SOTA - The National May Outdoor Trade Show 2012

SOTA was formed 25 years ago by a small group of independent wholesalers who wished to show their product to retailers in the outdoor industry, primarily from all over Australia and New Zealand.

They welcomed  newcomers and over the years the show grew and gradually outlived various venues from the original truck and then hotel room in Canberra to the Basketball Stadium and the National Convention Centre and  grew into two shows - one in May in Canberra and one in October in Melbourne.  In July 2002 due to the overwhelming success of the May show and changes in demand from both buyers and exhibitors the October show was discontinued.

Everyone in the industry knows about ‘SOTA shows’ and they have continued to be a most reliable and important yardstick on the health of the outdoor trade over this time.  The success of the show would appear to be based on many things including  reliability, efficiency,  friendly atmosphere and the fact that the show is open to any legitimate person in the outdoor trade.

Exhibitors must be people for whom wholesaling/manufacturing is their primary activity and this continues to work well.

There is no membership fee for legitimate retailers visiting our show and provided one is pre-registered there is also no charge to attend.  A $20 fee does apply if registering on the day but this is a very small charge when overseas show charges are considered.

Potential exhibitors:
Potential Exhibitors are also welcome to contact the office and a kit can be sent out explaining the booking procedure.  A $75 + GST membership is applicable to exhibitors only.  Potential exhibitors are required to complete an Application for Membership and if this is approved by the committee then they may go ahead and apply for a place.  The Association holds an AGM once a year and all exhibitors are urged to attend.