With just days to go before PATS Telford opens its doors, the final preparations are being made for what promises to be the most successful show in the event’s 10-year history.
PATS Telford takes place over Sunday and Monday (23rd-24th September), and visitors can expect to find more exhibitors than ever with over 200 companies showcasing hundreds of new products.
UK retailers and international buyers will also have the opportunity to take advantage of an impressive number of show offers, and discover trade secrets from leading figures in the pet and grooming industries.
“There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to make sure that PATS Telford delivers the widest range of exhibitors, new products, seminars from experts and grooming demonstrations…all under one roof,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.
“Visitor numbers have been growing rapidly over the years and we’re confident the trend will continue this year. There is so much to see and do, and everyone can rest assured they will be given a warm and friendly reception.
“I would advise visitors to arrive at the Telford International Centre early – the show opens on both days at 9.30am – because there is so much to see and do inside the exhibition hall. We can’t wait to greet everyone.”
Visitors can expect a warm welcome from the industry’s leading brands as well as a host of new faces. The growing stature of the September trade exhibition has resulted in 63 companies taking stand space at Telford for the first time.
The mood amongst new exhibitors to PATS was summed up by Petface, whose Wayne Stevens said: “We are really looking forward to exhibiting for the first time. We have some exciting news to share with the independent pet trade and PATS is the perfect place to do that.”
And Stuart Malcolmson, of Arctic Wolf Ltd, commented: “We chose to exhibit at PATS as it allows us to meet with a large number of potential new retail partners in a central location.”
On arrival at Telford International Centre, a large majority of visitors will head for the New Product Showcase, which has attracted over 230 entries and will have a huge presence at the exhibition. All entries in the Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, will be judged by a panel of retailers for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, and the winners will receive their accolades at the PetQuip Awards Dinner in the evening.
As well as staging their awards during the Telford show, PetQuip have worked closely with PATS over the past few years to increase international interest in the event, as more buyers from overseas companies are realising the exhibition provides them with the chance to source high quality products.
PetQuip will be hosting the Buyers’ Centre on the show floor, arranging one-to-one buyer/supplier meetings during the exhibition, helping the international buyers with all their product sourcing enquiries, organising an escorted retail tour for them round a range of pet product retailers and hosting their attendance at the PetQuip Awards dinner and party.
Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of PetQuip, said: “PATS is an essential event in the UK pet industry calendar. It’s an excellent opportunity for suppliers and retailers across the pet industry to meet and network and it is an order-placing show for many. We are a loyal supporter of PATS and applaud the organisers for putting on a professional and successful exhibition.”
There’s still time to register for free show entry by going online at www.patshow.co.uk. Benefits include free parking, free catalogue, free seminars, dog grooming demonstrations and many special offers. A full list of exhibitors and visitor attractions can also be found on the website.
Opening times
Sunday, 23rd September, 2018: 9.30am-5.00pm
Monday, 24th September, 2018: 9.30am-4.00pm
