Thousands of show-goers flocked to Coventry for the eighth Trade Only National Show, making the event the most successful ever, its organizers announced. The show, held on Jan. 22 and 23 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK, saw more than 3,000 thousand visitors through the doors over its two-day run.
The British Promotional Merchandise Association (bpma) Annual Awards Dinner organized by Trade Only on the middle night of the show saw nearly 900 suppliers and distributors enjoying one of the largest and most glamorous industry galas ever held, with an electrifying performance from top dance troupe Diversity.
Almost 200 delegates attended the bpma Education Day, endorsed by the show on Jan. 21, which included sessions by Cliff Quicksell and a rousing closing address by Made To Order boss and PPAI vice president Rod Brown.
“It has been an incredible few days. The show has just kept growing and is now one of the biggest and best promotional product trade shows in the world,” said Nigel Bailey, event director for Trade Only. “With over 75 percent of space now reserved for 2015, we are already hard at work planning to make next year’s event even better. Feedback from suppliers and distributors alike has been universally very positive. The watch words that everyone has been using here are ‘quality’ and ‘easy’. The new earlier opening times for the show worked well too.”
Jackie Rourke, exhibition manager for Trade Only, added: “It has been amazing and we have all been working non-stop. The reaction from everyone has been terrific. We have made a number of changes to the set-up and breakdown of the show which have proved highly successful. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who has been a part of this great show in any way.”
There were more suppliers exhibiting than ever before, with 350 stands and nearly 2,000 staff. The show benefited from an international flavor, with representatives from 55 countries.
Visitors thronged the stands, networked and watched manufacturing demonstrations at WORX! Cliff Quicksell’s educational Power Sessions attracted up to 150 people per session. The lunchtime World Leader Keynotes featured industry principals from around the world.
The bpma Annual Awards Dinner saw wins for Brand Addition, Preseli, LSI, Allwag Promotions and The Pen Warehouse. The glittering evening also saw the results of the votes for Campaign of the Year, won by Fluid Branding, and Personality of the Year, won by Evan Lewis. The audience was then wowed by a high energy set from Diversity which sent the attendees wild.
The Trade Only National Show delighted visitors and exhibitors alike:
“We’ve come along today with some specific clients in mind and we’re going away with lots and lots of ideas.” – Kelly Day, Reflex Marketing & Promotions.
“It’s been a great show for the industry—very professionally done.” – Steve Bodgers, SPS.
“Very professional, and just gets better every year.” – Les Wright, Falcon Promotions.
“Setup this year was the best I’ve ever experienced at any show—very smooth.” – Andrew Williams, Pencom.
“This year’s show has seen a big boost in the quality of inquiries on stand.” – Harvey Jeal, Evolve Branding.
“As a first-time exhibitor, we were delighted with the number of visitors. The organization was great and we will definitely be back.” – Lee Craze, Fresh Air.
“Busy beyond belief, especially on the first day—great improvement in the quality of visitors, and we’ve already booked for next year.” – John Travis, Will International.
“The quality of visitors this year has been the best ever.” – Martin Markey, Kernow Plusfile.
“A lovely opportunity to spend time with customers, good quality inquiries—well done, Trade Only!” – Andy Goffin, Listawood.
“It’s been very busy and consistent all the way through the show.” Paul Maye – Xindao.
“Excellent show, quality of visitors even better than last year. Very well done to all the team—we’ve booked for next year!” – Charles Booth, Booth Bros.
“The earlier opening worked well for us, as the steadier flow of people into the show meant we weren’t swamped first thing. Well done Trade Only!” – Andrew Hill, Senator.
“It’s the premier show. Exemplary stuff from Nigel and the Trade Only team.” – Mark Lee, Keramikos.
“What a great start to the year!” – Tracey Bowen, PF Concept.
The ninth Trade Only National Show will again be held at the Ricoh Arena, Jan. 21 and 22, 2015.
For more information, visit www.tradeonlyshows.com.
