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Following the results of a trade survey carried out earlier this year among outdoor retailers and manufacturers to find out their views on OTS and the Stoneleigh Tent Show and their preferred timings, a decision has been made to merge the two shows in 2012.
The results of the survey showed that 80 per cent of retailers and manufacturers who replied to the survey, would prefer to visit a joint show, with expenses and time away from the business mentioned as the main reasons for preferring one show. Retailers cited that one visit but with a longer duration would be the preferred option. When asked about the timing of the show, both manufacturers and retailers (73 per cent) would choose the first two weeks of September as the most popular dates for OTS.
A date for 2012 has now been revealed as September 10th to 13th, giving four solid days for the outdoors industry to do business within two exhibition halls and an outdoor tent area.
OTS and Tent Show organisers Marta Williams and Alasdair Scobbie said: "We are very pleased to announce that the two shows will unite in 2012, ending a few years of debate within the industry and solving the problem of OTS exhibitors wishing to display tents. Both shows are organised with the needs of retailers in mind and we are delighted to be able to move forward with one show that will tick all the boxes in terms of location, timing and convenience. The new show will be the largest outdoor trade event in the UK and we are looking forward to hosting the industry in 2012."
Space rates and floor plans for the show will be released in the autumn, allowing exhibitors to reserve stand space for 2012.
