Top tips for getting the most from visiting the Group Leisure & Travel Show

The Group Leisure & Travel Show is the leading event of its kind, offering people who organise group trips the chance to speak with a vast range of exhibitors, including top attractions, tourist boards, accommodation providers, ticketing agencies, coach companies and tour operators, to discover ideas, advice and special offers.

The 2019 exhibition takes place in Milton Keynes for the very first time, on Thursday 10th October at the Marshall Arena, Stadium MK. There is free entry, easy free parking right next to the venue, complimentary national coach transfers and shuttle buses between the stadium and Milton Keynes Central train station.

The Seminar Theatre is open to all visitors and will feature talks from Simon Calder, Kate Humble and Julie Peasgood. For details click here.

Register for Free Visitor Entry

 Here’s just a few handy tips on how you can get the most from visiting from the people who know best… our readers:

Caroline Morris of Caroline Morris Travel, Northampton:

“I am always on the lookout for the something unusual or different, something other than the routine or mainstream attractions. Historical and garden themes are always of interest.”

Top tip to make the most of your visit?
“Go through the directory of exhibitors (either before or as soon as you arrive) and mark those of interest and where they are, so you are organised in walking round the stands, and don’t keep doubling back on yourself. It saves time and energy.”

Chris Behrendt, Milton Keynes U3A:

“I usually manage to find at least one new venue to visit and will be doing the same this year. Also, in general I will be catching up with the various companies that I have got to know over the years, even if just to say hi.”

Top tip to make the most of your visit? “Wear comfy shoes and try to visit at least one of the celebrity seminar sessions, if not all of them. If possible plan which companies to visit, then do a general wander and talk to as many as possible that could interest your group. Bring a strong ‘shopping bag’ to carry all the brochures.”

Jean Feiven, Tesco Retired Colleagues Community:

“At this year’s show, like all others, I’m looking for ideas for days out. I usually come away completely satisfied.”

Top tip to make the most of your visit? “Go online and check out all the exhibitors, then make a list of those that interest you mostly, making a note of their stand number. Once you arrive, time is very precious, so you go to the stands you have listed first then if time allows visit the rest.”

Mark Smith, Quest Travel Services:

“I’ll be on the hunt for any new ideas and a catch up with people we have done business with for years.”

Best tip for newcomers: “Go in, smile, get a bacon butty if early enough, walk round in a methodical fashion so that you do not miss anything. Keep an open mind. And at the end get a cuppa (you will need it), take a look through the catalogue so that you can check you did not miss anything.”