PATS has smashed all records with its first-ever three-day show at Telford in Shropshire, attracting its highest ever attendance figures since the event was launched in 2009.
A total of 3,541 visitors – made up of retailers, buyers, groomers and industry professionals – came through the doors of the Telford International Centre in Shropshire, which was 52% higher than the previous record set last year.
The largest-ever PATS show, staged in four halls and including an Aquatics Zone for the first time, featured more than 340 exhibitors. Having now outgrown the Telford venue, next year’s exhibition will move to the NEC Birmingham, taking place in Hall 1 from Sunday, September 28 to Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Show director Gordon Thomas said the visitor attendance record, backed up by the highest number of exhibitors, was clear evidence of the event’s popularity.
He said: “Overall, the response to PATS 2024 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show. Also, the reaction to news of our move to the NEC Birmingham in 2025 has been greeted with enthusiasm by both exhibitors and visitors.”
