Petindex has seen ‘a surge’ in trade stand applications this autumn, taking it to over 50% full six months before the event.
The event – taking place at the Marshall Arena (Stadium MK) in Milton Keynes on Sunday and Monday April 26-27 next year – is being organised by the Pet Industry Federation, which said it would offer ‘a fresh take on the traditional industry trade show and provide an innovative range of features to encourage visitors from the full spectrum of the pet industry to engage with exhibitors’.
In addition, Petindex will have a strongly education-focused theme, with dozens of short, bite-sized seminars across four seminar rooms being planned, aimed at boosting business and providing technical insight.
The Pet Industry Awards will take place on Sunday, April 26 at a black-tie dinner next door to the exhibition hall, complete with entertainment and live music. The awards, open to all types of pet businesses, the provide recognition for businesses and their staff and are ‘a great showcase for the best the pet industry has to offer”, PIF says. Details of how to enter will be announced at the end of this month.
CHAMPIONSHIP
The British Dog Grooming Championship also takes place on the Sunday to determine the 2020 Groomer of the Year, with classes for dog groomers of all abilities. The competition, a firmly-established event now in its 38th year, attracts dozens of competitors and their supporters each year and will be supported by a range of grooming demonstrations from top UK and overseas groomers. Registrations to enter will open in next month (November) on the Petindex website.
Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “We have been really thrilled with the support we have had from our members and the wider pet industry about Petindex, which have, in turn, translated into sales of trade stands.
“In a marketplace that isn’t simply about the pet retailer and exhibitor relationship any more, an event is needed which connects different businesses into this mix to communicate with and influence discerning pet owners. In addition, traditional retail needs to look at way of diversifying in order to remain competitive and relevant.
“As we count down the next six months to the show, the PIF team will be making regular announcements about the various features we are developing for the show to generate these connections between people and create opportunities for pet businesses to grow and thrive.
“In addition, Petindex offers sponsorship and trade stand opportunities to companies looking to open dialogue with a broad range of pet businesses that have strong brand influencing qualities.”
