Final preparations are being made as the AQUA 2017 trade exhibition gets set to open its doors at Telford International Centre at 9.00am on Wednesday, October 18th.

With a record numbers of exhibitors and the biggest ever showcase of new products, there will be lots to keep visitors busy during this eagerly awaited aquatics and water gardening trade event.

The excitement has been building for months with over 100 companies planning their new launches around AQUA 2017.

Now the wait is almost over for both exhibitors and visitors…and the two-day show can soon begin.

With so many exciting plans it could easily be a record-breaking year for attendance numbers as well.

OATA Impact chairman Dr David Pool said: “We’re certain that time spent at AQUA 2017 will prove to be both memorable and valuable. A lot of planning and hard work has gone into organising this show and I’m confident visitors will have an enjoyable and profitable visit.”

Heritage Distribution Ltd is one company that acknowledges the benefits of exhibiting at such a prestigious show, and as a result has doubled its stand size. “We launched the company at AQUA 2013, and it was the ideal place to start the business,” said Andrew Werendel. “In 2015 we secured 50% more business at the show with more new customers on board. We can’t wait for AQUA 2017.”

For Tropical Marine Centre, the exhibition is an essential part of the company’s sales strategy. “AQUA is a great way to showcase new products to our target audience and get direct feedback from customers,” said Jayne Robb. “The show is very well organised too, by a helpful and lovely team and that is a real bonus.”

On arrival at Telford International Centre, a large majority of visitors are expected to head for the New Product Showcase, which will have a huge presence at the exhibition. All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show.

In recognition of the growing importance of the New Product Showcase, the Awards will be for first time presented to the winners at a sold-out AQUA dinner, in front of an audience of over 600 people from the trade after the first day of the show.

There will 10 different categories making up the Showcase and Awards. They are:

• POS/Merchandising/Support
• Reptile
• Pond Construction/Decoration
• Pond Pumps
• Pond Filters
• Pond Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquaria, Furniture and Decor
• Freshwater Equipment
• Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
• Marine Equipment

As well as getting to see all the new products to be launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay. There are extensive catering facilities, and everyone will receive a free tea or coffee, and a lunch voucher. Visitors can also benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall.

There’s still time to register for free entry on the AQUA 2017 website www.aquatelford.co.uk where a full list of exhibitors can be also be found.

Opening times

Wednesday, 18^th October, 2017: 9.00am-5.30pm