20 per cent more visitors than in 2010

Since PATS 2009 was first staged, its popularity has gone from strength to strength and it has enjoyed high growth rates in terms of visitors and exhibitors. It has developed with singularity of purpose into the leading trade show for the UK pet supplies sector. Exhibitors and visitors alike appear to have taken PATS to their hearts. At any rate, that’s the conclusion to be drawn from the entirely positive comments to be heard at the recent PATS 2011 at Sandown Park, not far from London. The trade fair welcomed 1 504 visitors in all – a 20 per cent increase on the number who visited PATS Sandown 2010. The number of international visitors was up by 89 per cent. Good mix of exhibitors Since exhibitor stands at PATS are attractively priced compared with other trade fairs, the show draws in not only the big shots in the industry but also small yet interesting companies with low budgets. For the retail trade this has the advantage that it is presented with a wide range of products and new ideas at PATS. Another welcome feature is that the stands have consistently been kept small, thereby hugely simplifying communication between stand staff and visitors. It was noticeable, however, that the aquatic and reptile segments tended to be poorly represented at this year’s PATS shows. Suppliers of dog and cat food predominated, and there were only a few foreign companies in attendance. The British kept to themselves for the most part, although this is pretty normal for a national trade fair. As PATS grows, one thing that could become a problem for the fair organisers is being able to offer enough stand space. The show extended over two floors at Sandown Park this year. For exhibitors on the ground floor, conditions were anything but ideal, as they were somewhat cut off from the main event and attracted fewer visitors accordingly. The organisers must try and do something to connect the two floors more closely for next year. Notwithstanding that, PATS is a fantastic and interesting meeting point for the sector. The organisers have succeeded by simple yet effective means in creating an event that prioritises maximum benefit for the customer rather than counting in the cash – a phenomenon that has become rare these days. Download: 20 per cent more visitors than in 2010 (PDF file)