Business guidance will be at the heart of Glee 2013’s dedicated education programme, located within the Knowledge Hub (Hall 4).

Developed in association with, the HTA, the Knowledge Hub’s seminar content has been designed to help retailers improve and build their business and to identify key consumer trends. 

In a change for the 2013 show, this year’s schedule will feature a handful of hard hitting sessions, rather than the previous format, of a full day’s programme of activity. i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager, said: “We know just how vital time on the show floor is for buyers, which is why we decided to reduce our programme to ensure that even more time can be spent doing business and building relationships.

He said the quality of information on offer would not be compromised.  “In fact, we believe that this year working with the HTA we have pulled together one of our strongest programmes yet, and one that is clearly reflective of Glee’s core values – Discover, Network, Grow.”

Key themes include social media and how garden retailers can maximise its potential; how to make the most of multi-channel retailing; and how to tap into the popular high street style of café culture to build an in-store catering ‘destination’.  Panel debates will take place on a daily basis, and will focus on key business building topics including how garden centres can appeal to a younger audience, as well as growing garden centre catering.

International retail guru John Stanley will be returning to the stage with his unique insight into the changing face of the garden retail market across the globe.

Glee 2013 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from Sunday 15 to Tuesday 17 September.

www.gleebirmingham.com