Surge in stand bookings for BETA International 2010
BETA International is experiencing a surge in stand bookings for 2010 following an upbeat 30th anniversary edition of the trade exhibition last month.
BETA International 2010 will be held the NEC, Birmingham on 21-23 February. Leading wholesaler Abbey Saddlery & Crafts returns as main sponsor for a third year.
“We’ve never had a better BETA and we’re looking forward to returning next year,” said Klaus Egbers of German wholesaler HKM Sports Equipment.
“Many buyers congratulated us on our colour co-ordinated collection of rider garments and horse clothing, and we chose BETA International for the first showing of our new saddle range.”
Saddles were also in the spotlight at Thorowgood. “We picked up loads of new business from good quality saddlers and SMS saddle fitters. And since BETA International, we’ve had silly amounts of orders for our Kent & Masters range,” said Ema Odlin of the Walsall based company.
“We would never pull out of BETA International, it’s our goal of the year and all our research and development is geared towards it.”
BETA International’s “added value” of fostering direct contact between buyers and exhibitors is what makes the exhibition so essential to the equestrian trade, according to George Turner of British socks manufacturer Sole Provider.
“Many agents do a superb job, but they can’t be expected to be specialists in every small value transaction line,” he explained. “BETA International is ideal because suppliers get feedback from retailers; and retailers can examine products first-hand and get detailed, technical information about them.
“We had an excellent fair and wrote more business this year than we’ve ever done. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
Pre-show advertising in ETN ensured Carrots UK was on many BETA International buyers’ “hit lists”, according to Anna Wiltshire of the gift and accessories supplier.
“We had a small stand in 2008 and this year we stuck our neck on the line and went for a bigger one. We may even move up again for 2010,” she added. “The whole process [of exhibiting at BETA International] was very smooth and the set-up was flawless. We really enjoyed it.”
Carrots UK also plans to participate in the Fashion Show next year. “Our stand was very close, a position we liked, and we’d love to be involved,” said Anna.
Companies booking to exhibit at BETA International 2010 by 6 March were able to take advantage of the traditional 2.5% Early Commitment Discount. A further 5% Prompt Payment Rebate on net stand space is available to exhibitors who book with a deposit before 1 October and complete their payments by 11 December.
BETA International is to retain its stand prices at 2009 rates for the 2010 exhibition.
BETA International 2010 takes place on 21-23 February at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Organiser Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BETA Group.
Contact James Palmer at BETA International on +44 (0) 1937 582111 email: sales@beta-int.com.
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EDITORS - FOR MORE DETAILS: Contact Liz Benwell, BETA communications, tel +44 1623 455996/07889 733801 or or Claire Thomas, commercial manager EMC, on +44 1937 582111 or