PATS Telford, the UK’s No. 1 pet industry exhibition, opens its doors this Sunday and Monday, September 22-23, with more exhibitors than ever before and more than 200 companies showcasing hundreds of new products.
PATS always attracts large numbers of dedicated buyers from both the UK and overseas, and this year offers even more opportunities for business.
All the big players in the industry will be in attendance, as well as many newer or smaller companies hoping to catch the eye with innovative products. There is something for everyone.
Other highlights include the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, and the ever-popular seminars from leading figures in the pet and grooming industries – a great opportunity to discover some useful trade secrets.
Exhibition organiser Gordon Thomas said: “There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that PATS Telford delivers the widest range of exhibitors, new products, seminars from experts and grooming demonstrations…all under one roof.
“Visitor numbers have been growing rapidly over the years and we’re confident the trend will continue. My advice is to arrive early – doors open at 9.30am – because there’s so much to see and do. You can be assured of a very warm welcome.”
Many of the companies taking stand space at Telford for the first time put their decision down to the professional organisation of the event and the outstanding opportunities to engage with retailers.
Helen Hounsell, marketing manager of GWF Nutrition, said: “After visiting PATS Sandown we were impressed by its scale and the potential for trade exposure and were keen to be involved with Telford.
“It’s a well-organised and sizeable show and a great opportunity to meet a wide range of retailers face-to-face to showcase our pet supplements range.”
Ed Hoare, of Ruff and Tumble, said: “We have chosen to release our new product at PATS Telford because it’s the perfect location to demonstrate it to both existing customers and potential new stockists.”
One of the major draws of the show is the New Product Showcase. This year there are a record number of entries, with 259 products to be judged across eight categories. And for the first time there will be two new headlining awards, a Best In Show award and a Green New Product award.
All entries will be judged on the first morning of the show by a panel of expert retailers. Winners will receive their accolades at the PetQuip Gala Awards Dinner on Sunday evening.
PATS has worked closely with PetQuip, an international trade association for petcare goods and services, over the past few years to increase international interest in the exhibition. Increasingly, overseas buyers are seeing the value of the show in making connections and sourcing high quality UK products.
PetQuip will be hosting the Buyers’ Centre on the show floor, arranging one-to-one buyer/supplier meetings during the exhibition, supporting international buyers with their product-sourcing enquiries, organising an escorted retail tour and hosting their attendance at the PetQuip Awards dinner and party.
Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, director general of PetQuip, said: “PATS is an essential event in the UK pet industry calendar. It’s an excellent opportunity for suppliers and retailers across the pet industry to meet and network and it is an order-placing show for many.
“We are a loyal supporter of PATS and applaud the organisers for putting on a professional and successful exhibition.”
There’s still time to register for FREE show entry, simply visit www.patshow.co.uk where you will also find supporting information.
Opening times
Sunday, September 22: 9.30am-5.00pm ” ”
Monday, September 23: “9.30am-4.00pm
