PATS Telford is gearing up to be the biggest show ever in the UK’s No.1 pet trade show’s seven-year history.
It will be the first year that PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, where a massive exhibition hall offers more floor space than ever before. More than 150 companies have already confirmed they will be exhibiting on Sunday and Monday, September 27-28, with the show on the verge of becoming a ‘sell-out’.
Many UK suppliers have taken the opportunity to increase their stand space to showcase more products than ever before, and a growing number of international companies will be exhibiting at the event.
PATS is the only event in the UK where buyers from specialist pet stores and garden centres can view all the latest product launches under one roof, and the switch to Telford is also likely to attract more international visitors. The PATS team is attending this week’s Zoomark show in Italy with the aim of driving even more international interest in PATS Telford.
“UK pet products are very popular overseas, and representatives from international pet companies can see the advantage of meeting up with British suppliers under one roof,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. “At Zoomark we’ll be encouraging more visitors to Telford where they’ll be able to discover what’s new in the market for the year ahead and have an opportunity to talk to UK-based manufacturers and suppliers.”
There will be an International Buyers’ Centre at Telford, run in association with PetQuip, where overseas visitors will be able to have meetings with clients.
Buyers from pet stores and garden centres agree that PATS is the best place for them to formulate their purchasing decisions.
“I have attended many trade events over the past five years, and without a doubt PATS creates the biggest buzz. It’s always worth taking the time out of our busy schedule because we can save as much as 30% from existing suppliers by ordering at the show,” says Jenny Wiscombe, of Pug & Puffin Pet Store, Lyme Regis, Dorset.
Meanwhile, Danielle Berry, of Chessington Garden Centre in Surrey, admits: “PATS has become an important event in my calendar over the past few years because it’s the best place to see all the new pet products. You can see everything from pet food and treats to toys and accessories. There is no other show like it.”
One of the biggest successes of previous PATS shows has been the New Product Showcase, which will have an even larger presence at Telford. A record number of over 260 new products were showcased at last September’s show and all the signs point towards this figure being broken again.
All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.
As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.
Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Visitors will also be able to relax and chat further with exhibitors at a free drinks reception once the show closes on Day One.
A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.
