The pet industry’s leading trade show, PATS Telford, has been cancelled after a Government announcement on the reopening of conferences and events.
The show was due to be held on September 27-28 at the Telford International Centre but the Prime Minister announced on Friday that business events and conferences could not reopen until at least October 1.
“Obviously this means that PATS Telford can no longer go ahead,” said Gordon Thomas, director of Impact Exhibitions and Events.
“We had already decided, due to ongoing uncertainty over when venues would be allowed to reopen, that we would have to cancel.
“The longer the uncertainty went on, the less time we had to promote PATS Telford 2020 and deliver the audience and content that exhibitors and visitors expect from us. Additionally, the welfare and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and our team are significant considerations.”
PATS will now return next year, with PATS Sandown taking place on February 14-15 and PATS Telford on September 26-27, 2021.
DIFFICULT DECISION
In a joint statement, Gordon and show organiser Annie Foord said: “In our combined 70 years of organising major industry exhibitions in the UK we’ve never had to cancel an event, and it makes us very sad to take this difficult decision.”
Annie continued: “We know how important PATS is as a forum where our community comes to learn, source product, meet suppliers and network.
“PATS is the place for the pet industry to come together as one, under one roof, to share knowledge, experience and new ideas and the great relationships that this trade is renowned for.”
The PATS team will now provide a hub for the trade to join together via itswebsite, including ongoing exhibitor promotions, new product launches, updates, content, and services promoted to its visitor database.
Annie added: “As our community looks to rebuild and recover in 2021 our team will also be working hard to ensure we return next year with an event that brings everyone back together for the reunion we will all be crying out for.
“We really look forward to welcoming everyone back through the doors at PATS Sandown in February and again at PATS Telford in September 2021.”
