RECORD-BREAKING SHOW RETURNS TO THE RICOH ARENA

THE MOST SUCESSFUL SHOW TO DATE

A record number of exhibitors from across the globe attended the ninth Trade Only National Show at the Ricoh Arena – and over 75 per cent of space is already booked for next year.

Nearly 3,000 visitors attended the two-day event which is the UK’s biggest annual trade show for promotional products and corporate clothing.

There were more suppliers exhibiting than ever before, with 350 stands and people from 56 countries taking part ranging from Australia to the USA and nearly 2,000 staff on hand to discuss everything from products to catalogues.

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) Annual Awards Dinner, organised by Trade Only, saw nearly 700 guests enjoy a gala dinner in the E.ON Lounge with an electrifying performance from top dance band Carte Blanche.

Almost 150 delegates attended the BPMA Education Day which included sessions by industry experts Dee Blick, Warren Knight, Paul Bellantone, Rod Brown and Michel van Bavel.

The inaugural Constant Contact Promotional Merchandise Industry Digital Awards were also held during the show.

Nigel Bailey, Event Director for Trade Only, said the 2015 show had been the most successful they had held.

He said: “It has been, as always, an amazing few days. This show has become one of the very top promotional product trade shows in the world. With over 75 per cent of space now reserved for 2016, we are already hard at work planning to make next year’s event even better.

“Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been universally very positive. Our new VeriREG registration software has helped us improve visitor quality yet again and this has been reflected in many of the comments we have received already from our exhibitors.”

Stephanie Cunningham, Exhibition Manager for Trade Only, added: “It has been brilliant and we have all been working non-stop. The reaction from everyone has been terrific.

“As a newcomer to the promo-world, I learned a lot and everyone seemed to be inspired and just happy to be here; what an amazing industry! Our sincere thanks go to everyone who has been a part of this great show in any way.”

Visitors thronged the stands, networked and watched manufacturing demonstrations as Trade Only used the entire 20,000 sqm of event space at the Ricoh Arena including the Jaguar Exhibition Hall and Freeman Hall 3.

Chris Owen, Senior Events Manager at the Ricoh Arena, said there had been a constant buzz throughout the Ricoh Arena during the two-day show.

“Nigel and his team work really hard preparing for the show 12 months in advance to make sure there is always something new to entice visitors and exhibitors,” he said.

“We have signed a three-year deal with the organisers and we are proud of the fact the Ricoh Arena is associated as the home of Trade Only.

“Dates have already been agreed for 2016 – January 20 and 21 – and, once again, all the key suppliers will be here to meet new and current clients, launch new products or catalogues and source products for another memorable two days.”