Fair seeks new initiatives

Once again Petindex established itself as a market place for smaller suppliers seeking contact – in some cases for the first time – with the pet supplies sector in Britain. On the other hand, the big names in the international pet supplies business were missing once again. Even the contingent of foreign pet product companies was limited to Velda, R. Moerings and Happy-House (all from the Netherlands), Mister Pet and Pastovit (both from Italy), Petra Aqua (Czech Republic), Animal Gear (Belgium), Quiko and Markus Mühle (both from Germany) and Greville Agencies (Ireland). Other brands from abroad were represented by British importers and wholesalers. The urgent need to do something about the show concept to prevent it from falling into obscurity has been recognised by the organisers: on the opening day of Glee 2009, Emap Connect confirmed fresh dates for next year’s show, as well as a strengthened set of exhibitor benefits including a value-driven pricing structure, turnkey stand packages, boosted marketing provision and innovative show content. Many of the new initiatives should help to drive down the total costs of exhibiting. Key announcements Having historically taken place from Sunday to Tuesday, Glee 2010 (20-22 September) will open on Monday and close on Wednesday “in response to exhibitor and visitor demand”, according to the organisers. And for the second year running, no exhibitor will experience a rise in the price per square metre. Furthermore, exhibitors are to be offered a cost-effective new option to help achieve a professional, well-designed stand at lower cost. The turnkey stand packages have been created in conjunction with one of the UK’s leading exhibition and event service companies. “Open to all exhibitors, but with a specific focus on those exhibitors who wish to achieve a more personalised stand, the new stand packages will help alleviate the increased costs often associated with the design and storage of a custom-made stand,” says Emap in a press release. Exhibitors will also receive increased PR and marketing support. New product awards The winners of the “Glee Petindex New Product” awards were announced at the inaugural Pet Industry Awards dinner, which was sponsored by Nestlé Purina and Mars, and organised by the Pet Care Trust. The winner of the Pet Innovation Award was the British company Becothings with the “Becobowl”, while the Aquatic Innovation Award was won by Bermuda with the “Milan Table Top Feature”. In addition to the…