Meatup 2019 dates and venue announced…

YPL Exhibitions & Events, the organisers of the biennial Meatup trade show, has confirmed that the exhibition will return to ArenaMK next year in Milton Keynes. However it will now be staged later in the year on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October 2019, rather than during the summer months as has traditionally been the case.

The next exhibition will be the fifth presentation over a 10-year period for the show, which is unique in being targeted at and dedicated specifically to the meat industry in the UK – the only trade show to do this. It will be supported by Meat Management magazine as its main media partner.

The exhibition will once again be looking to include top quality content with the aim of adding to the overall visitor experience and creating the widest possible interest for its visitors. A seminar theatre with important keynote speakers will cover topical issues and there will be a range of competitions and demonstrations.

Organisers YPL report that several larger stand bookings have already been made from various leading suppliers. Show organiser Emma Cash comments: “This is a real vote of confidence in Meatup. The fact that we have previous exhibitors wanting to be involved again is a positive indicator for us and sends out a signal to the wider trade.

In 2017 the spacious and modern ArenaMK venue, located in Milton Keynes, proved to be a hit with many visitors and exhibitors. Arthur Pyneburg of Treif UK was one of the very first to book for Meatup 2019 when dates were released, commenting: “We really like the venue and it worked very well for us last time. We hope that it will become the permanent home for Meatup and that the trade will really get behind it. We need a good independent meat industry show and the initiative merits our support. We also did business in 2017 so it’s all positive for us.”

Another exhibitor booking for next year’s show is Reiser UK. Managing director Richard Watson was equally enthusiastic: “Its good news that Meatup is remaining at ArenaMK and we are very happy to be involved. Not only did we do business at Meatup in 2017 but we enjoyed the show and thought it professionally run and a good networking opportunity for the trade. Hopefully, as the show becomes more established at the Milton Keynes venue, we will see more and more participation from exhibitors and visitors. We shall be looking forward to it.”

Handtmann is yet another big name to back the 2019 show with sales manager for UK & Ireland Anthony Daniels adding: “We really liked the show in 2017 and were pleased to support it. It’s a really good venue and I also think that the new autumn dates will help attendance. It’s important to see customers and potential customers at trade shows face to face, allowing both parties the opportunity to discuss business in a good environment. Having a show specifically for the UK meat trade remains important for us and we think Milton Keynes is in an accessible central location with good road and rail links.”

A range of supporting partners including leading trade bodies will be announced shortly as Meatup gears up for the 2019 show campaign. Details of other content planned for next year will also be announced in due course as details are finalised for speakers, competitions and demonstrations.