BETA International 2003 - A Host of Innovations Please note: this is a TRADE show, but following on from BETA International 2003 you will see the latest fashions and saddlery equipment in your local retailer

ORGANISER'S of this year's BETA International have planned a host of exciting innovations.

With more than 300 exhibitors taking part, the leading Equestrian and Country Clothing Fair looks set to be a major draw for visitors from more than 40 countries.

BETA International takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from February 16 to 18.

The show will be open from 9.30am to 6.30pm on the Sunday and Monday and 9.30am to 5pm on the Tuesday.

Merial Equine Health, long time supporters of the Trade Fair are once again title sponsors of the prestigious three day show.

Ronnie Leggat, Merial's Equine Enterprise Head said: "BETA International is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world, and is easily the best way for us to meet our distributors and customers."

The Horse Demonstration Arena is being sponsored by Masta and will see international driving celebrity Gary Docking co-ordinating the demonstrations and providing lively commentary.

Continuing their support of the show, Matchmakers International are sponsors of the entry badges with the Bradford-based company firmly committed to BETA International.

Marketing Manager Richard Lawrence said: "This is the third year that we have sponsored the Horse Demonstration Arena through our Masta brand and are delighted to have the opportunity to show our new range of rugs for the season.

"BETA International is extremely important to Matchmakers International and we have a bigger stand this year, and look forward to seeing customers both old and new."

This year a new sponsor, Forest Wines, will provide hampers for the winners of the Best Stand Award, while Blue Chip, longtime sponsors of the carrier bags will continue their valued support.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the British Equestrian Trade Association, BETA is sponsoring the New Product Awards at the show and will bring together leading names from the industry to judge the awards.

BETA Chief Executive and Secretary Claire Williams said: "We wanted to support the show and decided an excellent way was to sponsor the awards, as part of the association's celebrations.

"It is important for exhibitors to remember that they must put new products forward for the awards.

"By entering a product in the New Products Gallery, this does not mean you are automatically included in the awards and must contact the organisers office to enter."

Entering a new product for the awards is free, and to put forward a product for display in the New Product Gallery costs £100.

The gallery takes on a new look this year thanks to the innovation of Sue Moxon of R&R Country who will display the various products in an eye-catching shop window style.

Members of the press will also be invited to go along to the New Product Gallery on the Sunday morning of the show where they will be given more in depth information about the products from company representatives.

For those companies that turn up at the show without those 'handy extras' such as paper, pens and other stationary, a show 'Survival Pack' will be available thanks to Horse and Hound magazine.

Trade Fair Organiser Tom Hustler said: "We are very grateful to all our sponsors who help to make the show such a success."

Useful Information

Organising Team

The organising team for BETA International 2003 is headed by Tom Hustler who is responsible for the overall running of the fair.

Tom is supported by both Lynn Horn as Trade Fair Administrator and Neil Clow who is Sales Manager for fair organiser's EMC.

Both Lynn and Neil are keen horse enthusiasts, competing up to Intermediate level in the sport of Eventing.

Lynn has worked for EMC for 18 months and Neil joined the team just over a year ago.
Organiser's contact information - anyone requiring further details before the trade fair should contact (01937) 582111. During the show the organiser's office will be located near the entrance to the fair, which will be well signposted.

2003 Theme

The theme for the 2003 show is Horses In Sport with the activities in the Masta Horse Demonstration Arena being led by Gary Docking.

Throughout the three days there will be a series of demonstrations covering all aspects from the Riding Club horse, to Beyond Riding Club and unaffiliated competitions, Showjumping, Showing and Dressage.

Each talk will cover the main aspects of the activity and the products required to help win that valued red rosette.

The Masta Horse Demonstration Arena will measure 13.5m by 17.5m. The stable has kindly been provided by John Goodrick' Equestrian Developments, Hadfields will be providing easibed for the bedding while the arena surface has been provided by Polymer Reclamation Surfaces.

