Now firmly established as a biennial event, AQUA 2017 looks set to attract the major companies in the trade, who acknowledge the importance of exhibiting their products and services to aquatic and garden centre retailers, all under one roof.

With preparations for the 2017 event already underway, organiser Annie Foord said: “I am delighted with the enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and visitors to our biennial event.

“The record-breaking attendance at AQUA 2015 last October proves that the format of AQUA 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 2017.”

The AQUA show has grown in size and importance over the past few years and visitor numbers at the exhibition last October were up 9% on the previous event in 2013.

Added to the fact that last year’s event attracted the highest number of exhibitors (more than 80), there’s clear evidence the show was a huge success for everyone concerned.

Following the event’s success, the organisers have already received enquiries from companies seeking to exhibit at the event for the first time as well as previous exhibitors looking to increase the size of their stand space.

There is also growing interest from overseas companies and a team from AQUA 2017 will be attending Interzoo in May to meet potential international exhibitors and visitors.

One of the most popular features at AQUA is the New Product Showcase, and in 2017 it will be given even greater prominence with a larger dedicated area, allowing visiting buyers the chance to view all the latest launches in one spot.

As well as getting to see all the new products to be 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.

Exhibitors and visitors are already thinking ahead to AQUA 2017. Simon Kilroy, CEO of KoralSea, says: “We had a great response at AQUA 2015 and have been flat out ever since. We’re already looking forward to 2017.”

And Peter Carey, the Aquatic Operations Manager at Pets at Home, added: “In a time when many trade shows are in heavy decline, or being cancelled, this show goes from strength to strength. I am very much looking forward to the next show in 2017.”

To find out why AQUA has become a vital date in the water gardening and aquatics trade calendar, retailers and suppliers can view comments about last October’s event in a special video on www.aquatelford.co.uk

More details of the 2017 event can also be found on the website or interested parties can call the AQUA hotline +44 (0) 1892 862848. Companies wishing to exhibit should call Annie Foord on the same number.