AQUA, the market-leading showcase for the UK’s water gardening and aquatics trade, will be returning to the Telford International Centre on October 16-17, 2019.

Now firmly established as a biennial event, AQUA attracts the major companies in the industry, who acknowledge the importance of exhibiting their products and services to specialist aquatic and water gardening retailers and garden centres, all under one roof.

Organiser Annie Foord said: “I am delighted with the enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and visitors to this event. The positive response to AQUA 2017 proves that the event is continuing to deliver the audience our exhibitors have come to expect from the largest show of its kind in the UK. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Telford in 2019.”

The doors to AQUA 2017 may now be closed, but the industry praise continues to be heard.

Here’s some great reaction from exhibitors at the show:

Chris Hepburn, Regional Sales Manager, Hozelock: “This was undoubtedly our busiest and most successful of the five AQUAs to date, with a healthy number of new business enquiries in addition to our established customer base. I would commend the show for being well organised (as always) at a venue which is easily accessible and suits the needs of exhibitors and customers alike. It’s an event which has become a great focal point for the aquatic trade in the UK.”

Joey Abrahams, Commercial Director, AQUADIP: “We enjoyed another fantastic show. It was the perfect place for us to catch up with current customers but also to display the complete range of products we can offer to new customers. Since the show we have been busy non-stop and received great feedback of the new service we introduced at AQUA: branded dry foods and frozen food.”

Andy Bond, National Sales Manager, OASE: “We had a very successful show. It was definitely the best AQUA to date. The quality of people visiting our stand was exceptional and we spoke to all the right people.”

Richard Pyrah, Sales Director, Kelkay: “We had a warm reaction to our Easy Fountains during the show and it was great to meet some new faces in the aquatics sector.”

Visitor reaction was equally praise worthy:

Boyd J Douglas-Davies, CEO, Hillview Garden Centres: “Great show for anyone involved or contemplating the aquatics industry. I was impressed by the quantity of exhibitors and the level they had gone to in creating inspirational and engaging displays. Every element of the sector appeared to be represented. The location is good for our business and the facilities are first class for a show of this size. We operate two aquatic shops within the group so both managers attended the show and found it to be an extremely day.”

Mark Evenden, Devotedly Discus: “Aqua Telford is an event that I think just about everyone involved with aquatics looks forward to because it is simply unique. There is not the opportunity elsewhere to view, handle and assess so many products like it. The companies exhibiting, with out exception, put on a good show and there are some very good deals on offer. As a visitor it is easy to register and in the build up you are kept up to date with any developments and conveniently ‘reminded’ of the date and times. The halls are spacious and easy enough to find what you are looking for. I also like the space given to the refreshment areas. For an independent retailer, Aqua Telford is an event you just cannot miss.”

Pete Carey, Aquatic Operations Manager (Pet Team), Pets at Home:

“Another amazing show by the Aqua team. The show was very busy this year and it was so good to see so many aquatics people together and showing that the industry is thriving and growing. Lots of innovation and new products also added to the vibrant and exciting show.”

Steve Rudd, Partner, Maidenhead Aquatics:  “As a trade customer I felt the show was well organised. The Telford exhibition centre is a great venue, in terms of both its location and facilities. The vast majority of the UK aquatics trade were present, showcasing both new and existing products. The show is the perfect location to meet up with existing suppliers as well as creating new contacts in an enjoyable and relaxing environment.”

Simon Jenkins, Ripples Waterlife: “The show, the location and evening party were all fabulous and I thought it went well with a very good atmosphere around the halls for the two days. It’s important for the trade to have a well-run show every couple of years to bring people together and catch up on what’s new. Overall, I was very impressed and look forward to Aqua 2019.”

Kevin Rose, Lynchford Aquatics Ltd: “The show was, once again, a great showcase for our industry. There was a positive vibe from the people I spoke to, both visitor and exhibitor alike. Everything seemed to run smoothly and the layout had a familiarity from previous shows, which meant navigating it was simple. The venue goes from strength to strength with recent external development making visiting an even more attractive proposition.”

Len MacGlashan, Water World Ltd: “I found Aqua 2017 to be vibrant and full of confidence for the coming year. Aqua 2017 offers anybody within the aquatic industry the opportunity to view new and exclusive products available to us all.”

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news from AQUA 2017 visit www.aquatelford.co.uk