Introduction
Show Managers are a critical role in the cat fancy, organising and running the many cat shows that happen every weekend of the year in the UK.
The purpose of this page is to create a central place where all relevant information can be found, whether you are an experienced show manager, in training or just interested to learn more.
The Role of the Show Manager
The Show Manager is responsible for the co-ordination and running of the show. This includes, budgeting, booking judges and allocating classes, hiring a venue, booking vets, ordering rosettes, delegating people to do different jobs, liaising with those taking entries to ensure paperwork is on track and generally making sure everything is organised and the show runs smoothly.
It is a hugely important role, generally unpaid and what is most important is people should go away having had a good experience – friendly, cheerful, helpful faces will get you through any hiccups on the day and have people coming back.
How to Train as a Show Manager
Introduction
Do you love exciting events like theatre shows, weddings and dinner parties? Do you find that you are a naturally organised person with a willingness to help your friends and family at small-scale events? If so, you might be interested in how to get into Show Management.
Being a Show Manager is varied and challenging, but it is also very rewarding as you will be responsible for setting up the show and ensuring it runs smoothly.
Cat shows are happening all the time. Most exhibitors turn up to these shows and leave without a second thought, a huge amount of planning goes into making them successful.
Whether you’ve thought about how to get into Show Management before or you are reading about it for the first time, this page has everything you need to know to get you started on your journey. You will find out more about what cat show planning is, what it requires, and how to get started.
What it requires to be successful
A good understanding of the Cat Fancy and ideally how events operate are important. With many shows now operating in part digitally, being proficient in MS Office, having excellent communication skills and being results driven are important.
A cat show manager’s role is varied. You need to have excellent organisational skills, communication skills, listening skills, and many more attributes including dedication and flexibility to be successful in the role.
- Communication skills
- A people person
- A team player
- Willingness
- A flexible and positive attitude
- Highly organised
- Highly efficient
- Budgeting skills
- Attention to detail
- Pride in work
- Active determination
- Stamina for long hours
- Listening skills
- Decisiveness
How to get started
- Join one or more GCCF clubs relevant to your breed(s) or in your local area
- Hopefully you already support the show by exhibiting but you could also offer help on show day to get some insight into organisation
- Think about getting involved as a committee member to get more insight into show planning
- Contact a qualified GCCF show manager to find out a little more about what it entails
Show Management Qualification
To qualify as a GCCF all breed show manager, a candidate will need to complete training at a minimum of three all-breed shows as an Assistant Show Manager. Under the jurisdiction of the Show Manager, the candidate will complete all the required tasks to successfully run a GCCF show – pre-show, show day and post show. The Show Manager will complete a form assessing the candidate’s proficiency in completing these tasks but also assess their skills and attributes to be successful. Once a minimum of three all-breed certificates has been submitted to the GCCF Office, the candidate will gain approval. A trainee Show Manager may also run a GCCF breed show on completion of three Show Management certificates (mix of breed and all-breed shows). Running a breed show is an excellent way to gain vital experience in a less intense environment.
Current Show Managers’ Useful Information
Show Management Process
The belowtable gives some idea of the show management process:
Item | Description |
Show administration |
|
Show information |
|
Find and book a suitable venue |
|
Setting a budget, role of the treasurer |
|
Arrange Vet |
|
Create draft hall plan |
|
Plan classes and schedule |
|
Show Planning programmes | Main choices are GCCF STAR system or Kopikatts |
Taking Entries | GCCF STAR system
|
Create catalogue |
|
Order certificates |
|
Book sponsorship |
|
Book trade stands |
|
Book penning |
|
Order rosettes |
|
Show day considerations |
|
YES! Young Exhibitors’ Scheme |
|
Show Planning Information
Introduction to STAR (Show Technology And Resources)
Developed in 2018, this system combines GCCF’s bespoke online system and database with the expertise and management of Show Managers. Brief outline of managing a show using STAR:
- The Show Manager sets up the framework of fees, classes, judges and opening/closing dates in conjunction with the Office
- Exhibitors enter their cats using their GCCF online account. The Show Manager/Entry Clerk can enter cats instead if this is not possible
- STAR processes the entries
- The Show Manager resolves any issues e.g. non-payment of fees, judge changes etc
- STAR provides many useful reports to help a Show Manager manage the show, e.g. judge loadings
- STAR can provide the Show Manager with a full pack of paperwork for show day. However, a Show Manager can print their own show paperwork from STAR reports if they prefer
- Additionally, the Office can print schedules and catalogues incorporating STAR reports, or the Show Manager can use STAR reports and create their own
For more information about using STAR, contact the GCCF at star@gccfcats.org - STAR Manual – this is accessed through your GCCF online account under Show Management
- STAR Pricing Schedule
Judges
Miscellaneous
Show Day Documents
Veterinary Matters
In this section, you will find links to useful veterinary matters:
List of Veterinary Surgeons/Nurses for Vetting In – this is obtainable from the GCCF Office
Registration and breed matters
In this section, you will find links to useful registration and breed matters:
STAR Contact Details
Liaising with the GCCF Office about STAR is easy, there is a direct email address and a direct phone line is planned
Office hours Monday – Thursday 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Friday 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
There is after-hours and weekend service when staffing permits.
STAR email: star@gccfcats.org
Other useful contacts
GCCF website for show calendar publication
Marcia Owen
gccfwebmaster@gmail.com
Penning
MF Penning
Tel: 0118 988 2406
www.mfpenning.co.uk
Bella Penning
Tel: 01902 850 567
bellapenning@hotmail.com
Ross Hepburn
Tel: 01592 720740
penpalspenning@btconnect.com
Show Traders (Large Traders)
Crystal Clear
Tel: 07712 648739
www.crystalclearpet.com
Launmeadow Pet Products
Tel: 07479 928364
www.lmpp.uk
Vancat
Tel: 01304 828609
www.vancatuk.com
Tigga Towers
Tel: 01932 481524
www.tiggatowers.com
Sponsors/Partners
Royal Canin
www.royalcanin.com/uk
Josera
www.josera.com/cats
Burns Pet Foods
www.burnspet.co.uk
Thrive
thrivepetfoods.com
Scrumbles
www.scrumbles.co.uk
Rosettes
Richardsons
www.richardson-designs.com
Willows
www.willowsrosettes.com
Premier Rosettes
www.premiererosettes.com
Sue Dear
www.rosettesmostyn.co.uk