A note about COVID-19
We, at Grandstand Media Ltd., are extremely mindful of the impact COVID-19 is having on the whole events industry including sporting events like Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). In this time of uncertainty, we believe it is important for the industry to remain strong and united, while prioritising the health and safety of all those involved.
Currently HOYS is set to proceed as planned, however we will be guided by the latest government recommendations as the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, competitors, event attendees, tradestand holders, sponsors, volunteers and partners is our number one priority. At this time there is no direct advice regarding large events taking place later on in the year, we are therefore continuing with the organisation and preparation of Horse of the Year Show.
As part of our preparations we are now opening applications for tradestand holders to secure their space at HOYS 2020. We would like to stress that we have not made this decision lightly. The show is fortunate enough to be scheduled for the later months in the year when life is currently set to return to normal. We therefore believe, after careful consideration, that it is important to remain positive and provide equestrian businesses with future opportunities to plan for during this complex and unprecedented time of uncertainty.
New advancements for Horse of the Year Show 2020
Since its conception in 1949, customer and industry feedback have been vital to the evolution of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The event has seen many advancements over the years, including moving to a more central and accessible location, expanding into two arenas, new visitor interactive experiences, extra entertainment including display acts and the Sunday finale, the addition of international classes and dressage as well as the development of a range of ticket types and packages in an effort to accommodate all budgets.
Over the last couple of years, we have received feedback from visitors, traders and competitors alike regarding the HOYS Retail Village. Having carefully reviewed these suggestions, the HOYS team have worked hard to come up with a way to implement as many of these ideas as possible into the 2020 edition of the show.
Exciting improvements, as part of our “You said, We did” campaign for 2020 include:
- You said: We miss the buzz and atmosphere there used to be when the shopping area was closer to the arena.
We did: The TopSpec Arena will be moving back into Hall 1, located directly next to the Retail Village.
- You said: We want to see more equestrian brands and products.
We did: Improved application process which includes vetting to ensure brands match customer expectations.
- You said: We want a more enjoyable shopping experience with fewer beauty and charity brands.
We did: Priority will go to the brands that are most relevant to our visitors’ interests.
- You said: The show has become too spread out causing it to lose some of its excitement.
We did: Created a more compact footprint to bring show elements closer together.
Attendees and traders can expect to enjoy these improvements without losing the quality equestrian brands and visitor experiences they have come to expect.
Tradestand applications now open
Businesses wishing to exhibit at HOYS 2020 are now able to apply for a space. As always priority will be given to past bookers but in light of the new improvements to the Retail Village all tradestands be asked to reapply for space.
In recognition of this very challenging economic period, we will be implementing an altered payment schedule and amended cancellation policy to help give our valued and loyal HOYS traders some security in this uncertain time.
An overview of these changes is:
- The cancellation of a tradestand space:
- On or before 1st July 2020 will not incur a charge
- Between 2nd July 2020 and 14th August 2020 inclusive will incur a charge of 50% of total cost excluding any discounts
- On or after 15th August will incur a charge of 100% of total cost excluding any discounts
- Payments for tradestand spaces will be scheduled to reflect the above cancellation terms.
The show’s faithful exhibitors will also benefit from the continued size and loyalty discounts without any rise in tradestand rates for the fifth consecutive year.
Event Director Emma Williams commented: “Regardless of your industry or location it is an uncertain time for everyone. Complex and difficult decisions are having to be made, and as an event organiser we have a responsibility to many different stakeholders including our traders and visitors. We take this responsibility very seriously and have therefore carefully reviewed the potential outcomes before making the choice to go on sale with tradestand space. We believe that continuing to plan HOYS, including opening tradestand applications, is vital to supporting those businesses who rely on the show to drive sales and awareness of their products and services.”
Tradestand Manager Carl Storey added: “During these tough times it is important for the whole industry to come together and support each other. I hope that the changes we’re making to our payment and cancellation terms will go some way to helping our valued HOYS traders, and that going on sale now will provide something positive for these businesses to plan towards.”
To request a tradestand application please email carl.storey@grandstand.co.uk
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2020, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858 205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk. Website: hoys.co.uk
Horse of the Year Show takes place from 7th-11th October 2020 at the Resorts World Arena, the NEC Birmingham bringing another year of breath-taking displays and unbeatable competition. The full timetable can be viewed on the website hoys.co.uk/timetable.
