On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Autumn Fair launches new business pavilion The UK’s largest retail marketplace for Home, Gift & Fashion, Autumn Fair has announced the launch of a New Business Pavilion designed to support small businesses and the next generation of makers and creators, helping put their products on the map and reach thousands of buyers nationwide. 100 New Business Pavilion ready-to-exhibit entry level price packages are available and include space at both Autumn Fair taking place from 1st – 4th September 2024 at NEC Birmingham, and Spring Fair from 2nd – 5th February 2025. As the indispensable destinations for buyers to explore a wealth of new and captivating products from the most coveted brands in retail, the packages have been curated to give retail’s future leaders a chance to reach a new marketplace, learn from seasoned businesses, and be part of the future of retail with Spring & Autumn Fair. The packages are offered across all sectors including The Summerhouse, a curated home for the most beautiful, styleled and on-trend interior accessories and gifts; as well as Home Living & Décor; Gift; Beauty & Wellbeing; Greetings Cards, Stationery & Wrapping; Kids, Toys & Play; Everyday; and within Moda, Clothing & Footwear; Fashion Accessories; and Jewellery & Watch. Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair says, “We are very excited to launch our New Business packages, tailor-made for small businesses to help them put their products in front of key, purchase-ready buyers from leading stores like Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco, Dunelm as well as thousands of independent retailers. This opportunity also helps businesses who have never exhibited before to meet and learn from the best by joining the 800+ seasoned makers, creators and product sellers while at the show.” New Business Pavilion exhibitors will be able to showcase their products at two of the UK’s biggest retail trade events - Autumn Fair 2024 and Spring Fair 2025, within a large pavilion of other new businesses ready to make the next step selling their products to business across the UK and Ireland. From open plan displays to creative showcasing solutions, new businesses will be able to amplify their presence and products to key buyers at both shows. Exhibitors will also get access to exhibitor playbooks and association support, dedicated marketing initiatives to support your business, and ongoing support from a dedicated account manager. Spaces are limited but applications are now open - visit www.autumnfair.com/new-business-pavilion to apply. NOPEX TAKES DECISIVE STANCE AGAINST ‘UNWANTED VISITORS’ ATTENDING THE SHOW Following feedback from exhibitors that too many companies are attending shows to sell to both exhibitors and visitors without exhibiting, Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) has taken decisive action, which, according to the organisers, Diversified Communications, has led to a significantly improved event. The presence of companies selling their services to stand holders, who have invested significant sums in attending, and setting up camp in cafes and shared areas, has become a growing problem for organisers, with increasing numbers of exhibitors stating this as a reason for not attending trade shows and others saying, they will attend as visitors instead of exhibiting. According to Jenni Sandells, Marketing Director of NOPEX, the problem had to be addressed; “We have always had a robust process, but we recognised that further action was needed. We knew we couldn’t carry on letting anyone in based on trust, with both sellers and sample collectors, becoming an increasing problem. So, we took decisive action, with every single visitor vetted for relevance. It was a time-consuming process and resulted in a staggering 34 percent of registration being denied entry, via an email before the event. With the events industry so focused on numbers, it went against everything we have learned, and it was scary to see so many people being denied entry. However, it also illustrated the scale of the problem. And I’m delighted to say that, although we did see a drop of 16 percent in total attendance, the number of legit buyers was up, the quality was better, and our exhibitors had a much better show!” Event Director, Annie Lindsell says: “we’re thrilled with the reaction to NOPEX this year, and our crack-down on nonexhibiting companies wishing to come to the show has definitely worked, with many people saying that this was the best show they have had for several years. As one exhibitor said, the quality of the audience is much more important than the quantity.” Exhibitors welcomed the change, which was reflected in a much more positive exhibiting experience: “In the shows 28year history, the quality of the visitors was the best we have ever seen,” says Kriss Grenville, MD of The Natural Health Practice. “I’ve seen a strong attendance and have particularly noticed an increase in the quality of visitors! It’s an important show for us as a business and for this industry,” says Neil Hubbard, Marketing Manager of Dundeis. “NOPEX is the best B2B event, and the quality of the customers has been amazing. This is going to project my business in the right direction,” says Essjay Hartshorn from Bomonde. “Organic Food Consultant, Simon Wright. 12
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