Next Autumn’s PATS trade show in Telford could see more than 400 exhibitors showing their wares to pet care retailers, product buyers and international visitors.
PATS 2024, to be staged from Sunday September 29 to Tuesday October 1, 2024, will be a three-day event following the decision to merge the two PATS exhibitions – Sandown and Telford – into one. The 2024 exhibition will take over the entire Telford International Centre, giving the organisers the ability to accommodate more than 400 exhibitors, compared to this year’s record number of 256.
More than 40 new companies have already expressed an interest in exhibiting, say the organisers, with start-up firms also accommodated within the PATS New Starter Zone. PATS organisers will also be working closely with export trade association PetQuip to encourage an increasing number of international buyers to attend.
A number of UK pet products suppliers have already welcomed the expanded event.
Pedigree Wholesale’s head of buying Melanie Malin said: “We are really excited about PATS being a three-day show in 2024. We feel it’s a positive move that allows us to focus on representing the best version of Pedigree Wholesale.
“We hope the bigger central show allows more customers to be able to visit over the three days. It also means our buying team can spend much more time engaging with our current suppliers and gives more opportunity to understand the exciting new products on offer.”
Cranswick Pet Products has already booked its stand for PATS 2024 and head of marketing Jerry Lowe said: “The team are really looking forward to the new three-day format. We had a great show with our Vitalin and Alpha brands this year, meeting so many customers, old and new, and it was a great place to showcase our re-designs and new recipes. Having an extra day next year is exciting and creates an opportunity to see everyone for longer.”
The new three-day show will retain all its established features such as the New Product Showcase and Awards, the Grooming Workshop, and a wide array of special deals and discounts. Entry remains free for visitors.
