GLT Show survey highlights friendly event that delivers for visitors and exhibitors

Of the visitors who rated their experience, 96% described it as “very good” or “good”, with 99% confirming the show had provided useful ideas and helped them plan future group trips or holidays. Importantly, 97% met the right types of exhibitors for their needs.

The results from the visitor survey also highlighted the importance of personal contact. More than six in ten visitors said they were motivated to attend because they liked dealing with people face-to-face, while group deals and ideas remained the leading reason for visiting.

Exhibitors were similarly positive. Every single respondent to the exhibitor feedback survey said they had met the right types of people, while 97% reported that the show had generated good leads for group business. 97% were happy with the pre-show visitor publicity and the same proportion found the show website easy to use.

The venue also performed strongly. Every exhibitor who answered said they liked Arena MK, while 95% of responding visitors agreed. Among visitors travelling by car, 94% found the free parking easy and convenient.

Reflecting on her experience, Tracey Harding of the National Horseracing Museum said: “The quality of attendees was excellent, with the real decision makers attending. We definitely felt we came away with lots of genuine leads.”

Beth Rees from Battle Proms Concerts “spoke to lots of very engaged visitors” adding that “the benefit of being able to chat through their queries and concerns face to face is huge and really helped us turn interest into sales.”

Visitor Brian Martin, who is the residential organiser for Cranmore said: “The GLT Show always provides inspirational ideas which I can incorporate in future trips. The exhibitors really understand my needs.”

Dee May, the trips & events co-ordinator at Beeston u3a visited with colleagues who help her organise for their 1,300 members. Dee admitted they were “newbies to the world of organising group trips for our local u3a members” but was delighted to discover “a wealth of helpful information and keen exhibitors to help us plan both local, national and overseas trips.”

She added: “It was an excellent location and easy to access with thoughtful complimentary light meals (given the show is free to visit) and shuttle transfer to and from MK station to the arena. We’ll be back next year for more.”

Encouragingly, 88% of visitors said they planned to return or would probably return in 2027.