www. pettradeworld. comPET TRADE WORLD OCTOBER 2009 29 Glee News and New Products On the opening day of Glee 2009, organisers Emap Connect have confi rmed fresh dates for next year's show, as well as a strengthened set of exhibitor benefi ts including a value- driven pricing structure, turnkey stand packages, boosted marketing provision and innovative show content. Speaking at a Press Conference held during the show, Glee show director Daniel Thurlow confi rmed: " With a rich history of service stretching back 34 years, Glee is unique in being the only, full spectrum trade show for the garden, pet and leisure industries. With the highest number of exhibitors and visitors of any other UK show, and endorsed by GIMA, the HTA, Gardenex and the Pet Care Trust, Glee delivers by far the best return on investment for suppliers and buyers alike. Continual evolution is important, however, which is why in response to demand we are pleased to announce a number of new initiatives to make Glee 2010 even better value, well timed and brimming with business opportunities for the whole industry." The plans outlined for Glee 2010 by Emap Connect are the result of proactive consultation and research with Glee exhibitors, visitors, trade associations, the NEC and other partners. Many of the new initiatives aim to help drive down the total costs of exhibiting. Daniel Thurlow continued: " It has never been more essential that exhibitors have the strongest possible exhibition platform from which they can do profi table business. Off ering scale, relevance, timeliness and added value, Glee is that platform. This wide reaching set of initiatives for 2010 will boost the show's off ering on a number of vital levels." Key announcements for Glee 2010 include: . Monday to Wednesday trading: Having historically taken place from Sunday to Tuesday, Glee 2010 will open on Monday 20th September and close on Wednesday 22nd September 2010 in response to exhibitor and visitor demand . Rate freeze - For the second year running, no exhibitor will experience a rise in the price per square metre. Glee's prices have also been adjusted to ensure that Glee remains highly competitive and refl ects the value the show delivers. In order to achieve this, a new discounted price structure has been applied in order to reward loyalty and volume. Lapsed customers will also still qualify for loyalty discounts as their price will refl ect their previous history with Glee. . Turnkey stand packages - In 2010 Glee will off er exhibitors a cost- eff ective new option to help achieve a professional, well designed stand at lower cost. Glee's turnkey stand packages have been created in conjunction with one of the UK's leading exhibition and event services companies, NEC- based Melville Logistics. Open to all exhibitors, but with a specifi c focus on those exhibitors who wish to achieve a more personalised stand, the new stand packages will help alleviate the increased costs often associated with the design and storage of a custom made stand. . Increased PR and marketing support - Opportunities will include specialised VIP programmes to include personal invites to the show; web support such as buttons, banners, logos and click- throughs; plus a presence in pre- show marketing collateral. Complementary, ongoing PR support from Glee's dedicated PR team to boost profi le in the UK and international trade media will also be available to all exhibitors. Additionally, the show's website, gleebirmingham. com - which has had over half a million individual page views since January 2009 - has fast become a defi nitive buyers list. Organisers are currently looking into the opportunities aff orded by adding a transactional facility to the site. . Pre- show marketing workshops - Expanding an introductory scheme initiated in 2009 with GIMA, Glee will off er companies the option of attending pre- show marketing workshops, to help exhibitors prepare and to maximise the opportunities associated with participating at the show, plus information and advice on support facilities available to Glee exhibitors before, during and after Glee. . Imaginative show content - Glee is increasingly introducing show content to compliment stand activity. Providing another route for visitors to access exhibitors, each of the show features are designed to place products in wider context, provide inspiration and showcase products in imaginative and innovative ways. . Focus on design and innovation - Continuing Glee's reputation as the champion of industry innovation, new product design will again be highlighted on the show fl oor with features and attractions that celebrate fresh thinking and inspirational ideas. Examples include the Glee New Products and the Innovators Zone. . Targeted overseas and VIP marketing campaigns - Glee's ongoing marketing will include targeted international campaigns with the aim of attracting Glee announces value- added plans for 2010

3 0 PET TRADE WORLD OCTOBER 2009www. pettradeworld. com buyers from around the world. Building on the Season's Club concept, Glee will work to deliver international visitors of both quantity and quality, ensuring that the key international buyers, retailer and decision makers are at the show, ultimately boosting export potential for Glee 2010 exhibitors. . Measurable and eff ective digital opportunities for exhibitors - Via enhancements to Glee 2010' s website, www. gleebirmingham. com Discussing the move away from Sunday opening, Thurlow added: " Our independent, annual exhibitor and visitor research continues to underline that September remains by far the best timing for the vast majority of exhibitors and buyers. This therefore remains the month in which we will hold Glee, but this time - again in response to researched market demand and the recommendations from our Advisory Board - we have decided to hold it from Monday to Wednesday for the fi rst time. The retail opportunity of this day has become an even greater focus for many retailers. We have therefore made the straightforward choice to move the show by one day, enabling buyers and retailers to not miss out on either the show itself, or a busy trading day." ¦ Glee News and New Products Winner of Pet Innovation Award: Becothings - Becobowl What the judges said: " The Becobowl is the fi rst bio- degradable food bowl to reach the market. Made from plant fi bre material, the product off ers green credentials and a unique alternative to the traditional bowls on the market. Superb!" Shortlisted entries: The Company of Animals - Furminator Deluxe Poopsta - Poopsta Winner of Aquatic Innovation Award: Bermuda - Milan Table Top Feature What the judges said: " This is a vibrant and stylish feature with integral LED lights. It comes in a range of colours, the Milan Table Top Feature is a really striking product." Shortlisted entries: Biowish UK Limited - High Power Bio- Tab Velda - Fish Feeder Pro Glee show director, Daniel Thurlow said: " Congratulations to the winners of this year's coveted title, as well as the many others of other extremely deserving entrants for what they have achieved. The quality of products on off er was superb and we're pleased to see such a wide range of innovation, unique design and fresh thinking from across the industry. Both winners were deserving of their title and we look forward to seeing the products develop over the coming seasons. In addition to the Glee Petindex New Products, the Pet Industry Awards were also host to a selection of other awards that are designed to celebrate those businesses who go the extra mile to provide a quality customer experience, and those who have the welfare of pets at the heart of everything they do. The winners who carried away the trophies were as follows: Pet Retailer of the Year: Bath Pet Centre Manufacturer of the Year: Beaphar UK Grooming Business of the Year: Posh Paws Dog Grooming, Maulden, Bedfordshire And fi nally, Russell Taylor from Armitage Pet Centre presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Margaret Renton- Ferris. ¦ Petindex winners The winners of the Glee Petindex New Product awards were announced on Sunday 20th September at the inaugural Pet Industry Awards dinner, which was sponsored by Nestle Purina and Mars, and organised by the Pet Care Trust. Following a rigorous judging process during Sunday's Glee Petindex, the shortlisted entries for the Glee Petindex New Product Awards were chosen by Martin Smart, publisher of ideas4petretail. co. uk and Steve Fowler, director of Pampurred Pets. Drawing from a shortlist of three, the winning products stood out from the crowd thanks to their unique design, retail appeal and competitive pricing.