The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is looking forward to welcoming members at Glee next week. The organisation has an increased presence at the trade show this year, partnering with the new Retail Lab @ Glee feature, as well as holding the Annual General Meeting of the HTA, tours of the Retail Lab @ Glee and hosting several seminars.

This year the new Retail Lab @ Glee feature has been created by a panel of industry experts, and provides visitors with long-term visions for their retail environments. Focusing on consumer engagement the Retail Lab @ Glee will be located at the very heart of the show and combines interactive content, guided tours and self-learning material to drive consumers to action new retailing ideas within their own stores. The Retail Lab has four key themes; Re-Wilding, Community, Well-being and Family. It will showcase future WGSN trends in products, in-store experience and merchandising, as well as looking at how to engage consumer groups that garden centres are not currently attracting.

The Retail Lab @ Glee will also host the HTA stand along with HTA’s Preferred Partners. This programme offers exclusive benefits to HTA members from chosen suppliers. Over the space of the three days the retail lab will be hosting these Partners who will be available to meet with members and discuss what they have to offer. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about the HTA Garden Futures Conference, which takes place on October 4.

The HTA AGM takes place at Glee, Concourse Suite 30, NEC, Birmingham, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 commencing at 8.30am (refreshments from 8.00 am).

Raoul Curtis-Machin, HTA director of Horticulture, will be presenting a seminar at Glee on Xylella Fastidiosa. This potential threat to the UK horticultural economy is on the move, and Raoul will discuss ‘Essential Information and Five-Point Plan for your Garden Retail Business’. David Denny, HTA marketing and insight manager, will be giving two presentations on ‘Garden Retail Opportunities Arising from the Aging Population’ and ‘How Market Data can be used to Improve your Business Strategy’. These informative talks will help you to develop in these key areas of your business, and unlock potential income you may be missing. The full programme of seminars can be viewed at www.sgleebirmingham.com/event-timetable