The biggest-ever PATS show being held at Telford International Centre on September 27-28 will be the only place this Autumn to see all the new pet products to be launched in the UK.
Britain’s No.1 pet trade exhibition is THE show where the whole of the industry gather under one roof with over 180 companies showcasing their products in one massive hall.
It’s the ideal event for pet retailers and garden centres to decide what products to stock over the next year with hundreds of items being exhibited, many of which are new launches.
“There will be so much to see and do over the two days of the show,” said organiser Annie Foord. “It’s great to see the pet industry come together for this major event, and visitors can be sure of meeting representatives from all the leading names as well as many new ones.
“And there will be an international flavour to the show with companies from across mainland Europe and China choosing to book a stand and unveil their latest creations.”
Exhibitors from Poland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France and Denmark, will be joining their counterparts from the UK and Ireland to make PATS Telford a truly international show.
Pets Corner have nearly 100 retail stores throughout the UK and co-owner Steve Charman reveals why PATS is a ‘must-visit’ event. “A trip to PATS always gives me a good feeling about the trade,” he says. “There is a fantastic buzz about the exhibition halls, and it makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products. I find the show to be very uplifting.”
And Jenny Wiscombe, of the Pug & Puffin pet shop in Lyme Regis, Dorset, states:“I have attended many trade fairs over the past five years, and without a doubt PATS creates the biggest buzz. It is 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. We have always had an amazing time.”
A growing number of garden centres are also finding PATS to be the best place to buy products for their pet departments. Danielle Berry, of Chessington Garden Centre in Surrey, admits: “I have been attending PATS for the past five years and every year there seems to be a lot more new things to see, especially in the New Product Showcase. The show is well organised and there is a great atmosphere throughout the day.”
The New Product Showcase is one the event’s most popular features and entries for PATS Telford are currently pouring in to the organisers’ office.
Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, September 27) to decide the winners of the New Products Awards.
“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the New Product Showcase first,” adds Annie Foord. “They can view all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”
There are seven categories in the New Product Showcase and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.
Dogs Dogs Dogs won the Dog Accessory Award at PATS last September and Joanna Way said: "We were over the moon to win a New Product Award. It meant a great deal to us in terms of business and marketing potential. It also gave our clients confidence in the product and its place in the market. We're now looking forward to PATS Telford where we'll be launching some great new products."
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.
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. PetQuip will also be staging their prestigious Awards Party in the Ludlow Suite, part of the Telford International Centre, at 7.30pm on September 27.
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.
Register to enter free at http://www.onlineregistration.co.uk/shows/pats/telford15/regpats.php
