The Bed Show was highly commended at the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF) 2011 Best Practice Awards as it came runner-up in the Event of the Year category.

The prestigious TAF awards take place every year and recognise, reward and promote best practice amongst trade associations in the UK. Now in their ninth year, the awards give TAF members a chance to showcase their hard work and achievements during the previous 12 months. Six trade associations were shortlisted for the Event of the Year category, with the Bed Show 2010 receiving a commendation and finishing runner-up to the Horticultural Trades Association, which won with The Plant Show.

The Bed Show – which is organised by the National Bed Federation (NBF), the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers – took place for the first time last year, and is the UK’s only bed specific show. Over 1,200 visited the show, and those exhibiting were delighted with the level of business and number of enquiries they had at their stands. The show was held in two halls, with 62 NBF members exhibiting, among them some of the biggest names in the bed industry, including suppliers as well as manufacturers.

NBF executive director Jessica Alexander said: “Though we would love to have won, we’re nevertheless delighted to have finished runner-up in such a strong category and been highly commended as a bonus.

“The commendation is welcome recognition of all the hard work that went into making the first Bed Show such a success. We only hope that Bed Show 2011 helps us win Event of the Year at the 2012 TAF Awards!”

Bed Show 2011 will run for two days, 27 – 28 September, and again take place across two halls at Telford International Centre. Those wishing to exhibit must be NBF members, as per the first show. Anyone wishing to visit Bed Show 2011 can register online at www.bedshow.co.uk.