Mixed reaction to launch of new pet trade show
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Pet companies exhibiting at a new trade show have given a mixed reaction to the event although they have expressed a hope that it continues in the future.
Collarways, Symply Pet Foods and Baggee exhibited at the inaugural Pet Press Event held in London last week where they intended to present their products to the British media.
Organiser Guy Burtenshaw, of Media-Events, admitted it had been a challenge to launch the Pet Press Event but felt confident that it would grow into a highly successful show.
Katie Goldsmith, from Collarways, said: "On the positive side, apart from the location changes, it was well organised and as an 'exhibitor' we were well looked after with plenty of drink/food and help etc.
"Unfortunately, even though over 70 journalists registered, only 30-odd turned up. Saying that, we met contacts from the Express and Country Life which could bear fruit.
"As with this type of event, it will take time to see if anything comes of it but I am hopeful. With any new event, you take a gamble and wait to see if it pays off.
"I hope it will be run again with more support from the pet trade as the opportunity to meet writers from outside our own trade could be of huge advantage."
Richard Mock, of Symply Pet Foods Ltd, admitted: "It was disappointing mainly due to the lack of attendees. However, it was the first event so I would expect future shows to grow in popularity."
And Conal Cunningham, of Baggee, said: "Not sure whether it was because they moved the venue twice but I felt it was a very poor show. I spoke to one lady from the Express so something may come of it."
Media Events has successfully organised the Garden Press Event for 11 years, during which time the event has grown steadily. This year 295 media professionals visited the event, including all National and Sunday Newspapers, all UK Garden magazines including specialist publications, BBC Local Radio from all over the UK, TV programmes including Gardeners World, Love your Garden, Hort TV and UK Style, many syndicated writers and bloggers.
It had been planned to stage the Pet Press Event at the Barbican, the venue for the Garden Press Event. It was then switched to The London Hilton Metropole, but eventually took place at the Congress Centre.
To find out more visit www.petpressevent.co.uk
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