Emerging brands exhibiting at Autumn Fair have just seven days left to apply for Pitch Live 2026 – an opportunity to pitch directly to leading retail buyers and industry experts at the show.
Returning in partnership with Retail Huddle, this year Pitch Live will take place at 11am each morning during the first three days of Autumn Fair, giving finalists greater exposure and more chances to connect with buyers.
Previous gift category winner Natalie Duvall, founder of March Muses, described the experience as “invaluable” and encouraged brands to “go for it”, highlighting the connections, advice and opportunities that followed the pitch.
This year’s expert panel includes fashion designer Jeff Banks, Estella Arroyo from George at Asda, Judy Bendall from Blenheim Palace, Rebecca Gilligan from Elphicks Department Store, Joanne Barker from Hettie & Sid, Ami Rabheru from Retail Huddle, and Sharon Good from Good Results PR.
Winners will receive retail mentoring, PR and brand strategy support, plus a contribution towards an Autumn Fair or Spring Fair 2027 stand.
Matthew Mein, event director at Autumn Fair, said: “Retail has never been more competitive, particularly for emerging brands trying to get noticed. Pitch Live gives exhibitors something incredibly valuable: the opportunity to put their business in front of a room full of engaged buyers, industry experts and fellow retailers who are actively looking for the next great product.
“We’ve deliberately moved the competition to the morning this year because we want to give finalists even greater commercial opportunities. Buyers can discover exciting new brands early in the day, visit their stands afterwards, place orders, and continue conversations throughout the show. It’s a simple change that we believe will deliver even greater results for participants.”
Applications close on 14 August. Find out more and enter at: www.autumnfair.com/whats-on/pitch-live.
Autumn Fair 2026 takes place from 6–9 September at the NEC in Birmingham.
