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Hyve unveils a virtual Glee Gathering

, by George Bullivant

Exhibition organiser Hyve has unveiled Autumn Fair @ Home and Glee Gathering, two virtual forums in September substituting the live shows.

These forums will provide exhibitors and attendees with the opportunity to showcase and discover new products, engage with suppliers via “The Virtual Showroom”, and hear market leading content from retailers and trend forecasters on what 2021 may hold.

Autumn Fair @ Home will be held on 8th and 9th September.  Glee Gathering follows a week later on 15th and 16th September.

Julie Driscoll, UK Regional Director said: “There is no doubt that COVID-19 has impacted retail this year, however, we believe that now is the time to help refuel retail and help our community to bounce back. We hope that the free forums that we are offering to our customers this September really help to kickstart product discovery.”

More about Glee Gathering

Participation in the event will be free for suppliers committing to exhibit at Glee 2021. 

Familiar features of Glee have been preserved.  GIMA Connect will be a virtual edition of the GIMA Speed networking and buyers will have the opportunity to watch a Dragons’ Den style New Product Awards.

Product show case hours

Core of the event will be the product showcase hours.  Suppliers within each product category have been invited to submit 5-minute videos showing their key products.  10 brands will be featured and buyers will be encouraged watch and to set up virtual meetings with the suppliers that interest them.

In a similar fashion, suppliers will be able to request an online meeting with the retailers they wish to engage with.

The showcase videos, once broadcast will also be available on demand for at least a week, giving buyers the opportunity to catch up, or re-watch.

Gardenforum Special Feature

Gardenforum will be running a Special Feature on Products and Deals for 2021 from 3rd September.  This will give suppliers the opportunity to generate interest in their highlights for next year, in advance of the Glee Gathering.

Suppliers wishing to submit editorial and images for our Special Feature can find out more on www.gardenforum.co.uk/autumn-features.  

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Here's what others have said...
Jane,  14 Aug 2020:
...We have shown ourselves to be incredibly resilient and adaptable and, in truth, we have probably had an easier time than some sectors. I have clients (both on the supply side and retailers) who are significantly ahead of where they expected to be, and some even well ahead of last year. Not surprisingly, there is some caution, but in general companies seem keen to put significant resource into connecting suppliers and retailers to plan for 2021 - without much face to face and of course, no trade exhibitions. So whilst it would have been good to have a bit of a longer run at it, I think the GLEE Gathering will be a really helpful way to kick off season 2021. I'm working on Gathering plans for a couple of clients (one supply side, one retail side) already and happy to support any other suppliers who might be short of time and resources to get the most from the virtual event
Long Established Garden Sundries Supplier,  14 Aug 2020:
...In the current circumstances, how can anyone be expected to make a financial commitment to something over a year into the future - totally ridiculous!!
Matthew Mein - Glee organiser,  14 Aug 2020:
...Glee gathering will be taking place on 15-16 September as a virtual gathering, This is on the dateline of when Glee 2020 was going to take place. Glee gathering will be bringing together exhibitors and buyers together in a safe environment. We have listened to buyers who want access to suppliers and new products, which will be showcased here, including the glee new product awards. We have 150 companies already confirmed to take part in the glee gathering with those numbers expected to increase over the coming weeks. Glee 2021 planning is underway 6 weeks earlier than normal, as a result of Glee 2020 not taking place at the NEC. All business has to look positively, this mindset has helped the garden sector back to recovery, with more new gardeners out there due to Covid-19 there is huge opportunity for this industry to bounce back.
Sales Agent,  13 Aug 2020:
...So before GLEE would actually have taken place the organisers are letting you take part in the "gathering" as long as you have committed to a stand in 2021. Strikes me that they must have a different crystal ball to the rest of us.

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