Visitors to the exhibition at Telford International Centre on October 14-15 can expect a busy and exciting event as all the exhibitor stands have been snapped up.

The exhibition halls will be packed with companies from both the UK and overseas, and as well as meeting up with a long list of AQUA regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces.

Show organiser Annie Foord said: "It's great to see so many newcomers booking stand space at this year's AQUA.

“I’m also happy to report that the UK’s major exhibitors are again heading for Telford, and many companies have increased their stand space this year.

“Another pleasing aspect is the fact we will be welcoming more overseas companies as well. They obviously regard AQUA as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.

“It’s a really exciting time for AQUA and I can promise visitors it will be the biggest ever AQUA show.”

And AQUA event chairman Dr David Pool added: “This event was set up by the aquatic trade for the aquatic trade and the organisers are constantly listening to feedback and looking for new ways to improve the visitor experience. We’re certain that time spent at AQUA 2015 will prove to be both memorable and valuable.

“An important part of the show is the opportunity for visitors to make new contacts with suppliers and manufacturers as well as meet up with old friends. We expect the exhibitor stands to be a hive of activity throughout the two show days, so we have also provided relaxation areas together with free tea and coffee and a free lunch to help you recharge your batteries or have a meeting in a more informal setting.

“A lot of planning and hard work has gone into organising this show and I’m confident you will have an enjoyable and profitable visit.”

One of the most popular aspects of the show is the AQUA dinner held on the first evening of the show. Retailers and buyers have been invited to join exhibitors at the dinner, which has been moved to a larger room to accommodate 700 people.

And another popular AQUA feature – the New Product Showcase – has also been given greater prominence with a new and bigger home.

Nearly 100 new products were showcased in 2013 when AQUA was last staged, and the indications are for a higher number this year. All the items will be entered into the New Product Awards, which will be judged by team of independent retailers on the opening morning of the show.

In recognition of the growing importance of the New Product Showcase and Awards, there will 10 different categories compared to five in 2013.

The categories that now make up the Showcase and Awards are:

• POS/Merchandising Idea
• Reptile Product
• Pond Construction/Decoration
• Pond Pump
• Pond Filter
• Pond Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquaria and Furniture
• Aquarium Equipment
• Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
• Aquarium Decoration

New exhibitors to the show sum up the excitement that AQUA 2015 is creating. All Pond Solutions Ltd supply aquatic products to hundreds of stores across the UK and Ireland and they’re looking forward to their first AQUA show. “It promises to be a great event,” said All Pond Solutions general manager Charlie Kenton-O’Neill. “It’s the ideal stage to launch our new product ranges.”

And Aidan Wallace, of Nauticalia, said: “We’re new to the show and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Philip Nicholl, sales director of Hamac Trading Company, commented: “Several of our customers have recommended the AQUA show and we are excited about exhibiting this year.”

Visitors can benefit from free parking next to the exhibition hall, and will be able to take full advantage of a new events village called Southwater Square, recently opened close to the centre with a new hotel, restaurants, and one of the UK’s largest town-centre parks.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on the AQUA 2015 website www.aquatelford.co.uk. For anyone with inquiries call the AQUA hotline on  +44 (0) 1892 862848.