Seating will be available to allow visitors to watch the wide variety of demonstrations in comfort.

Show Structure

A new feature area will greet visitors to the 2003 fair as they enter the show.

The area will include information boards on the trade fair, show sponsor information, a timetable of events, what, when and where.

This new idea is aimed at providing visitors with all the information they require to help them make the most of their visit.

The halls have been divided into specific areas to help visitors make their way around the fair.

These include Country Clothing, Equestrian, Feed Pavilion, The Walsall Pavilion, Equestrian New Zone and Country Clothing New Zone.

There has been a huge growth in companies from both Italy and France attending, bringing a real European flavour to the show.

Visitor Information

The official hotel for BETA International 2003 is the Arden Hotel which is situated just a few minutes walk away from the exhibition halls. Accommodation can be booked through Reservation Highway on (01423) 525577.

A travel and accommodation allowance to the Trade Fair is available to BETA members.

The allowance is available to BETA retail members spending at last two days at the fair, and is to a maximum of £50 per person, per night up to a maximum of £100. Contact the BETA office on (01937) 587 062 for further information.

Admission Details and Catalogue

For those visitors wanting to avoid waiting to get into the show, pre-registration is available by visiting the BETA International 2003 website at www.beta-int.com where you will find a registration form. Pre-registration reduces the wait in busy periods, but more importantly avoids the £10 on site charge.

Alternatively you can fax your details through to the office on +44 (0) 1937 582147 providing company name, name of people attending and category, for example retail, manufacturer. There will be different colour badges available to distinguish visitors from the various sectors of the industry.

The Trade Fair catalogue will be available at the entrance price £5.00. This must have information booklet will provide visitors with details on all the exhibitors at the Fair.

Eat Drink and be Merry

A full compliment of refreshments will be available throughout the three day Fair with everything from the coffee shop, to baguette stand, first class restaurant and catering outlets open to visitors.

The restaurant will be open throughout the afternoon serving cream teas, while the wine bar will also be open for business for those who fancy a tipple.

Fashion Show

Always a hugely popular attraction at BETA International, the Fashion Show will once again provide a highlight to the Fair and is in the capable hands of fashion show expert Karen Irving of Fashion First.

Giving visitors the chance to see the latest fashions in action, the models will be out in force providing show attendees with a glimpse of the new lines from famous names including Harry Hall, Barbour, Chatham, Toggi and Georg Schumacher to name just a few.

Seminar

A half day seminar to update SQP's (suitably qualified persons for the sale of wormers) on developments in the equine worming industry is planned for the Tuesday morning of the Trade Fair.

Areas to be covered will be the products that have entered the market over the last 2 to 3 year, developing working programmes around these, updating the legal situation and a brief overview of changes in dog and cat worming products.

The seminar is being run by BETA and is open to all SQP's, with notes provided and the opportunity to purchase the full set of BETA course notes for those who attended the course some time ago.

The seminar costs will be no more than £50 + VAT. If interested in attending please contact the BETA office on (01937) 587 062.

New Product Awards

This year the New Product Awards will be sponsored by BETA to help celebrate 25 years of supporting the industry.

The categories are Saddlery and Tack, Rider Clothing, Feed and Veterinary, Horsecare Products and Equipment, Safety and Security, and a new section Other, which brings together all those products that manufacturers feel have missed out previously.

The judging will take place on the Sunday morning with one judge and a chairman per category. A winner, highly commended and commended award will be presented with the winning entries announced at lunchtime.

New Product Gallery

The New Product Gallery will take on different feel this year with the products displayed in the theme of a shop window.

To enter a product in the gallery will cost £100 and will ensure your new products receive extra attention from both visitors and the media attending.

Best Stand Award

The prestigious Best Stand Award is being sponsored by Forest Wines for BETA International 2003.

All exhibitors at the show will be included in the judging - will you be the winner in 2003?

And to BETA International 2004

BETA International 2004 will take place at the NEC from February 15 to 17.

www.beta-uk.org

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