Visitor registration opens for Totally DIY Show

Visitors for next year’s Totally DIY:Totally Tools shows can now keep an eye on the exhibitor line up and register to attend next year’s show, with the launch of the 2015 shows’ website.

“We like to refresh the shows’ website each year to give the exhibitors a good showcase to publicise their presence at the show,” commented show director Paul Grinsell. “Some of them even do some business before we’ve even opened the doors! Most people now regard an internet search for a company or product as a given, and we know that having so many DIY, tool and hardware suppliers listed in one place acts as a magnet for anyone searching in these areas.”

Visitors should take a look at www.totallydiy.com and www.totallytools.co.uk to stay in touch and get their entry badge sorted out in plenty of time!

LATEST SIGNINGS FOR THE TOTALLY SHOWS

The latest companies to sign up for exhibition space at the Totally Shows include first timers Just Right Products, which is introducing the US Super Cinch rope product range to the UK DIY and hardware market; Trinity Xtras, distributors of Mighty Bright LED lights in a great range of fun and functional products; Polish company ZETA which supplies hardware fittings; Redbacks Cushioning, developers of award-winning cushioning and protection products such as knee pads, and Globefast which will be showing Optimaxx, a range of performance wood screws.

In addition, Sugru, Smart Tool Group, Windowparts, Rustins, R K & J Jones with Bird Brand and Bruce Douglas Marketing with Ultratrape have also rebooked stands for 2015. The shows are also delighted to welcome back Cathedral Products and Newtech Hardware, which have both rejoined the exhibitor line up for 2015 after a break.

RETAILERS – FIND YOUR PERFECT ‘BUSINESS MATCH’ AT THE TOTALLY SHOWS!

Organisers of the Totally Shows are looking for retailers to take part in a ‘Business-Match’ event, which will take place on every day of the shows next year.

The shows are asking retailers to share with them their specific supplier need – whether it be for a particular product or range, assistance with some category planning, or some competitive pricing.  This request will then be circulated to exhibitors, who will be given the chance to respond during the shows’ daily ‘Business Match’ sessions via a quick five to ten minute appointment to see if a further meeting would benefit both parties.

“We’ve always likened the shows to a business dating agency – a mechanism for putting buyers in touch with sellers.  So this year we’ve incorporated this idea into a quirky ad campaign which everyone will be able to see via the trade press in the run up to the shows,” said Paul Grinsell.

The Business Match sessions will be organised and mediated by the show organisers, ensuring both parties stick to their allotted times.

“This is a great way of improving direct communications between our exhibitors and visitors, without tying anyone up for too long!” added Paul.

“Visitors quite often attend shows with a specific list of products or suppliers they wish to see, and are then disappointed because they don’t spot the thing they are after, or don’t have time to find out which exhibitors can supply what they are after – even though the products and suppliers are in attendance!  This will take some of the guesswork out of a visit and make the shows more productive for everyone.”

Visitors and exhibitors will be encouraged to write their own ‘dating’ descriptions, which follow the traditional newspaper dating ads style.

For example:

“Fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking distributor to meet independent retailers keen to replace recent, sadly demised supplier.  All garden lines considered.”

“Top notch hardware supplier with national coverage WLTM keen retailers based in the South West to help improve distribution channel.  Attractive introductory offers available with low minimum orders a given.”

Send your own descriptions to p.grinsell@hgluk.com – and you might see them in the next show ad!

As visitors register for the show they will be asked if they would like to take part in the initiative, and their requests will be sent to exhibitors and posted up on a special Business Match page on the show website for exhibitors to respond to.

Retailers interested in taking part should take a look at the ‘Business Match’ section of the shows website for more information!

Totally DIY : Totally Tools take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry from Sunday, 15 to Tuesday 17 February inclusive.  For more information on exhibiting or visiting you can contact Paul Grinsell on 020 7973 4734.