I must admit that I am more than a little surprised to learn that Daniel Thurlow is moving on from his post as Glee event director so close to this year's event. what is more, Daniel's replacement, Sam Mitcham, only joined Glee last month.
Call me a cynic but I've been pondering why Daniel is moving - he's to become Emap sponsorship director - so close to this year's
Glee event and not just after it'.....and why is someone who has only just joined the Glee team taking command?
I know there is the claim that the space sold is up 19% on last year but is it back to previous levels?
I have to say that I'm disappointed to read the latest PR from Glee - especially after previously spending so much time talking to Daniel about this - that landscaping is still so poorly represented and not even mentioned in the latest press release.
I asked Daniel about his move and this year's Glee show...this is what he had to say.
Phil,
There is nothing negative here. Glee genuinely is in great shape, we are already bigger than last year and have won back some key absent brands. We are not going to be back to the size we were in 2008 but that was not the objective. The focus is on the balance of brands (between established and new), re-engaging with some of our lapsed customers and providing good service for all of our customers (both exhibitor and visitor). We have a very good team on Glee across the board in sales, marketing and operations. It is down to the show being in good shape that has allowed me to move into the new role.
I am not leaving Emap so I am still here to ensure everything is being done to deliver a great event. At the same time, sponsorship is a key opportunity and naturally, we are keen to get cracking on that ASAP. Hence my stepping away from the day to day management.
As for Landscaping PR, our recent releases have tended to focus on the returning companies (as this was one of our promises, is a positive development and something our research showed the visitors wanted to see). Moving forwards we will be more sector specific and include all of our customers so as not to ignore those that have continued to support the show for many years.
Landscape Juice is working with www.hale-events.co.uk to deliver a landscaping and gardening trade exhibition to the industry that is committed to putting the practitioner at the heart of the event.
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