A change of dates in 2015 for trade shows Glee and PATS means the two September events won't clash for the first time in years. Glee is switching to a Monday to Wednesday format (September 14-16) while PATS is moving both dates and venue (September 27-28, Telford International Centre).

In September this year Glee and PATS opened on the same Sunday, meaning that pet retailers and garden centres had to choose between the two events.

Since its revamped 2014 show, the Glee team has been gathering feedback from the garden retail industry, which supports the view that Sunday is no longer an essential day for those attending the show. A weekday-only format offers greater flexibility and a stronger platform for business to be done for both exhibitors and visitors.

Glee’s event manager, Matthew Mein said: “Glee’s opening days have been a part of an ongoing discussion regarding the best possible format for the event for many years.  In 2014 we tackled a number of vital aspects, and believe that the changes that were made have kick-started a period of regeneration for the show, whilst also creating a vibrant and revitalised platform for business.  

“The change to a weekday show provides the opportunity to deliver a number of additional benefits, most notably the potential for an increase in visitor numbers, and additional flexibility for those that visit - including when they attend, how many team members they can bring with them, and how long they stay at the show. This latter benefit was certainly a trend which emerged in 2014, in that more people were staying at the show for longer.  

"Over 400 more people revisted the show on the Tuesday compared to 2013 figures, whilst attendance on the Monday was also up year-on-year. I’ve no doubt that an additional weekday will enable this trend to continue to grow in the year ahead, helping retailers and manufacturers to grow profits and develop even more valuable working relationships.”

The move of dates and venue by PATS will also provide pet buyers from garden centres with a better opportunity to attend both shows next year. PATS Telford will take place a fortnight later than this September's show in Harrogate but will continue to open on a Sunday.

For more information on both shows visit www.gleebirmingham.com and www.patshow.co.uk