Over 120 National Express and Megabus coach services run daily to Birmingham Airport, with the free Air-Rail Link providing seamless airport-to-venue transfer. A new HS2 station is planned less than 1 km from the NEC, with completion expected between 2029 and 2033.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queuing
Queueing is a cultural norm in the UK – always join the back of the line without question, whether at a bus stop, shop, or restroom.
Escalator Etiquette
Stand on the right-hand side of escalators to allow others to pass on the left.
Politeness
British culture places high value on politeness. 'Please', 'thank you', and 'sorry' are used frequently, even in casual interactions.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, 10–15% is customary if service is not included. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest pound is common.
Weather Preparedness
British weather is famously changeable. Carry an umbrella or waterproof jacket even if the forecast looks clear.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the NEC or at Birmingham Museums Trust sites. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Birmingham Airport serves over 150 destinations via 20+ airlines. Turkish Airlines offers double daily flights with connections via Istanbul. From the airport, take the free Air-Rail Link (90 seconds, every 2 minutes) to Birmingham International Station, then walk to the NEC.
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Visitors from visa-free countries need an ETA. Non-visa nationals may need a Standard Visitor Visa.
Processing: 3 weeks for Standard Visitor Visa; usually within a few days for ETA
The official Glee Birmingham website confirms that visa request letters are not issued; however, the registration confirmation email may be sufficient for visa application.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Near NEC Birmingham · Near Birmingham Airport · Birmingham City Centre
budget
$40 - $80
mid range
$80 - $150
premium
$150 - $300
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Free Air-Rail Link from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International station, then a short walk to the NEC.
Hotel → venue: Shuttle buses from car parks to NEC entrance.
Ride-hail: Varies
Public transit: National Express and Megabus coach services run daily across the UK to Birmingham Airport.
Parking: Ample parking available at the NEC.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: September
Temperature: 9–19°C (48–66°F)
Seasonality: Changeable with occasional rain showers; average rainfall ~60–65 mm.
Packing: Pack layers: light sweaters, a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings can be cool, so a warmer layer is advisable.
Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.
Add side trips
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Wednesday is the second of the two Glee-Autumn Fair crossover days (8-9 Sept), so a single free ticket still covers both shows. It also runs the full 9:00-18:00 window, unlike Thursday's earlier 16:00 close, and tends to be steadier than Tuesday's opening-day rush - making it the day with the most usable hours across both events.
Register for a free Glee ticket — Registration also grants entry to Autumn Fair on the 8-9 September crossover days.
Book NEC-area accommodation via the official HotelMap portal — Hotels near the NEC fill up fast for show week; no fixed prices are published, so compare live rates on the portal.
Shortlist target exhibitors from the online exhibitor and product list — Use gleebirmingham.com/exhibitors and the product list to plan a walking route across Halls 17-20.
Pre-book free parking with promo code GLEE26VIS — Book up to midnight the day before via parking.thenec.co.uk/NECBirminghamBooking; shuttle buses run from car parks to the entrance.
Confirm your travel route into the NEC — Birmingham Airport connects via the free Air-Rail Link; Birmingham International station is within the same building.
Download the official Glee app once live — Carries the floorplan, exhibitor list, and seminar schedule; log in with your registration email and confirmation number.
Confirm badge, decide your day, and pack printed confirmation — Have your printed badge ready at the parking barrier on entry and exit.
Arrive and collect badge (or use pre-registered fast entry)
NEC Birmingham, Atrium entrance (Halls 17-20 side)Work Glee Halls 17-20 by sector - start with your top-priority exhibitors
Halls 17-20Attend a Glee seminar or keynote session
Glee seminar theatre (2026 agenda to be confirmed)Lunch break in the Food Hall / Food & Beverage sector
Halls 17-20, Food HallUse crossover access to walk Autumn Fair (available 8-9 Sept only)
Autumn Fair halls, NEC BirminghamFollow up with priority exhibitor meetings and place orders
Show floorWrap up notes, business cards, and next-day priorities
Hotel or NEC concourseResorts World Birmingham
Shopping Dining Entertainment
Adjacent to the NEC, short walk
Recommendation: cinema, casino, spa, and dining right next to the venue for a break between show halls - not an official Glee venue.
Birmingham International railway station
Transport Hub
Within the NEC campus
Direct rail links to Birmingham city centre and the national network; useful if you're staying in the city rather than at the NEC.
Birmingham city centre (Bullring & Grand Central)
City Centre
~15 minutes by train from Birmingham International
Recommendation: shopping, restaurants, and a wider choice of hotels if you'd rather stay downtown than NEC-adjacent.
