It’s a new dawn, it’s a new Trade Days
This October, the mobility and independent living industry will come together for the UK’s largest gathering of trade-only professionals at the NEC for Trade Days. Carmela Coop-Rodia, Event Manager of Trade Days, highlights why it is the must-attend event in the calendar for retailers.
Discussing building on last year’s show, Carmela said: “2017 was a really, really good show; we listened to our exhibitors and partners and put together eight new live event areas that were really well received.
“You could definitely feel a buzz and excitement in the air which is exactly what we wanted and we’re really building on last year’s success to make 2018 one to remember.”
Stressing that 2018 would continue to build on the momentum, Carmela says the team has carried out more research into the wants and needs of visitors and reacted accordingly, with renewed and new partnerships.
“I hope people can see that the show is really heading in an exciting direction.” Carmela Coop-Rodia
This year’s show will see Sunrise Medical run an exclusive dealer day for the first time at a Trade Days, with other manufacturers hosting their own auction days, selling samples, end of line or discontinued products to dealers keen to bag a bargain.
Confirmed exhibitors for 2018’s show includes Drive, Pride, TGA and Freerider returning to Birmingham, as well as more companies keen to meet mobility retailers and talk business.
In addition to meeting exhibitors, visitors on the lookout for new products and innovations will navigate the Innovation and Launch Trail, helping attendees plan their time at the show and clearly identify companies with new products.
According to the organisers, there will also be a timetable of brand new product unveilings taking place as well.
Commenting on Trade Days, Mike Williams, Managing Director for Ableworld, said: “I go to see new products, new ranges, meet suppliers. I like the idea of a trade-only show and think it helps me find new ranges and new opportunities.”
Highlighting that there will be a centralised seminar theatre providing two days of free training, from short courses in areas such as moving and handling through to GDPR compliance, Carmela pointed out that this year’s event will have everything needed to assist business leaders in running their business.
“The competitions and product giveaways have also had an upgrade,” added Carmela.
“Just by visiting, people will automatically be entered for a prize draw to win exclusive product prizes, from cabin cars to scooters; you could be walking away with a fantastic prize just by stepping through the door!”
Prizes from Pride and other exhibitors will total more than £20,000 according to the organisers, with giveaways including a cabin car from Scooterpac at £9,820, two Raptor scooters from Pride at £3,000 each, a Quickie Q100 Powerchair from Sunrise Medical at £2,750, as well as the new Lithilite car boot scooter form Motion Healthcare costing £1,495.
“We’re really building on last year’s success to make 2018 one to remember.” Carmela Coop-Rodia
As well as a fresh new approach to the show, Trade Days has also undergone a branding refresh to signify a new start for the show.
“As part of our ongoing updates to Trade Days, we’ve refreshed the exhibition’s image to breathe new life into a show that’s served the mobility and independent living sector for five years now,” noted Carmela.
Initially launched in 2014, Trade Days remains the industry’s sole exhibition dedicated to the mobility and independent living trade.
Setting itself apart by offering manufacturers, retailers and distributors space where they could talk business, 2018 will see the return of some of the usual features says the organisers, with Mark Bates again providing VIP guests with a free lunch.
New and improved, there will be an Ultra Terrain Demo Zone sponsored by TGA Mobility where there will be grass, sand, gravel and more so visitors can test what equipment can do before they buy and the popular Voucher Book is also due to make a return, offering exclusive show discounts and offers.
Simon Paddock, Director from The Helpful Hand, commented: “I go to Trade Days to look at the different products that are available. It’s a good show and it’s great to be able to talk to the people within the companies on a one-to-one basis.”
Calling on the industry to come together, Carmela finished: “Trade Days is the must-attend show if you operate within the industry and I hope people can see that the show is really heading in an exciting direction.
“We are really looking forward to the 2018 event and I would also like to say a huge thank you to all our exhibitors and attendees for your continued support.”
This year’s show will be taking place on the 7th and 8th of October at the NEC in Birmingham.
2018 Features worth frequenting
NEW – Dealer Days
Invite-only interactive workshops hosted by manufactures.
NEW – Live Auctions
For dealers on the lookout for a great deal.
NEW – Innovation Trail
For those on the lookout for anything new.
NEW – Product Launch Platform
See what new products are turning heads at the show.
Interactive Product Demo Zone
An opportunity to really put products through their paces
Voucher booklet
Who doesn’t love a discount?
Competition and product giveaways
Enter just by visiting and potentially win big.
Ryan Hirst, Head of Sales and Marketing at Sunrise Medical
What is Sunrise going to be doing at this year’s Trade Days?
“In terms of new chairs, we’re launching our new Q series range of powerchairs, including a Q200, a Q300, a Q500 and a Q700. They’ll all follow a new, sleeker and more modern design. We’ve also enhanced a lot of the options on there as well: we’re upgrading battery sizes, controls and seating as well as adding some new clinical features.”
Why should visitors come and visit you at the show?
“If they want to see what we’ve been referring to as “the next evolution in powerchairs,” then Trade Days will be the place to find out more. The powerchairs offer great upselling and down-selling opportunities because of the way the options stack up on each chair.
“For dealers, it is a great chance to see lots of new products that will change the way they can facilitate their customers.”
Why do you think Trade Days is important?
“I think Trade Days is a great way to reach out to people that we’re not dealing with. For those that have seen our products, it’s about reinforcing them and their benefits.
“From our side, there’s a more conscious effort to market to a wider client base. We’re so busy launching new products – which is what we’re great at – and I think we’ve realised that we need to lean on others to help us get such a fantastic message out there.”
www.sunrisemedical.co.uk
Dane Lawrence, Sales Director at Scooterpac
What is your company going to be doing at this year’s Trade Days?
“We will be strengthening our relationship with existing dealers and hopefully building relationships with some fresh retailers who we aren’t currently engaging with.
“Additionally, we will be showcasing improvements and developments in our products and hopefully promoting a new product which is working its way through the system.
“We will be running some interactive initiatives on the day as well.”
Why should visitors come and visit you at the show?
“For existing dealers, we can talk to them about what’s new. And for new retailers, or retailers we’re not currently working with, we can showcase to them the benefits of working with us.
“We are there to help the retailer and if they can see the benefit to both their clients and their business in stocking our products, then it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Why do you think Trade Days is important?
“It’s important for us because we believe in working with our dealers as much as they want to work with us. Trade Days gives us an opportunity to see some dealers who we don’t meet that often but we do want to keep in touch with.
“Also, the show doesn’t have end-users there which allows for proper trade-to-trade conversations and it’s in everybody’s interests to come together and network.”
www.scooterpac.com
https://thiis.co.uk/its-a-new-dawn-its-a-new-trade-days/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/TD-1.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/TD-1-150x150.jpgIndustry Deep DivesTrade FocusCarmela Coop-Rodia,exhibition,independent living sector,Mobility Industry,NEC,Scooterpac,Sunrise Medical,Trade Days,Trade Days 2018,trade eventThis October, the mobility and independent living industry will come together for the UK’s largest gathering of trade-only professionals at the NEC for Trade Days. Carmela Coop-Rodia, Event Manager of Trade Days, highlights why it is the must-attend event in the calendar for retailers. Discussing building on last year’s show,...Calvin BarnettCalvin Barnettcalvin.barnett@bhta.comAuthorTHIIS Magazine