Meat Exhibition to be postponed

Meat Exhibition to be postponed

YPL Exhibitions has confirmed its decision to postpone this year’s Meatup show, originally planned for October, because of “unique trading circumstances brought about by Brexit”.

Show director Graham Yandell said that the organisers had reluctantly come to the conclusion that Meatup could be adversely affected this year following a detailed analysis of the market, and the likely impact created by uncertainty in the UK at this time. “Not only are some companies reducing marketing budgets over the short term, but we also recognise that potentially visitor numbers might also be adversely affected,” he added.

The 2019 Meatup trade show has been postponed.

Meatup is supported by 18 trade bodies and associations, and a variety of leading suppliers had already committed to exhibit in 2019. The show also acts as a catalyst for various trade competitions.

“Naturally it’s very disappointing for everyone,” added Yandell, “but we have to ensure we deliver an exhibition event that will meet the aspirations of everyone involved and frankly there is a good deal of uncertainty at present, so after much consideration we felt the responsible thing to do was to take Meatup out of the mix for this year, in the hope that we can either reinstate it for the next scheduled time of 2021, or replace it with an event offering a different format.

“There is no doubt that we could have put on a show, but the concern is that it simply will not work as it should do, and we are not in the business of letting people down. We are simply taking account of unique market factors. A show like Meatup takes considerable forward planning and resources and we could not wait any longer to make the decision. ”

A biennial event, the first Meatup took place in 2011 and there have been four shows over the period.

Sales manager Julie Bircher added: “I would like to thank everyone who booked stands for Meatup so far and at the same time recognise a number of suppliers who had the exhibition on their radar, awaiting the opportunity to book or participate. As a media business we are always totally transparent about what we try to do for the industry. There is actually enormous goodwill for Meatup and many people still believe in the simple concept that the UK meat industry does merit its own dedicated event. Nevertheless, with the market as it currently is, we all felt it was the sensible option at this time.”

Graham Yandell has the last word: “I think it important to highlight that other media in the Yandell Media portfolio are not affected in any way. Meat Management magazine continues to thrive, the annual MM Meat Industry Awards continue to be highly successful with all the Award categories attracting partners who support this major initiative. We have recently staged a brilliant Women In Meat Industry Awards evening, and UK Sausage Week remains in the calendar as one of the key industry events taking place every year.

“It is a disappointment that market factors have affected the trade show in 2019, but considering all aspects, including the need for everyone including exhibitors and partners to plan forward, we simply were not prepared to run a show that might fail to deliver this year.”

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