Pet trade exhibition PATS 2026 will stage an expanded and enhanced New Product Awards programme at this year’s event, taking place at the NEC Birmingham in September.
This year’s awards will feature more categories than ever before, with a total of 16 honours judged from entries to the New Product Showcase, sponsored by PBW News, at the exhibition, including nine pet product awards and three aquatic categories.
The programme will also feature three dedicated UK retailer awards, an international retailer award, and a lifetime achievement award, with all the accolades presented at a new gala dinner in the Concourse Suite at the NEC during the show.
Exhibition organiser Raccoon Media Group has partnered with Profile Exhibitions & Events, led by former PATS show director Gordon Thomas, to deliver the awards. The winners will be decided by an expert panel of retail professionals and independent retailers.
Further details about award categories, entry criteria, and ticket information for the gala dinner will be announced in due course.
Mike Seaman, group CEO at Raccoon Media Group, said: “It is great to be working with Gordon and his team once again and we are very excited about this opportunity. The New Product Awards and Dinner will be an absolute highlight of PATS 2026, further cementing its position as the must-attend event of the year for everyone involved in the pet industry.”
Thomas added: “I’m really excited to be involved with PATS again and I’m looking forward to working with Mike and his team on what promises to be a superb occasion.
“The New Product Awards have always been a focal point of PATS and now we have the opportunity to elevate them even further with increased recognition for the trade and a fantastic celebratory dinner.”
PATS 2026 runs from September 27-29 at the NEC Birmingham.
