Following the announcement earlier this year of the 2026 co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC Birmingham, the shows’ organiser Hyve Group has unveiled more details of the initiative.
Designed to create “the UK’s most powerful and future-focused September retailer experience,” Autumn Fair will be held from September 6 to September 9, side by side with Glee from September 8 to September 10. While the two shows will retain their individual brands and identities, they will co-locate for the first time.
The new format provides a two-day crossover on September 8 and September 9. With no barriers between halls, a unified layout and curated sector adjacencies, Hyve Group said visitors will enjoy a “free flowing, energised buying, learning and networking experience designed to inspire discovery and maximise return on investment”.
“By bringing these two powerhouses together under one roof, we are creating an experience that goes beyond sourcing new products, to provide the insights, partnerships, and opportunities”
Jackson Szabo, retail portfolio director of Hyve Group, commented: “The co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair is a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to evolve with the changing retail landscape. Our communities told us they wanted more than just a buying event: they wanted a platform that delivers inspiration, learning, and connections that can transform their businesses.
“By bringing these two powerhouses together under one roof, we are creating an experience that goes beyond sourcing new products, to provide the insights, partnerships, and opportunities that today’s retailers need to thrive. This is about futureproofing not just our events, but the industries we serve. Our ongoing partnership with the NEC – which is celebrating its 50th year in 2026 – means Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC are consolidated as the home of retail.”
Autumn Fair (Halls 6–9) and Glee (next door in Halls 17–20) will feature dynamic layouts and vibrant feature areas designed to maximise visitor flow and spark discovery. As Autumn Fair continues to grow, from 2025 further enhancements will be added to the value-added visitor experience with more opportunities for new product discoveries, as well as a revitalised content programme delivering masterclasses, trend forecasts, growth workshops and seminars, experiential features, and exclusive spaces such as the Buyers Retreat for buyers to relax, be inspired, and network.
Glee will complement this with a highly targeted showcase for garden, outdoor leisure, and pet buyers, spanning eight key sectors from Garden Care, Landscaping, and Plants to Outdoor Entertaining, Pet Products, Home & Gift, and Food & Catering. Alongside this, Glee will immerse visitors in lifestyle-driven outdoor entertaining areas and premium garden showcases, while focal points including Food at Glee and Fire, Grill & Chill will highlight growth in outdoor dining and cooking.
