Best Dressed Stand Stampex 2025
- Nov 2
- 4 min read
Twice in a row!
Each year, a member of the PTS wins the title of Best Dressed Stand at Stampex. This year, our independent judge, Paul Sobon awarded Bill Barrell with the trophy for Best Dressed Stand, making Bill the first PTS Member to win the award two years running! Congratulations Bill!
Here is Bill Barrell on his Stand (A4) receiving the Stephen Walter Trophy from our independent judge, Paul Sobon. Paul is Co-Chair of the Collaboration Crew, Board Secretary of the American Helvetia Philatelic Society, and is passionate about Swiss stamps!
How Stands were scored
Paul developed a scorecard for judging the Best Dressed Stand which considered the fundamentals of marketing from the point of “zero moment of truth” through to “post-engagement evaluation”. Stands scored points based on some of the following factors:
Did Paul have an insight into what a stand or stand holder might offer even ahead of Stampex? Had he seen the stand holder proactively promoting themselves and Stampex as a show ahead in the run up to the live event?
What was Paul’s first impression of the stand simply by walking past? Did the stand look inviting? Was it clear what expertise and product/service the stand holder had? Did the stand make one want to stop and look further?
If Paul stopped to take a look, what engagement was there with the stand holder? Did they say hello? Did they appear to be genuinely interested in Paul’s passion for philately, in what he was seeking not just what they were selling?
How did Paul feel after his visit to a stand? Did he want to go back? Subscribe to the PTS Member’s Newsletter or follow them on social media? Browse and bid in their auction, check in on their shop from time to time, and did he want to meet them again at Stampex or at another event?
And then came the “X Factor” … Paul tested the idea of a non-collector who did not really want to go to Stampex being dragged along to Stampex by a philatelic friend. Would that person be excited by philately as a result of their engagement with the particular stand concept / stand holder?
What we loved about Paul’s scorecard was that these are factors all PTS Members can aspire to score high on.
Remember, no one knew that Paul was the secret judge except for the PTS Organisers, Suzanne and Helen! This was also Paul’s first visit to Stampex in London.
The winning score, and notable others
Thanks to all our stand holders for all efforts to promote the show and the very best of what PTS Membership stands for. The scorecard showed some impressive points across the board! Here are the highest scorers:
Best Dressed Stand Winner: Bill Barrell Limited
Bill scored high on all the factors above. From Paul seeing Bill’s pre-show video on Facebook to Bill’s energy in engaging Paul from the moment he stepped up to the stand. “Bill is the booth.” said Paul. Paul was impressed with Bill’s mindset that he and his team are set up for 4 days at the show to run their business, managing online orders and enquiries as well as managing clients at Stampex. Paul noted that Bill had gone above and beyond by having Scott Kibby and Mike Williams available for plating – offering an additional service to collectors and beginners. “Bill brings the hobby to the people and if a non-collector met Bill at Stampex and saw how busy and engaging his stand was, they would likely want to come back.”
Clearest Concept Stand: Stamp Active Network
Paul scored Stamp Active highly, recognising that the clear connection between their target audience (children and families) and the concept they delivered. The stand was colourful and engaging. The volunteers were friendly and welcoming.
Best Stand without a Stand: La Poste
At Stampex, several PTS Members take marketing space on the Atrium level to share offers and information. Paul noted that the La Poste space stood out in this area with its bright colour and engaging stamp designs. La Poste Rep, Swanee Mouton was present at Stampex for a couple of days and Paul was impressed by his inviting approach, to bring the Stand to you – welcoming you to engage in discussions on the future of philately and showcasing innovative philatelic products.
Big Impact Stand: Spink
Spink scored highly with their impactful stand design – a bright, bold, open space that greets every visitor as they enter the show, with a team who were clearly passionate and were engaging to chat to, not to mention the quality of the material they have coming up in their auctions.
Most Innovative Concept: David Feldman International Auctioneers
David Feldman brought both display screens featuring rarities and educational videos, as well as a ‘Print your own stamp’ experience. Paul was impressed with Feldman’s use of technology to help engage visitors to Stampex. For someone new to philately, this stand definitely had the X Factor – who could resist printing their own stamp. And “as you waited for your stamp to generate and print, you could read fascinating stamp facts! A great way to promote the hobby.”
Thanks again to Paul, and a special congrats to Bill and his team!
What was your fav stand at Stampex?
What criteria would you use to vote for the Best Dressed Stand award?
If you took at stand at Stampex, what might you do to make your stand stand out?!
Let us know in the comments below.
Save the date for Stampex in London 2026: 28th to 31st October 2026.
Can't make London? We have our Virtual event running from the 6th to 8th March 2026 so you can meet PTS Members, attend Talks and Roundtables, view Displays, shop special offers, and chat to friends and experts online, all from the comfort of your own home/office.