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Angling News > may08_tag08.html
Suppliers intent on making this a year of growth are signing up fast to the 2008 T&G Trade Show, officially launched today. Most of last year’s exhibitors have already rebooked their stands or indicated their participation once more, while a number of intriguing new attendees are already planning the look of their stands. The key event in the fishing and shooting trade’s calendar will once again be held at the centrally located Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire – with helpful staff and free parking – on Sunday and Monday, October 19th and 20th.
Among the main players already on the floor plan – released with this issue of T&G are: Shakespeare, JRC, Penn, Preston Innovations, Korum, Hardy, Greys, Chub, Fladen, Daiwa and Sundridge, Waterline, Masterline, Snowbee, St George Sporting, Ultima, Sensas, Pallatrax, Eye Level, Guideline and Fulling Mill on the fishing side. From the shooting sector newcomers ASI and Midland Gun Company will be joined by John Rothery Wholesale, Air Arms, Webley, Browning, Deben, J J Vickers, BSA, David Nickerson and Highland Outdoors, among others. Clothing firm Bonart has also signed up for the first time and will exhibit alongside other attendees from last year including ULC, Jack Pyke, Deerhunter (occupying its usual restaurant position) A C Supplies, Gamebird and Classic Canes. Store security will be taken care of by show sponsor B2B while Bleep Computing looks set to radically change and improve the way shops control their stock, while media such as DHP, Dupree Creative, IPC and Aceville, among others, will help you make the most of your advertising presence in the relevant magazines. Popular features such as the airgun range, archery range, night-vision tunnel, casting pool and pole demonstration areas will all make a welcome return and there may be one or two surprises in store too. And the official T&G website has also undergone a facelift in readiness for the 2008 event, when more visiting retailers than ever are expected to attend. T&G editor John Hunter said: “The T&G Trade Show has grown and grown over the eight years since it started and it is now so big we have appointed a dedicated sales manager in the shape of Lee Mandaracas. “Lee will be familiar to many T&G clients as he already looks after the shooting side of the business and has been contacting all those who have expressed an interest to ensure they get a good position. “I am confident that his knowledge and professionalism will help produce the best show yet, while our marketing team will be working hard to bring more retailers than ever to the event over the two days and really make your business grow.” Lee commented: “I am delighted and proud to be given this opportunity to sell space at the 2008 T&G Show. “I am very aware of the increasing demands placed upon companies within the fishing and shooting industries in the general running of their businesses, so we need to offer as much help and support as possible to exhibitors. “I hope I will be able to take some of the burden from the arrangements and look forward to our most successful Tackle & Guns Trade Show ever.” There has been much to keep the industry busy in the last year, including the Violent Crime Reduction Act, which banned the sale of airguns by mail order, and proposed legislation on de-activated firearms and Samurai-style swords. Meanwhile, tackle suppliers have been under pressure from rising raw-material prices along with investigations by trading standards officials into labelling of lines and the accuracy of diameters and breaking strains. All these and other issues have certainly contributed to a difficult trading year but the T&G Trade Show – which last year saw 1,916 people representing 716 individual retail outlets – provided a bright spot towards the end of the year, ensuring 2007 finished on a positive note for many.” A testament to the importance of the show is the fact that many exhibitors use it for worldwide launches of new tackle, guns and accessories, ensuring there is an even greater buzz around the two halls at Stoneleigh Park as buyers clamour for the first look and, in many cases, some great show-only deals too. As if that wasn’t enough, the ever-popular gala dinner on the Sunday night gives suppliers and top retailers the chance to mingle and network while enjoying an evening of entertainment and relaxation. There are plenty of plans to make this year’s dinner the best yet – watch this space for more information in the coming months as details are finalised. |
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