Visitors to the two-day AQUA 2015 exhibition can expect to see an impressive display of new products when the premier aquatics and water gardening trade show takes place at Telford International Centre on October 14-15.
The New Products Showcase is one of the most popular features at the event as visiting buyers welcome the chance to view all the latest launches in one dedicated area.
Nearly 100 new products were showcased in 2013 when AQUA was last staged, and a higher number is expected this year. All the items will be entered into the New Products Awards, which will be judged by team of independent retailers on the opening morning of the show.
In recognition of the growing importance of the New Products Showcase and Awards, there will 10 different categories compared to five in 2013.
The categories that now make up the Showcase and Awards are:
- POS/Merchandising Idea
- Reptile Product
- Pond Construction/Decoration
- Pond Pump
- Pond Filter
- Pond Food, Care and Accessories
- Aquaria and Furniture
- Aquarium Equipment
- Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
- Aquarium Decoration
Show organiser Annie Foord said: “New product development is a key factor in a company’s ongoing success, and that’s why shows like AQUA 2015 are so important.
“The fact that we have extended the range of New Products Showcase categories just emphasises how important this feature has become.”
Winning an award is a real accolade for the companies involved and helps promote both company and product awareness.
John Courtney-Smith, of past award winner Arcadia, commented: “Entering a product is 100% worth it. It’s great to be recognised for the hard work that goes into a product. I feel that winning the award really helped as part of a concerted effort to make us the UK’s number one reptile keeping brand.”
CASCO Europe won a New Products Award at AQUA 2013 and CEO Matthew Bubear says they’ll be entering again this year. “We have various products and innovations in development which we will launch at AQUA 2015.
“AQUA is a very well organised and attended trade show which gives us a great opportunity to reach out to the trade,” adds Matthew. “At the show our aim is to provide brand and product awareness. It also gives us the opportunity to demonstrate features and provide an excellent platform to launch new products.”
As well as getting to see all the new products being launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay, including a free deli bag lunch and more catering facilities. And retailers and buyers will also be invited to join exhibitors at an AQUA dinner on the first evening of the exhibition. The dinner, which will also be free, has been moved to a larger room to accommodate nearly 700 people. More details will be announced nearer the show.
Visitors can also benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall, and will be able to take full advantage of a new events village called Southwater Square, recently opened close to the centre with a new hotel, restaurants, and one of the UK’s largest town-centre parks.
The AQUA 2015 website can be found at www.aquatelford.co.uk and the AQUA hotline is +44 (0) 1892 862848.
Date for the diary
AQUA 2015, October 14-15, Telford International Centre
