Slide & OTS Winter 2026 has been widely praised by exhibitors and visitors as a standout event, delivering three energetic days of new product launches, buying appointments, networking and industry social events.
Making its debut at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, the show exhibitor participation rose slightly with a higher number of outdoor exhibitors in attendance and welcomed a mix of snowsports and outdoor visitors as well as lifestyle retailers.
Attendance increased by 8% year-on-year, with 530 unique visitors recorded across the three show days, and 767 total visits when repeat attendance is included. Engagement remained strong across the three days, with many visitors returning on multiple days.
Retailers and decision-makers up year-on-year
The uplift was driven by growth in the audience that matters most to exhibitors. Retailers accounted for 60%of all attendees, with clear increases across retail store buyers, online retailers, and retailers operating bothonline and in-store. Overall retailer attendance represented a 17% increase on 2025.
The show also attracted a higher proportion of senior decision-makers. Directors/Owners and Buyers together accounted for just over 60% of attendees, compared to 55% last year, underlining Slide & OTSWinter’s role as a focused buying and planning platform for the industry.
Liverpool strengthens regional and international accessibility
The move to Liverpool had a clear impact on geography, with the North West becoming the largest visitor region, supported by significant increases from counties including Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria and Cheshire, as well as smaller increases from Yorkshire and Scotland.
International reach also grew. Non-UK attendance increased by 70%, driven by a 167% increase in Irish attendance. The show welcomed visitors from eight countries in 2026, compared to five in 2025, reflectingLiverpool’s strong transport links and accessibility from Europe.
Three days of content, networking and industry moments
The show opened with an early morning run in partnership with Keen, followed by a busy Day One on the show floor and a lively evening of on-stand entertainment hosted by a number of exhibitors.
Day Two began with the ever-popular Sustainability Breakfast, featuring talks from Michael Jennings (Policy& Public Affairs Advisor, Beyondly) and textile expert Charles Ross, followed by an interactive workshop ledby Dom Winter (OIA & SIGB Climate Action Consultant and Head of Advocacy, Protect Our Winters).
Later that evening, the Networking Drinks, followed by the SIGB AGM, welcomed a packed room. The AGM was followed by the Slide ‘26 Awards winners presentation across seven categories, with winners voted forby attending retailers and media and, for the Eco Award, by Protect Our Winters.
MCS APPOINTED AS SHOW ORGANISERS THROUGH 2029
Following the success of the move to Liverpool and the continued strengthening of the show’s visitor profile,MCS has been appointed as Slide & OTS Winter show organisers for a further three years, covering 2027 to 2029.
Sonia Prior, Slide & OTS Winter representative at the SIGB committee and Sales Director, Bradshaw Taylor said:
“SIGB is delighted to confirm MCS as show organisers for a further three-year term. The team has delivered the show with real professionalism and momentum, and the move to Liverpool has been handled with care and confidence. We value MCS as a trusted partner, focused on what the industry needs and, committed to improving the exhibitor and visitor experience, and consistently delivering a platform where brands, retailers and media can meet, network and do business.”
Marta Williams, Managing Director, MCS PR & Events, show organisers said:
“Slide & OTS Winter 2026 has been a brilliant show, and the response from both exhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive. The move to Liverpool and refreshed branding has elevated the overall experience, and we are especially pleased to see growth in retailer attendance and senior decision-makers on the show floor. The networking programme, Sustainability Breakfast and workshop, a packed AGM, and record Awards entries all contributed to a strong industry feel — but most importantly, business was being done throughout the three days. That is exactly what we aim to deliver.”
SAVE THE DATE
Slide & OTS Winter 2027 will take place at Exhibition Centre Liverpool from Tuesday 12th to Thursday 14th January 2027.
EXHIBITOR AND VISITOR FEEDBACK AND QUOTES – READ THEM HERE
SHOW IMAGE LIBRARY – ACCESS IT HERE