Government Business

Play Fair 2008 at Stoneleigh Park on 15-16 July 2008 is a new event. It is designed to interest buyers, specifiers, sport, leisure and play workers from local government, education, landscape design and the commercial sector.         

This highly focused, two-day event will be packed with free seminars, displays, demonstrations, trade stands - and a large playground feature set in the well-known Royal Showground at Stoneleigh near Coventry.
    
Visitors will be able to see everything in one place on one day. The concentration of sports, play and leisure equipment in this dedicated event offers decision makers an effective way to keep up to date and assess their requirements. Furthermore, the seminars will educate on the latest in best practice in equipping sport, play and leisure areas.
    
Joining forces
For the first time, trade bodies are joining forces to create Play Fair 2008. They are the Federation of Sports and Play Associations and two of its trade associations; the Association of Play Industries (API) and the Sports and Fitness Equipment Association (SAFEA). Each exhibitor will be a member of at least one organisation, ensuring that all exhibitors meet stringent membership criteria that mirror many local government pre-qualification requirements.
    
Chair of the API, Lesley Knight commented, “API Members and their customers have long wanted a one-stop-shop dedicated exhibition. The timing could not be better and the excellent and spacious Midlands location also makes travel easy.” Speaking for SAFEA, Jane Montgomery, director of membership and external affairs, FSPA said, “Play Fair 2008 has come at exactly the right time for SAFEA members and their customers, with just four years to the UK’s 2012 Olympics.”   
    
Brintex, the appointed exhibition organiser and operator, is already taking exhibitor space bookings. Ray Baxter, Brintex event and sales manager said, “Exhibitor response is very positive. Potential visitors told us they want an exhibition where they can see the fullest range of equipment available, get right up to date and hear informed speakers on key topics in short seminars and briefings.” He advised modern trade show trends see visitors demanding a richly packed experience to ensure the time spent is totally worthwhile. “Play Fair 2008 will deliver exactly the visit experience today’s decision makers demand,” he confirmed.

The API
Latest news from the API tells of members making bookings as they seek to secure positions and space. Interest is coming in from suppliers of adventure play, natural play, techno play and of course, traditional playground play. API Members produce play and sports equipment for all ages. They install the equipment in public parks, schools, colleges, retail shopping areas, campsites, at travel termini, on ferries and theme/adventure parks. The range is remarkable with something for everyone, from tots to teens and older.
    
As one of the lead trade association involved in Play Fair 2008 the API has confirmed its full participation and support and encourages visitors from local and national government to make a diary date for 15 or 16 July.

Play Fair 2008 – Contact Ray Baxter, Event and Sales Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ,
T: 020 7973 4695, www.playfairuk.com

API – contact Deborah Holt, Association Manager, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 024 76 414999 ext 208 www.api-play.org or
www.api-play.org/play-fair-exhibiton for information on the Fair Play event.

SAFEA – contact Kate Costin, Association Manager, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ,
024 76 414999 ext 205, www.safea.co.uk

The Federation of Sports and Play Associations – contact Jane Montgomery, Director of Membership & External Affairs, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 024 76 414999 ext 210, www.sportsandplay.com