There’s just a week to go until the Group Leisure & Travel Show 2016, so we’ve put together an essential guide that covers everything you need to know from admission to how to get there.
Key information
When: Thursday 20th October from 10am to 4pm
Location: Hall 8 of the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
Website: www.grouptravelshow.com
Admission
Entry to the show is free, and you can sign up online at www.grouptravelshow.com. Register before 16th October and you’ll be entitled to a few extra perks, like free parking.
Of course, you can always just turn up on the day and register.
Directions
You can get to Hall 8 of the NEC by car or train.
By car: The NEC is at the heart of the UK motorway network, so getting there by car is easy.
By train: The NEC is right next to Birmingham International station. If your train does not go directly to Birmingham International, you can catch a connection at Birmingham New Street.
Free coach transport
Book in advance and you can travel to the GLTS by bus, for free. Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis and routes are as follows…
Epsom Coaches
Route: London St Pancras International, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, NEC
7.30am: London St Pancras International
8.30am: Watford Rugby Club
8.55am: Holiday Inn, Hemel Hempstead
9.30am: Milton Keynes Coachway
Selwyns Travel
Route: Liverpool, Warrington, Widnes, Keele Services, NEC
7.30am: Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool
8.00am: Central Rail Station, Warrington
8.20am: Kingsway Hotel, Widnes
9.30am: Keele Services: Coach Park
Globe Holidays
Route: Wetherby, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, NEC
7.00am: Wetherby Services
7.50am: West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
8.50am: Meadowhall Bus Station Interchange
9.30am: Double Tree by Hilton Nottingham Gateway
Reduced rail fares
GLTS visitors can claim 25 per cent off advance fares with Virgin Trains.
Go to www.virgintrains.co.uk/nec to book your journey to the NEC and the savings will automatically be applied to your booking.
The discount is available until 18th October.
When you travel you’ll need your visitor pass or a confirmation e-mail with you, as the conductor might ask you for proof that you’re attending the event when you’re on the train.
Free Parking
Register before 16th October and you’ll be entitled to free parking at the show. All you’ll need to do is visit the car parking desk while you’re at the event to get your voucher to exit the car park for free.
Free breakfast
The most important meal of the day takes the form of a free bacon butty at the GLTS. Just turn up before 11am to sink your teeth into your own.
The Premier Lounge
If your name’s down, you’re getting in. The Premier Lounge is a special area at the show that’s reserved for nominated visitors. Members of the Premier Club can take time out in the lounge with free refreshments, newspapers and a complimentary light lunch.
The blog
Keep up to date with the latest news from the Group Leisure & Travel Show via the blog.
Launched for the first time this year, it gives you all the inside info on the exhibitors and raises a few trending travel topics to give you food for thought, too.
And a thank you to the GLTS sponsors…
The Group Leisure & Travel Show’s lanyards, entrance, show bags and parking have been sponsored by HF Holidays, Majestic, Warner Leisure Hotels, and Mamma Mia!
