UK – After the last Merchandise World in Coventry only took place in mid-April earlier this year – it had been postponed from January to April due to COVID-19 – the BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association) and Sourcing City were not sure whether so many visitors would attend the autumn edition of the show at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on September 14. However, the fears of the two organisers and the over 80 exhibiting suppliers proved to be unfounded: According to official accounts, over 400 trade visitors from the promotional products trade took part in the event – that was 10% more than at the Merchandise World held in Milton Keynes in the autumn of 2021.
The trade fair day kicked off with a free breakfast, which according to the organisers was followed by a tangibly busy atmosphere in the exhibition hall, which prevailed for the entire day. The visitors came into contact with new suppliers and intensified their relationships with existing partners. Once again, the special Eco World zone, where sustainable products were showcased, proved to be a popular crowd-puller. The show organiser, Ella Long, stated, “The enthusiasm and desire from the trade to attend or exhibit never ceases to amaze me. It is a great privilege to organise an event that facilitates positive discussions and relationships in an industry that is rebuilding after the pandemic and it is a pleasure to enable that face-to-face contact again. We are very grateful for the support of our exhibitors, who attract the quality of visitors attending the show time after time and we are well into the planning for our 10th Merchandise World in January. We expect it to be the best and biggest yet!“
A condolence book in memory of Queen Elizabeth II was on display, which the BPMA intends to forward on to Buckingham Palace after the show.
As a sign of respect a condolence book was on display at the trade fair, in which the visitors could enter their comments regarding the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. The BPMA will forward the book on to Buckingham Palace on behalf of the industry.
The next edition of the Merchandise World is scheduled to take place at the CBS Arena in Coventry on January 15 and 16, 2023.
Photo source: Sourcing City
