AQUA 2011 Buyers Out In Force

AQUA has firmly established itself as the UK's premier trade show for aquatics, water gardening and reptile buyers. As the show closed organisers OATA-Impact Exhibitions reported that the show had built on the success of its debut in 2010.

 "This year AQUA attracted 82 exhibitors and 1435 visitors over the two days, an 11 per cent increase on last year, and the evening buffet on the first day gave buyers and sellers the chance to meet in a relaxed atmosphere," show organiser Annie Dyke said. "The feedback we have received from exhibitors is very positive."

Dr David Pool, chairman of the OATA-Impact Exhibitions, added: "AQUA2011 was more than just an exhibition, it was an opportunity for the UK aquatic trade to showcase their products to the key buyers from around the country.  The evening dinner hosted over 500 people from throughout the trade, which I believe makes it the biggest-ever social gathering of our industry."

Both visitor and exhibitor reaction proved to be extremely positive. Scott Arnold of Aqua Medic said: "We took a very sizeable order on the opening day which more than covered our costs so we are very pleased. We don’t have reps on the road, so for us AQUA is our face-to-face contact with existing customers and potential new ones."

For Dan Smith of Premier EPOS, AQUA 2011 was among the best-presented shows he has ever seen. He added: "We had the biggest stand we have ever taken at a show and it has paid off.

"We have come into contact with all the big players in the industry and our new product has proved a winner in every sense. The show’s organisation has been very good and was the little things when you are setting up and breaking down which made AQUA so user friendly."

For Jim Marshall of the Oasis Atlantis Lotus Group AQUA 2011 was a marked improvement on last year. "In 2010 many buyers appeared to be visiting out of curiosity as it was a brand new show. This year it was all about doing business. More importantly we have even seen some people from overseas so the show is attracting good quality international buyers."