Petindex is a new trade show aimed at all pet businesses within the UK pet market, as well as those overseas. It is organised by the Pet Industry Federation, the UK trade association for pet businesses.
Here the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) outlines its plans for Petindex, which takes place on 26-27 April 2020 at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes.
"The Pet Industry Federation is at the heart of the UK’s pet industry, with membership bringing together businesses from the whole industry in a way which no other UK organisation does.
"Petindex will provide a unique platform to unite the whole industry at one event, attracting a wide audience of pet professionals looking for more than just a trade show. It is positioned differently to other trade shows in the UK, because of its aim to bring all types of pet businesses together, not just the traditional retailer/manufacturer combination. The shape and nature of pet retail in the UK is changing, and Petindex is a show which broadens the horizons for pet manufacturers and offers them not just retailers, but also influencers within the service sector.
"All pet businesses are invited to visit Petindex. The main event is free to attend as a visitor, including all the seminars and demonstrations taking place throughout the event. The event takes place under one roof over two days at a convenient, centrally located venue with on-site hotel and great road and rail access and at a good time of year."
Why should businesses have a trade stand?
"Petindex is projected to have over 100 trade stands from both the UK and overseas and companies such as Royal Canin, Natures Menu, Marriage’s, Supreme Petfoods and Pawfect Petfoods have already committed to attend. From the profiles of our pet membership, we know that in order to support pet manufacturers, influencers of products are very important. Any business involved in this industry will both like pets and use pet products. They in turn talk to pet owners and are therefore a brilliant resource to promote your products. We aim to harness this at Petindex where visitors will be designated as either a retailer/large purchaser of products or an influencer. This will allow stand holders to target their conversation stand visitors.
"PIF is a not for profit company which means we don’t have shareholders. Our members own PIF and therefore this allows us to offer stands at much more economical rates than other shows as well as make the event and seminars free to enter for pet businesses. Exhibitors will also be able to get a discount to attend the PIF Awards on Sunday 26 April."
What about education?
"There will be three seminar rooms running a wide variety of seminars over two days. The seminar rooms collectively hold 300 people and we have already secured Trevor Cooper (Dog Law), Yvonne Mackinder (COAPE), Joe Watson (Petland USA), export market seminars on China, the USA and the EU, as well as many other speakers who we will announce closer to the event. There will be something for everyone and our seminar themes will include business, animal wellness, grooming, retailing, and pet services.
"In the main arena, there will also be an education zone with City & Guilds, Pearsons and LANTRA and of course PIF Education attending where you can discuss courses and how you can be part of PIF’s core objective of raising standards in the pet industry."
What else is going on?
"On Sunday 26 April, the British Dog Grooming Championships will take place to determine the 2020 Groomer of the Year. Registrations will open before the end of the year and if you have never visited a grooming competition before it’s well worth a look to see the dedication and passion that pet groomers put into this competition. On the Monday, the area will host grooming demonstrations delivered by internationally renowned groomers.
"Our intention is to help businesses connect the dots, so there will also be a business village at the show. Too often businesses are isolated and find it difficult to get practical help in starting business services or how to engage with other like-minded business people. Petindex will also offer advice on developing pet services such as grooming, walking or day care – areas which are really booming in the industry currently.
"There will a ‘green’ sustainability stand where we will have experts on hand to talk about things you could do to make your business more sustainable. We want to help you change some of your old habits for a more sustainable future.
"For PIF members, there will be a lounge you can visit for you to take time out during the day for some complementary refreshments. The arena of course also sells food and drink during the day.
"In addition, exhibitors will also have the opportunity to put forward products at Petindex for the innovation awards and we will announce the winners in four categories during the Awards night.
"And talking of the Awards night, the Pet Industry Federation Awards dinner will take place on Sunday 26 April in the DoubleTree Hilton – the hotel adjoining the arena, so not far to walk!"
Sunday 26 – Monday 27 April
Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
www.petindexshow.com
