UK – This year’s spring edition of the Merchandise World took place at the CBS Arena in Coventry on April 13-14, 2022. According to own accounts, the postponement of the show from the end of January to the only available venue date just before Easter and the COVID-19 pandemic had made it difficult for the organisers – the BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association) and Sourcing City – to estimate the attendance figure in the run-up to the event. Which was why the BPMA and Sourcing City were all the more delighted that the 145 exhibitors – including twelve first-time exhibitors – were able to welcome 896 trade visitors over the two days of the show. On the second day of the event, the stands were crowded right through the day until the trade fair closed at 3 p.m. The joy at finally being able to engage in a live exchange again was visible everywhere. The show organiser, Ella Long, said: “Watching people so happy to be together again and to see old and new relationships developing is always rewarding. The industry is back together and we were pleased to hear people telling us during and at the end of the show how positive it has made them feel and of the many benefits they had gained from coming.”
On the first night of the event, following a drinks reception, the traditional BPMA Awards Dinner took place during which the association announced this year’s winners. The BPMA Awards are awarded to member suppliers and distributors following a vote placed by each member. Distinctions went to WCM+A (Supplier of the Year up to £2m), Laltex Group (Supplier of the Year £2m+), Amanda Moody (Supplier Unsung Hero), BH1 Promotional Merchandise Specialists (Distributor of the Year up to £500k), Mojo Promotions (Distributor of the Year up to £500k-£2m), Allwag Promotions (Distributor of the Year up to £2m-£5m), Fluid Branding (Distributor of the Year over £5m) and Steel City (Marketing Campaign of the Year). The Briman Award went to Navillus Branded Merchandise.
The coming two editions of the Merchandise World are planned to take place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on September 14, 2022 and at the CBS Arena in Coventry on January 25-26, 2023.
Photo source: Sourcing City
