The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) returns to the NEC, Birmingham on September 27–29 and organiser the Raccoon Media Group has devised a number of new content and features to further enhance the trade show for 2026.
New features include a Business & Innovation Theatre, where attendees will be able to gain insight through expert talks, live demonstrations, debates, and sessions covering the latest trends and technologies in the pet trade.
Topics will include AI, retail displays, export and import guidance, as well as practical demonstrations to showcase business applications such as grooming.
A Hosted Buyer Programme, brought to the show with the support of PetQuip, will provide an opportunity for manufacturers who are ready to take their international exposure to the next level, while also new is an International Pavilion for overseas companies to come together as a collective to demonstrate products from their country.
Also new will be a free PATS Show app, which will host a full programme of events and give users the functionality to network and arrange direct meetings with buyers.
In addition, the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) will be hosting a Drop-in Clinic at the show to give attendees the opportunity to access expert advice and guidance on all aspects of running a successful pet business, including legal support, animal welfare and customer service.
Regular features such as the Aquatics and Reptiles Zone, the New Starter Zone and the New Product Showcase and Awards, sponsored by PBW News, will also return.
PATS Event Director Ian Reynolds said: “Through strategic, continuous improvement, PATS is driving exponential growth and 2025 exceeded all ambitions.
“As we plan for 2026, the team is building on that momentum with new content and features that will make PATS even more invaluable and experiential for businesses and attendees. We are seeing growing interest from international buyers who are drawn to the strength of British brands, the quality of products on show and the level of innovation they won’t find elsewhere.”
