Clarion Events has cancelled its London-based Baby Show for Trade after two editions, citing a lack of sufficient exhibitor and visitor support. 
 
In a statement, the organiser said the Olympia-based show, due to be held from 7 to 9 October, will be cancelled after extensive market research showed the event was not sustainable. Clarion also claimed growing industry focus on European trade shows in the autumn.
 
Clarion launched the Baby Show for Trade in March 2010 off the back of its successful consumer Baby Show exhibition. The decision to drop the trade version comes two years after Clarion, the Baby Products Association (BPA) and the Harrogate Nursery Fair struck a deal to cancel a proposed October Harrogate show in favour of Clarion’s London event.
 
At the time, the parties claimed the decision was prompted by confusion in the market over which event to support. As part of the arrangement, BPA, which represents a consortium of brands in the sector, pledged its support to Clarion for the autumn show for the next five years.
 
The 40-year old Harrogate Nursery Fair continues to run every March and is organised by the BPA’s MD, Robert Anslow.
 
“Clarion would like to thank the BPA for its partnership and support for The Baby Show for Trade over the last two years,” Clarion’s portfolio director Nicole Muller said.
 
“We will continue to work with the nursery trade to deliver our market-leading events, The Baby Shows, evolving our current offering and bringing new initiatives to meet demand from both the trade and consumers.”
 
Anslow expressed disappointment in the decision but said the group hoped to work with Clarion in other capacities in the future.
 
“The BPA has enjoyed working with the Clarion team, which should be congratulated for producing an extremely professional and well-presented trade show for the nursery industry; and provided the platform for the BPA’s Concept and Innovation Awards,” he said.
 
“It is regretful that the Baby Show for Trade is ceasing.”
 
Although a final decision hasn’t been made, a BPA spokesperson said it is likely the Concept and Innovation Awards will now sit alongside the annual Harrogate fair in March.
 
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