PATS Harrogate has attracted a record number of exhibiting companies – 170 in total - to next month’s autumn showpiece, and looks set to be one of the most successful in the event’s six-year history.
An impressive total of 44 of the exhibitors will be first-timers at the Harrogate show on Sunday, September 14, and Monday, September 15, as more pet suppliers and manufacturers recognise that PATS is the perfect place to unveil their new products.
“We’ve been amazed at the demand for stand space at PATS Harrogate this year,” said organiser Annie Foord. “And it’s great to welcome so many companies who haven’t exhibited at our Harrogate show before.
“To accommodate everyone we’ve had to maximize the space available in Halls B, C and M, and we’re optimistic there will be a fantastic atmosphere over both days of the show.
“With so many companies exhibiting hundreds of new products, visitors will be spoilt for choice. There will be so many things to see and do, so if you haven’t registered to attend yet, my advice would be to do so now.
“Already, I sense a buzz of excitement and there’s still over three weeks to go before the doors are opened. There’s definitely a lot more confidence circulating through the industry, so when everyone comes together under one roof it should culminate in an event to remember.”
One of the most popular features at PATS is the New Product Showcase and Awards, and entries are flooding in to the organisers’ office. Manufacturers recognise that successful products have a great chance of becoming bestsellers because a panel of independent pet retailers decides the awards. And past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the products to the trade.
The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display in Hall B.
PATS Harrogate has also secured a strong line-up of speakers for two days of seminars designed to give pet retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.
The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover topics including: an insight into the life-saving abilities of medical detection dogs; pay-offs and penalties in the dog-human relationship; retailing RAW pet foods; 30 ways to improve your business in 30 minutes; and what customers are saying about your pet business online.
There will also be live grooming demonstrations from Groom Team England experts, and lots of show offers to complete two full days of activities for visiting retailers and buyers.
PATS features free entry, free catalogue and a free park-and-ride scheme. A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk, where visitors can register to attend.
Opening times
Sunday, 14th September 2014: 9.00am-5.00pm
Monday, 15th September 2014: 9.00am-4.00pm
