Here is what the team at Group Leisure & Travel are looking forward to when the GLT Show opens its doors on 2nd October in Milton Keynes. We hope to see you there - have you registered yet?
Visitors can expect a warm welcome, great ideas, special offers and expert advice at the annual Group Leisure & Travel Show on Thursday 2nd October, and by going to grouptravelshow.com/register GTOs and coach tour operators can register for free entry. Take a look at the exhibitor list here.
You can print your badge off at home, or pick one up at the event, with free parking right outside the Arena MK (formerly the Marshall Arena) in Milton Keynes.
But what is the team here at GLT looking forward to, what do they love about the show, and why does it remain so successful?
Keeley says… you can’t beat face-to-face contact
Being back after maternity leave and seeing everyone in one place to find out what’s new for groups is going to be fantastic. I love finding something different to feature in the magazine, a new attraction or experience for example, as well as hearing from our celebrity speakers.
It’s also the people you meet. Where else do you have so many quality group travel organisers and people from the trade under one roof? You can’t beat face-to-face contact, and I love hearing about the ideas group organisers have picked up and booked for their group.
The GLT Show is such a valuable opportunity for group organisers to get in front of people from attractions, tour operators, hotels, cruise lines and more to find out key information for their group, discuss ideas and bookings and ultimately make an experience happen.
There is so much information out there these days, so to be able to drill it down and go and speak to the people in the know is brilliant.
Keeley Rodgers
Editor, Group Leisure & Travel
Lisa says… it creates a unique platform
Having been working on the show, it is so exciting to see it all finally come alive. With the great mix of long-standing and new exhibitors, I am looking forward to seeing the fantastic choices on offer for our visitors.
I enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the great mix of networking, education and hands-on experiences which make the show both productive and enjoyable. Plus, the seminar talks are always insightful and relevant.
The show remains popular because it brings real value to both exhibitors and visitors. It creates a unique platform for building relationships, generating leads and staying ahead of market trends.
It’s focus on group travel ensures that it stays relevant and the quality of the exhibitors and visitors keeps people coming back year after year.
Lisa Milton
Media Sales Executive, Group Leisure & Travel Show
Sharon says… it’s the only show visitors can rely on
I am particularly looking forward to meeting up with clients that regularly exhibit and meeting new ones too. It’s also nice to talk to GTOs and coach tour operators who find the show so useful for organising group trips and holidays.
It’s the only show that visitors can really rely on to deliver such a strong, focussed group of exhibitors to help them plan future trips and get the expert help they need to make their group itineraries a success.
Research is so important - knowledge is power, as they say. As always, I’m excited to see Simon Calder again this year as I always learn something new.
Sharon Yandell
Senior Group Sales Manager, Group Leisure & Travel
Chloe says… Adam Frost from Gardeners’ World
I am looking forward to enhancing my relationships with exhibitors and watching the talk from Adam Frost, in particular. I enjoy watching him on TV and look forward to hearing his tips on some of the best gardens to visit.
If being completely honest, the bacon butty is always a welcome sight first-thing in the morning and we like to look after the visitors who come through the door. Making sure they have something tasty for breakfast and lunch means less hassle and this is just one way we help enhance their experience.
And yes, we have the ice-cream cart on our GLT magazine stand again, so do come and see us!
I always enjoy the buzz from the show and meeting GTOs who are actively looking for their next group trip and listening to how much our magazine brings them new ideas and inspiration.
It’s a long standing and trusted show, that continues to provide great results for exhibitors and visitors.
Chloe Boyles
Media Sales Executive, Group Leisure & Travel
Graham says… it’s the great content and great exhibitors
For me it’s seeing the show build, the anticipation and how it all comes together on the opening morning. It really is brilliant and some stands are exceptional.
The people and the buzz they create within the Arena is always something that resonates with me. It’s a group travel community event and very special. I also really enjoy the celebrity seminars. The bacon butties are good too!
Why does the show remain so popular and successful? Great content, great exhibitors and absolute attention to detail. We look after our visitors and exhibitors, and that’s what keeps the right people coming back year after year.
Graham Yandell MBE
Show Director, Group Leisure & Travel Show