Cadbury World, Bournville
Attraction
~25-30 minutes by car from the NEC
Recommendation: a well-known family/leisure attraction worth adding if you extend your trip beyond show days.
Main Piazza entrance area
meeting_point
Recommendation, not an official Glee networking event: cloakroom and open concourse near Hall 5 access is a practical spot to arrange to meet contacts before entering the halls.
Atrium entrance area
meeting_point
Recommendation, not an official Glee networking event: Glee 2026 occupies Halls 17-20 on the Atrium side of the campus, making this a natural catch-up point for exhibitors and buyers.
Food Hall / Food & Beverage sector
informal_networking
Recommendation, not an official networking programme: coffee and food stands inside the halls are a practical, informal spot for buyer-supplier conversations between meetings.
Budget
Costs vary by stand size and location. A range of packages are available, but specific pricing is not published. The Exhibitor Toolkit is included with every stand.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · standard
—
autumn_fair_crossover_access
both · standard
—
parking
both · standard
—
hotel
both · budget
USD 90–130 / per_night
hotel
both · mid
USD 140–200 / per_night
hotel
both · premium
USD 220–320 / per_night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–80 / per_day
booth_shell_scheme
exhibitor · standard_9sqm
—
exhibitor_insurance
exhibitor · standard
USD 30–45 / flat_fee
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | standard | — | official | 2026-08-04 |
| autumn_fair_crossover_access | both | standard | — | official | 2026-08-04 |
| parking | both | standard | — | official | 2026-08-04 |
| hotel | both | budget | USD 90–130 / per_night | estimate | 2026-08-04 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 140–200 / per_night | estimate | 2026-08-04 |
| hotel | both | premium | USD 220–320 / per_night | estimate | 2026-08-04 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–80 / per_day | estimate | 2026-08-04 |
| booth_shell_scheme | exhibitor | standard_9sqm | — | unknown | 2026-08-04 |
| exhibitor_insurance | exhibitor | standard | USD 30–45 / flat_fee | estimate | 2026-08-04 |
Decision
Answer based on your 2026 plans - your Glee and Autumn Fair recommendation updates as you go.
QUESTION 1 OF 7
Does your buyer base overlap with Glee's garden retail audience or Autumn Fair's home/gift audience?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy garden, outdoor living, pet, DIY, home, or gift products and want a single trip covering both shows
Best for
Garden centre, independent retail, hardware, DIY, and home/gift buyers sourcing across both Glee and Autumn Fair in one trip
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
Registration takes minutes; allow 2-4 weeks to book UK travel and NEC-area accommodation
Risks
The 8-9 September crossover with Autumn Fair is the fullest sourcing window; visiting only 10 September limits access to Autumn Fair
Hotels near the NEC are reported to fill quickly for show week
exhibit
You have new spring/next-season ranges, a confirmed stand budget, and want access to both Glee's garden buyers and Autumn Fair's home/gift buyer base
Best for
Garden, outdoor living, pet, DIY/home-improvement, or home & gift brands launching new ranges to UK garden and retail buyers
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
Around T-90 for stand contract and floor location; T-60 for design, AV, and compliance forms
Risks
Official per-sqm shell scheme and space-only pricing are not published; get a quote before budgeting precisely
2026 is the first co-located edition with Autumn Fair, so cross-show buyer-flow patterns are unproven
skip
Your buyers or categories fall outside garden, outdoor living, pet, DIY, home, or gift retail, or you have no bandwidth show week
Best for
Businesses with no UK garden, outdoor living, pet, DIY, home, or gift retail buyer overlap, or no travel/stand budget this cycle
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a season-defining trend and competitor snapshot for UK garden and home retail
Since visitor entry is free, the cost of skipping is mainly lost sourcing time rather than money
Book with
Garden Centre Association
Established in 1966, the GCA represents garden centres and supports the garden retail industry.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
Garden Trade News
Market-leading title in its 40th year, providing garden retail trade communications.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
Garden Trade Specialist
Glossy magazine distributed only to buyers within the garden industry.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
Gardenex
Platform for businesses to explore new markets, build partnerships, and engage with buyers.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
GIMA
Garden Industry Manufacturers Association, representing UK suppliers and manufacturers.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
Greenfingers
Charity supporting children's hospices; associated with Floral Thursday and the show raffle.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
HTA
Horticultural Trades Association, representing horticulture businesses of all sizes.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
My Coffee Station
UK-based food-to-go supplier offering fairtrade coffee and food options.
Listed on the gleebirmingham.com partners page
Recommended providers
Glee attendees can book discounted hotels via HotelMap platform.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Trust footer
35
References
15
Publishers
0
Date checked
Glee Birmingham
Glee Birmingham (Hyve Group)
Garden Forum
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
