The exhibitors at the Glamping Show last week welcomed the inclement weather with gusto as it meant they could really showcase how well their structures stood up to Britain’s variable climate and how warm and cosy their structures are even when the temperature drops.

Rex Dovey, of Universal Glamping Pods, said: “The variable weather we have had these last few days has suited us enormously. The high winds and rain, especially, on the first day showed just how strong our structures are and we were also able to showcase our new innovative heating system, which warmed up many visitors throughout the Show.”

Much like the sector it represents, the Show is constantly evolving and welcomed thousands of visitors from all corners of the UK and overseas throughout the three days of the Show, who were greeted by more exhibitors than ever before. As suppliers recognise the value of the Glamping Show visitors had the opportunity to compare and contrast not only a huge variety of glamping structures but also similar suppliers for services and accessories including bedding products, heating and sanitary suppliers, insurance and planning advice to name a few.

New to the Show this year, B&B Owner, Andrew, had this to say: “We are in the hospitality business and run a B&B but we are looking to develop this to a more self-catering offering so we came to the Glamping show to look at the different structures and work out what would suit us but also look at the other areas such as sanitation, marketing and the technical side of things with what’s involved and how to go about installing the structures. The Show has ticked all the boxes for me.”

The knowledge bank also evolved this year as the education offered by the Show stepped up a gear with the introduction of a number of short intensive courses to provide visitors with a more in-depth knowledge of specific areas of running your own glamping site, which was in addition to the hugely popular comprehensive seminar programme and one to one ‘Meet the Experts’ meetings.

Chris Pike of Hey Burt was one of the specialists available to speak to in ‘Meet the Experts’, who had this to say: “We were busy from the moment the doors opened on both Thursday and Friday. I talked to a massive range of people from those who have barely even thought about the beginning of their potential glamping site to those who are well established business owners. It was great to see such a diverse range of visitors attending the Show.”

Campsite owners, Simon & Lisa, have been coming to the Show for the last three years and said: “We are in the process of upgrading our campsite to a glamping site. We came specifically to speak to a planning expert and Barry Davies of Davies & Co was extremely helpful in assisting us to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. The Show is constantly evolving, and we find it really useful to come back each year to keep up with all the changes in structures, services and especially legislation to make sure we are offering our guests the best experience we can.”

Jess Holliday, of Yurts For Life, has seen a huge shift in the last three years in how knowledgeable visitors have become and had this to say: “What we have noticed is there has been an massive evolution in the glamping market in recent years and in the three years we have been exhibiting we have seen visitors in our first year who were just at the planning stages of their business and now those people are returning to the Show knowing exactly what they want and are more knowledgeable about the industry, which the Show has had a huge part in providing for them, giving them the education and knowledge to make an informed choice. It has been a phenomenal Show!”

After four successful years of the Glamping Show the organisers wanted to give something back. So, teaming up with Kerry Roy of Camp Kátur, they launched GlampAid, a new industry charity to help those made homeless by conflict and disaster, welcoming long-time supporter of the Glamping Show, TV presenter, author and upcycler, Max McMurdo, as its ambassador.

Although the doors have closed on this year’s Show the organisers already have new and innovative ideas in the pipeline to enhance the Show in 2019. Make the Glamping Show a date in your diary for 2019 and join us from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 September 2019.

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.