News

OTS 2019 dates announced

Following the success of the 2018 event, the organisers of the Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) have announced that the 2019 show will go ahead at EventCity, Manchester from July 9 to July 11.

The decision follows exhaustive research with retailers and exhibitors with an overwhelming 85 per cent preferring the week after OutDoor by ISPO (June 30 – July 3, 2019).

Show organiser Marta Williams, from MCS, said: “With OutDoor by ISPO moving to a later date slot, it was important that OTS fulfilled the requirement of UK brands and retailers and followed the success of the 2018 event. Most exhibitors and visitors agreed that the week after the Munich event fitted with their order deadlines, and it offered good logistics for those needing to move their stands and samples from Germany to Manchester.

“We are now welcoming requests from existing and new exhibitors to secure stand space for next year’s OTS and look forward to starting to plan for an even more successful show for all in 2019.”

OTS 2018 was hailed a success by all, with 950 trade visitors attending the show over the three day period, representing a 7.5 per cent increase from 2017, but what was more noticeable was the overall 30 per cent increase on repeat visitors on the Wednesday and Thursday, indicating that more buyers chose to stay at the show for longer to accommodate the increased number of 118 exhibitors at the show.

Comments from visitors reflect the upbeat feeling.

“This year OTS was an excellent show which we found to be very productive and beneficial for our business. It was great to be able to see so many of our key suppliers in one location,” Nick Cox, Buyer, Climbers Shop/Joe Brown.

“The UK outdoor industry needs to come together as a single venue saving us all travel time & work days, ” Lisa Bergerud, George Fisher Buyer

“It was great to see so many of the Outdoor Brands at OTS 2018,” Stephen Bailey, OutdoorGear Group Ltd.

“Professional, relaxing, satisfying,” Dave Jackson, BAC Outdoor Leisure.

You can see a short video; courtesy of Big Brand Ideas supported the OIA by capturing exhibitors at the show here.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button