I know that I rarely identify what are going to be the best sellers of the next year - perhaps that's why I'm an editor of a trade magazine rather than a successful retailer or supplier! Some exhibitors were ecstatic with the orders they took; others were disappointed. Was this because the former didn't expect much and the latter too much? One exhibitor I spoke to noted that in areas where he had good reps the retailers placed fewer orders - the reps were doing a good job in making sure retailers had the right stock levels. But the retailers still needed to see the new products and next season's colours; learn how to demonstrate the products and give feedback on all sorts of topics. When assessing a show as 'good' or 'bad', it's important to set that against realistic expectations - and the million dollar question has to be what is 'realistic', for you and for the industry. We'll return to the subject in the future.

Although at times the show seemed quiet and you may have only a few people on your stand, from a visitor's point of view there still isn't a great deal of time. Doing justice to every stand is difficult. I know I cannot get round to seeing everyone at a single show. Event Manager Jenny was throwing me out on Tuesday afternoon when I still had people I hadn't seen! So please accept my apologies if you were one of the group I missed. But don't forget, I can be reached by phone or email if you have anything you need to say!

The Sunday party at the Motorcycle Museum was a fantastic evening! It always amazes me how the caterers manage to serve up so many meals in such a short time. For newcomers, this may seem the norm but let me tell you, it's not always like that and we have had problems in the past! Hands up those who remember the raw lamb cutlets? There were some worthy winners of the various awards. The finalists of Concept 2007 have all got promising leads to follow and it's is almost certain that some of them will be in the shops before too long! I'll be one of many who will be keeping their fingers crossed that everything works out for them.

Interesting new products won the BACRAs - Baby And Child Recognition Awards - and the Retailer of the Year winners were independents who are clearly successful and growing their businesses. New this year was an award for Agent of the Year. Agents are the unsung heroes of our industry. Do a good job and you get taken for granted! It's all too easy to forget that it is often the agent who smoothes out problems and have driven sales to current levels. Mandy Thompson is a worthy winner of this year's title though I know there are many others who deserve praise.

The dates for next year have been agreed as October 12th to 14th 2008. Make a note of those dates now so you don't go and book your holidays then!

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