Following a record-breaking show in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers earlier this month, AQUA has confirmed it will return to Telford International Centre in 2017.The latest edition of the UK’s largest and water gardening trade exhibition was hailed as a massive success by both suppliers and retailers with many exhibitors already stating their intention to return in 2017 when the event will take place on October 18-19th.
Simon Kilroy, CEO of KoralSea, summed up the mood of exhibitiors when he said: “We had a great response at AQUA 2015 and have been flat out ever since with stores seeking details of our range. We’re already looking forward to 2017.”
A total of 1,711 visitors attended AQUA 2015, a 9% increase on 2013. Added to the fact that this 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.
“AQUA is a great showcase for a thriving UK market,” said Matthew Bubear, CEO of CASCO Europe. “It attracts a high-calibre of visitor and is right up there with other international shows. It just keeps getting better.”
Mark Winter, of Aqua One, added: “This industry is full of innovation and it needs an event like this to showcase everything that is being launched.”
Visiting retailers echo the positive comments from suppliers and agree the industry deserves a successful and high profile event like AQUA.
Peter Carey, the Aquatic Operations Manager at Pets at Home, said: “It seems to get even better every year. In a time when many trade shows are in heavy decline, or being cancelled, this show goes from strength to strength. I find it hugely valuable as it gives me a chance to catch up with all my suppliers in one place, and to see what is new and upcoming in the aquatics world. The evening gala event is an excellent opportunity to informally network and form new connections, which over the years I have been coming to AQUA, have proven hugely valuable. I am very much looking forward to the next show in 2017.”
And Jerry Arnold, managing director of Seapets, said: “This year’s AQUA exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s well worth the time and effort of every aquatic retailer to visit and it seemed as though they did.”
Organiser Annie Foord admitted she was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and visitors to our biennial event. “The record-breaking attendance 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.”
More reaction to AQUA 2015 can now be seen on a special video of the event which can be found on www.aquatelford.co.uk or https://vimeo.com/143149628
