New exhibitors at BPA Baby and Child can really take off from the Launchpad!

Published: 01 June, 2007

BPA Baby and Child is one of the nursery industry's highlights of the year, giving retailers a chance to see the most upto- date nursery products from some of the most prestigious names in the business. However, there is an area that even the smallest of companies who are exhibiting for the first time can use to make a real impact too - Launchpad.

Sponsored by RFIB Insurance Brokers, Launchpad is also highlyvalued by Nursery Industry Magazine which works with the BPA and with professionals from all areas of the sector to ensure a rewarding experience for those who exhibit. In a nutshell, Launchpad is an area dedicated to new companies whose products have never before been exhibited at a UK nursery trade show.

At this year's BPA Baby & Child (7 - 9 October) visitors should make Launchpad a must visit on their agenda. Not only will they meet some new faces but a whole range of innovative products will be on show for the very first time, which might be exactly what they've been looking for.

Companies thinking of exhibiting should remember that they will benefit from the same kind of pre-show publicity and PR as any other exhibitor, indeed the BPA's PR agency Evolution PR will make a personal visit to each of them during the show to offer valuable free advice that may just make all the difference to their marketing strategy.

What's more, they can also attend the special Exhibitor Day to meet the whole show team and find out more about just how to get the very best from trade shows; this will prove invaluable for a novice exhibitor.

In this special Launchpad feature we thought it would be helpful to catch up with some previous exhibitors and find out how they found their first show.

Carolyn Jarvis of Inside Out Innovations Ltd, creators of the Buggy Boot commented: “Being at Launchpad was very useful for us. In terms of bringing people to the stand, all the innovative products from new companies were in one place, so it encouraged them to come along and have a look. There were a lot of other companies at the same stage of production and design as we were, so it was also very useful to hear their experiences and to network.”

Inventor of the Baby & All Bag which won the BPA's Concept Award in 2006, Debbie Mankelow, said: “Launchpad gave us a gentle introduction to the daunting task of exhibiting at a major event. Everyone was very friendly and supportive and we made lots of very useful contacts!”

Stephen Wilkes, talking about the debut of his product, the Comfy Catch Bib adds: “Launchpad was a tremendous opportunity to launch our product to the nursery industry. We were exceptionally grateful to the BPA for giving us this platform to launch our business.”

To find out more about the BPA or how to become a Launchpad exhibitor contact Jenny Burrows on 0845 456 9580 or email Jenny@babyandchildfair.co.uk