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In late February we were excited to once again exhibit at the Garden Press Event, a brilliant show which brings suppliers in the garden industry together with the gardening journalists who are looking for new things to write about. What a match made in heaven!
Jointly organised by GIMA and the HTA, the show has become a key date in our calendar. 2023 is the ninth time we’ve taken a stand at the event, and every year it’s a brilliant opportunity to get our message out there.
With consumer journals working three months or even longer in advance of their publication date, in February journalists are planning their content for their May, June and July issues – peak gardening season. It’s the perfect time to talk to them about new launches, share information, get samples into their hands, and show them gorgeous new photography to brighten their pages. And of course the people reading these pages are… your customers!
The Press Event has a very select audience. Prospective attendees need to provide press credentials and have to have an approved invitation to get their names on the list. This year, for the first time, there were over 400 registrants.
You might ask whether exhibiting at a show for just a few hundred souls is sensible, given that the show takes place in central London and the logistics are far from straightforward. But when those 400 people are looking for inspiration for their pages in major national and even international publications, the answer has to be a resounding ‘Yes!’
During the day we spoke to people writing for the Daily Express, House Beautiful, Elle Deco, Ideal Home, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Best Magazine, the Sun, Cotswold Life, Scottish Gardening, Gardeners’ World magazine, Amateur Gardening, the Daily Mail, Country Living and many, many more.
What’s more, we spent time at the show with countless bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, social media influencers… Today’s new media in all its many and evolving facets was well represented, and we were delighted that so many people active in this arena took time on a busy day to visit our stand.
We had exciting new products to share too, which is a great talking point. We unveiled lots of new ideas for 2023, including our new Sophie Conran gifting additions, and new RHS-endorsed planting tools, as well as a new range of RHS-endorsed brushes and brooms, which isn’t yet available. Who doesn’t love a sneak preview?!
We always hugely enjoy our day at the show. There’s a great buzz about it, a bit of a back-to school feel, full of excitement about what people have been up to over the winter and what they have planned for the season ahead. It’s a day to catch up, build relationships and hatch collaborations.
The Garden Press Event this year offered all of the above, in spades! Many thanks for the HTA and to GIMA for organising a happy, successful and well-attended event. Our thanks too to all the many journalists and creators who took time to visit us, we loved spending time with you. See you next year!
