Angling International LIVE merges with EFTTEX for 2025

There will no longer be a choice of two dates for tackle trade shows in Europe in 2025 after the organisers of Angling International LIVE and EFTTEX announced that they have reached an agreement to work together to stage a single event in September.

The agreement signed this week means that bookings for Angling International LIVE scheduled for Bratislava in Slovakia between June 26th and 28th will be transferred to the show floor at the EFTTEX event that will take place between September 10th and 12th in Brussels.

Rob Carter, co-owner of Angling International LIVE and owner of Angling International magazine, said: “When we launched Angling International LIVE, it was never our intention to compete with EFTTEX. We staged the show last year when EFTTEX dropped from the calendar, but circumstances changed for 2025 and we found ourselves in the undesirable position of going head-to-head with EFTTEX.

“But it is clearly in the interests of the trade in Europe that there is one event that draws the maximum number of exhibitors and visitors to a single location. For 2025 we are merging our show with EFTTEX, which means our exhibitors have an even greater opportunity to connect with customers. They simply switch to Brussels in September.

“We had good numbers heading into Bratislava, but it is counter-productive to everyone’s interests to ask businesses to choose between two locations or even bear the cost of attending two events three months apart. We believe we can best serve our customers in the trade by helping them make business connections through our other platforms and at a merged show in Brussels.

“There also needs to be certainty going forward into the future. Suppliers and buyers need to know which show they should attend for maximum opportunities. From 2026, we believe that show should be EFTTEX.

“EFTTEX has been known as the number one tackle trade show in Europe for 40 years. The organisers of EFTTEX are experienced show organisers and they are committed to making EFTTEX a success. For those reasons, it makes sense for Angling International LIVE to remove itself from the calendar after this year and for Angling International magazine to support EFTTEX.”

Janet Doyle, owner of the company organising EFTTEX, said: “This is the best outcome for the European trade and for any businesses seeking to connect with buyers and suppliers in Europe. Brussels in September is now the only location to make your connections in Europe in 2025.

“The fact that, between us, EFTTEX and Angling International LIVE have generated so much interest among exhibitors proves that Europe needs a trade show every year. Having one event in a single location provides clarity to everyone in the industry. With additional media support from Angling International, we now have everything in place for a re-energised European show starting in just five months’ time.”

The agreement between EFTTEX and Angling International LIVE means that limited floor space at the EFTTEX show in Brussels will be allocated to companies registered as exhibitors at Angling International LIVE. This space will be offered on a first come, first served basis until April 25th. All cost and marketing agreements, including free promotions in Angling International magazine, will be honoured. Once that floor space has been filled any remaining Angling International LIVE exhibitors will be free to contract directly with EFTTEX.

Carter added: “We will be contacting our exhibitors in the next few days to start securing their spots on the floor in Brussels. We have options to suit everyone and we also have the support of Janet and her team. Be assured, if you want to attend a trade show in Europe in 2025, you will be able to do so and you will now have the best opportunity to meet as many potential customers as possible.”

• Are you a registered exhibitor for Angling International LIVE in 2025? Contact the show team to discuss options for transferring to the show floor at EFTTEX in Brussels in September.