PATS 2026 is gearing up to deliver its biggest and most feature-packed show yet, with a host of exciting new attractions waiting for visitors when the doors open at the NEC Birmingham later this month.
Alongside the popular features that have become firm favourites with visitors, the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show has introduced a range of new experiences designed to provide even more inspiration, insight and valuable business opportunities for retailers.
With more than 425 exhibitors and over 600 brands represented, PATS 2026 is on course to be a record-breaking event – and these new attractions will add even greater depth and interest to the three-day show, taking place from 27-29 September.
Animal Encounters, in partnership with Animal Teach, will bring expert-led education directly to the PATS show floor. Visitors will be able to gain practical, trade-relevant knowledge, ask questions and see animals up close, with sessions designed to provide information they can take straight back to their businesses.
Sessions will be led by Animal Teach founder and zoologist Naomi Ennis, supported by the Animal Teach team. Animals taking part will be selected on the day following individual health and behaviour checks, ensuring the highest welfare standards throughout the show.
Another exciting new attraction is Aquascaping with George Farmer, featuring the internationally recognised aquascaper, author and educator. George will deliver three days of live aquascaping demonstrations, showing retailers how they can turn this increasingly popular specialist interest into an accessible and profitable retail opportunity.
Coffee & Connect is PATS' new informal networking event, combining market insight with real-world retail experience in a relaxed coffee-morning setting. Visitors will hear from a market analyst, a brand founder and a major retail buyer about the trends and developments currently shaping the pet trade, before having the opportunity to network over coffee with fellow retailers, buyers and exhibitors.
Reflecting PATS' growing international reputation, the show will also introduce its first-ever International Pavilion. This dedicated space will bring together companies from around the world, providing an opportunity to discover new brands, products and innovations from international markets.
The ever-popular Grooming Zone, meanwhile, will feature a new programme of retailer sessions delivered in partnership with the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA). Industry experts will provide practical, trade-focused advice covering product knowledge, customer conversations and how to sell grooming ranges more effectively.
All these new features have been designed to complement PATS' established attractions and create an even more valuable experience for visitors – as the show prepares to welcome what is expected to be its largest-ever gathering of exhibitors and pet trade professionals.
PATS 2026 will once again be co-located with BETA International, the leading equestrian trade exhibition, taking place on 27–28 September 2026. Retailers and buyers will be able to visit both events with a single registration, giving BETA International visitors access to PATS and vice versa.
Visitor registration is open at https://bit.ly/4aLE1Hp with free admission available to qualifying trade professionals. For more information about PATS 2026, including a full list of exhibitors, visit www.patshow.co.uk
