Manufacturers and suppliers are getting behind PATS as the pet trade event prepares for two more shows – PATS Telford in September 2019 and PATS Sandown in February 2020.
More than 110 companies have booked their stand space for the Autumn showpiece with still over five months to go, while PATS Sandown 2020 is already two-thirds full as 72 exhibitors have confirmed their place at the Spring event.
With such a winning formula, the two PATS exhibitions have become ‘must-visit’ events for UK and international retailers and buyers. Showcasing all the latest launches under one roof, the show’s reputation has grown impressively over the past 10 years since launching in 2009.
George Bramble, co-founder of Beco Pets, summed up why companies can rely on PATS to deliver the best shows for the UK pet trade.
“Both PATS shows are musts in the Beco calendar,” said George. “We traditionally launch products in Spring and Autumn so PATS Sandown and Telford respectively are ideal opportunities to showcase innovation to the industry.
“As a fast-growing business, but without huge marketing budgets, we rely heavily on pet specific retailers to promote and educate pet owners on our eco-friendly range of products. PATS attracts the best pet retailers in the country, and the organisers do a fantastic job in maximising manufacturers’ exposure before, during, and after the show. PATS is a first-class trade show!”
Jo Boughton-White, MD of Dorwest Herbs, said: “We consider PATS to be the most important trade shows in our calendar. These exhibitions are the perfect platform for us to launch new products to the right people, the decision makers in the pet trade industry! Not only that, but they are the perfect opportunity to meet current customers under one roof. We have gained several new customers from the shows and we continue to nurture those relationships thereafter.”
Rob Newsome, director of sales & operations at Danish Design Pet Products, said: “We believe that PATS is the go-to event for all businesses across the pet industry. We know that we make contact with our valued existing customers as well as opening up new opportunities every time.”
And Sam Marriage, MD of Marriages Specialist Foods, said: “PATS is a really important launch pad for us and we try to come to every single show with at least one new product. It’s really good that PATS supports us in the industry with the New Product Awards as it helps to keep innovation in the market.”
Bill Kimberling, trade channel controller at Forthglade, said PATS was a great place to meet customers and to showcase the company’s full range of natural products. “The event always has such a buzz. It provides the ideal opportunity for retailers to ask lots of questions face to face, while taking advantage of the special offers available at the show.”
Inspired Pet Nutrition was the first company to book a stand with PATS in 2009 under the Wagg brand, and has exhibited ever since. Sales director Ben Anderson said: “From IPN’s standpoint, PATS Sandown and Telford are the only UK pet trade shows that we will be supporting going forward.
“PATS gets better year on year in terms of visitor numbers, quality of visitor, event timings and location. As a major manufacturer, we know that the show will deliver the level of retail buyer that we are targeting with our new product launches and wider branded ranges.
“Since day one PATS has been a successful show for IPN, organised by people that truly understand the pet market and the calibre of customer that we are looking to see on our stand.”
At PATS, the entire industry comes together under one roof, making it ideal for all pet retailers, vets, groomers, farm shops, and garden centres. With hundreds of items being exhibited at every show, many of which are new to the market, there is something to meet every retailer’s needs.
Organiser Gordon Thomas explained how PATS is able to stage such first class exhibitions. “We work closely with new and regular exhibitors to make sure our shows are fit for purpose. We listen to their comments and make changes when necessary.
“For instance, we switched PATS Sandown to a Sunday and Monday in February this year after consultation with our customers – a move that proved hugely successful.
“We also work hard at delivering the right audience, ensuring that our visitors are the people making the key buying decisions.”
The PATS winner formula delivers:
> . Hundreds of the latest pet product launches under one roof
> . New Product Awards, judged by a panel of pet retailers and sponsored by pbwnews
> . Informative talks by leading experts from across the industry
> . Top class demonstrations and workshops from award-winning groomers
> . Unrivalled show offers and competitions
> . An opportunity to network with UK and international retailers and buyers
PATS Telford also plays host to the prestigious PetQuip Awards, now in its seventh year. These awards have consistently delivered a professional, enjoyable and successful networking evening event for the whole industry where suppliers and retailers can mix, have fun and celebrate the industry’s many successes.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.
