Excitement builds for PATS 2025 at the NEC Birmingham
Excitement is building as companies book their stands for PATS 2025, which will take place at the NEC Birmingham for the first time.
The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show will be staged in Hall 1 of the NEC over three days from Sunday, 28th September through to Tuesday, 30th September 2025.
Following a record-breaking PATS 2024, which saw the largest ever increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers, the 2025 event is set to offer companies even more opportunities as it moves to the UK’s largest exhibition centre.
Next year’s show will be able to accommodate up to 500 UK and international exhibitors at PATS 2025.
And the show looks set to attract more visitors than the record number of 3,541 at PATS 2024, thanks to the NEC’s central location. As well as being located in the heart of the country’s motorway network, close to junction 6 of the M42, it also has direct rail links to major cities, plus Birmingham International Airport on its doorstep. There are over 16,500 onsite car parking spaces, hotels to fit all budgets, and a wide range of purpose-built catering facilities to suit all tastes.
Event director Gordon Thomas said: “There is huge interest in PATS 2025 with exhibitors eager to book their stand space as early as possible, and many brands looking to take larger stands than previous years.
“In welcoming the move, exhibitors have told us they think the NEC offers greater opportunities to showcase their products and services to a far wider audience.”
Peter Roy, UK managing director of The Nutriment Company, agreed with Gordon, stating: “I’m really looking forward to NEC Birmingham next year – it’s a great location for visitors and manufacturers both from the UK and beyond. I’m sure many of us in the pet trade will find a good spot to meet up in the evenings as well – it happens at Interzoo and Zoomark, and it will happen at PATS NEC.”
And Charlie Williams, joint managing director of Canagan Group, added: “We believe that the NEC could offer significant advantages, including improved transport links and a larger venue to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors and visitors.”
Jonothan Goodman, director of In Vogue Pets, described the move as a game-changer. “The NEC is a great venue and the communications and travel are so easy – just get off the train and you are there,” he said.
“We’re really excited about the move to the NEC. With the venue being so close to Birmingham International airport, we’re confident it will bring in even more international interest,” commented Matthew Gwynn, sales & digital marketing manager, of Johnson’s Veterinary Products.
All of the popular features of PATS will be included in next year’s exhibition, including the New Product Showcase and Awards, the New Starter Zone and the Grooming Workshop.
The Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for reptile, aquatics and watergardening exhibitors, will also return following a successful launch at PATS 2024.
Cyril Geoffray, UK & Ireland national sales manager at Zoo Med, revealed: “I will definitely need a larger stand in 2025 following a great show this year.”
“The Aquatics Zone at PATS 2024 allowed us to return to exhibiting in the UK after a three-year break,” said Joey Abrahams, director of Aquadip. “We had a great show and can now look forward to showcasing our products at the 2025 show.”
Regular visitors also agree that a show at the NEC has its advantages. Guiseppe Bloom-Mangione, founder of London-based Muthapuppa, said: “Getting to PATS in future will certainly be easier for me, and for many others. It’s important to attend an exhibition like PATS, and any initiative that makes the process even easier is very welcome.”
“PATS is an important highlight of the year and we wouldn’t want to miss any of it,” added Toni Thornton, managing director of Four Oaks Pet Supplies in Scarborough. “We attended all three days at PATS 2024 and hope to do so again next year.”
Companies wishing to book stands at PATS 2025 should call the PATS office on 01892 862848 or visit the website www.patshow.co.uk and click on ‘stand enquiry’.