PATS ia on track to deliver the most important show in its 11-year history in late September, as it prepares to bring the pet industry together for the first time since lockdown.
Organisers say there are already more than 130 pet companies with stand space booked and levels of visitor pre-registrations are even higher than usual, indicating that demand for the UK’s biggest pet trade exhibition has never been greater.
Confirmed exhibitor bookings just this week include Westland Pet, Loving Pets and Cliverton Insurance, which have all taken space for the show at the Telford International Centre on Sunday September 27 and Monday 28.
The organisers of PATS are working closely with Telford International Centre to ensure all safety factors are met, with social distancing protocols among the measures under consideration.
Telford International Centre is a member of the Association of Exhibition Venues, which is in the process of submitting proposals to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on how it will manage the re-opening of venues in late August.
Gordon Thomas, exhibition director of PATS, said: “As professional trade show organisers, we are working hard with our venues to cover all eventualities, with the safety of all staff, exhibitors and visitors at the forefront of any measures.
EAGER
“I’ve been in regular contact with our exhibitors throughout lockdown, making sure they are on board with everything that’s being planned for PATS Telford 2020. And they’ve been telling me they can’t wait to showcase their products.
“I’ve also spoken to retailers and buyers eager to move on from lockdown and there is a real thirst to visit an exhibition where they can see and order stock, all under one roof.
“There are still 17 weeks to go before the show and we will continue to work with everyone to ensure that PATS Telford 2020 helps the pet industry to come back stronger than ever.”
As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will be able to attend demonstrations and workshops from the UK’s leading dog groomers and seminars from prominent industry figures.
IDEAL
Subject to travel restrictions, the show will also be welcoming international visitors. Spanish retailer Mireia Sabate is making plans to visit. She said: “Attending an exhibition is ideal for me. It is so important that I travel from Barcelona every year to meet with suppliers, find new ones and discover the latest products. I can do this all in one or maybe two days and return to Cataluyna, full of ideas for my shop. I am very much looking forward to attending the next PATS.”
PATS Telford 2020 has again thrown its full backing behind the PetQuip Awards, scheduled to be presented on the first evening of the exhibition.
And the team is already planning next year’s PATS Sandown, which takes place on Sunday February 14 and Monday 15, 2021.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors and all the latest show news is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk
