Bookings for PATS Sandown next year are gathering pace as the pet industry looks forward to the chance of meeting up for the first time since the UK’s lockdown was imposed this March.
The coronavirus pandemic put a halt on trade exhibitions around the world with PATS Sandown 2020 in February being the last ‘live’ UK pet industry event to take place.
Now those industry-leading exhibitors who have already committed to next February’s Sandown Park showpiece on February 14-15 can’t wait for a return of the spring trade event.
“PATS Sandown 2021 – we can’t wait,” said Rob Newsome, director of sales & operations at Danish Design Pet Products. “Our customers tell us that they want to see, touch and feel our products to fully appreciate the quality and design. Live trade shows are so important and really enable us to tell the story behind our products and the Danish Design brand.”
It’s a similar story for Henry Bell and its brands Mr Johnson’s and Dog Gone Fishin’. Sales manager Alan Gittins commented: “We are really excited to be back exhibiting at PATS Sandown in 2021. Our industry thrives on the face-to-face interaction so after the cancellation of PATS Telford this is great news. We’re looking forward to sharing the new products we’ve launched as well as having the opportunity to meet new and existing retailers to discuss the way forward for our businesses.”
Nearly 70 companies have booked stand space for PATS Sandown, including regular exhibitors such as Anco, Beaphar UK, Beco, Burns Pet, Dorwest Herbs, James & Steele, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, KONG Company, Lennox, Natures Menu, Pedigree Wholesale, Pet Munchies, Sky Pet Products and Trixie, among many others.
Another regular exhibitor to have already committed to showcasing its brands at Sandown is the Canagan Group, which includes Symply Pet Foods. Commercial director Charlie Williams said: “We are incredibly excited to attend PATS Sandown and have the pleasure of meeting our clients in person. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome new customers to the Canagan Group family. As ever we are committed to the independent pet trade so it is a great to be returning to PATS Sandown for the 10th consecutive year.”
Steve Driver, owner of Pet Trade Innovations, added: “We can’t wait for PATS Sandown 2021 as we’ve really missed seeing our customers and the engagement of face-to-face sales that you only really get from a live event. Not only is it a great networking opportunity but it’s a perfect for creating a buzz about exciting new products, which customers get to touch and feel while we talk them through the sales features.”
Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) was the first company to book a stand at PATS Sandown when the exhibition was launched in 2009. It has showcased its popular Wagg and Harringtons brands at every show since.
IPN’s sales director Ben Anderson said: “We are definitely looking forward to PATS Sandown in February 2021. There is nothing that can replace meeting a customer or supplier in person. We have exciting new launches in dry cat and dry dog and can’t wait to showcase these to our customers at a real, live trade show. We are looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new contacts – possibly over the odd drink or two.”
While planning for PATS Sandown 2021, organisers Impact Exhibitions & Events are also helping to bring buyers and sellers together this Autumn.
The PATS Telford Forum is taking place on the exhibition’s website www.patshow.co.uk during August, September and October, and offering exhibitors the opportunity to showcase new products as well as offer deals and discounts to retailers. And, thanks to the support of long-term sponsors pbwnews, the New Product Awards are going ahead, with both entries and winners featuring in the Forum as well as the magazine.
