Slide 2008 will return to Manchester Central (previously called G-Mex) from the 17th – 19th February and already looks like being a busy show.

All the ‘must have’ brands will be showcasing their A/W 09 collections and innovations alongside new and fresh brands aiming to stake their name where it matters… on the snow, in the water, in the parks and on the street. More than 80 exhibitors have signed up already and include prestigious names such as: 32 Snowboard Boots, Bollé, Bonfire, Dakine, dare2be, K2, Protest, Ride, Rossignol, Salomon, Schöffel, Scott, Trespass, Vans and Westbeach, to name but a few.

A focal point for this year’s show is an area called Fresh! A central feature that showcases new design and talent, enabling visitors and potential buyers to easily identify the hottest or genius new product!

This year’s show celebrates individual style and statement with exhibitors given the freedom to design and build their own stands, to sign up for booths that are pre-built to their own specifications or to opt for the most cost-effective of shell scheme systems. Watch out for an explosion of colour as exhibitors create unique i-d spaces designed for maximum effect.

Lesley Beck, organiser of Slide says: “This year exhibitors have been given much more choice, yet the prices are lower than ever. It will be hard to find a more cost effective trade show in any industry.”

Uniquely, Slide is owned by the trade association for wintersport who use any profits to support its snowlife.org.uk programme aimed at promoting skiing and snowboarding to the wider public.