Calling All Global Pet Expo Academy Speakers: Your Deadline Is Approaching!

If you are interested in being a speaker for one of the many great 2018 Global Pet Expo Academy courses, the deadline to submit a proposal is July 31, 2017.

Past topics have included customer service and sales, merchandising, social media marketing, financial management, employee relations and animal care.

Seminars are typically 75 minutes in length and speakers are expected to provide a PowerPoint presentation that illustrates their talk and must make the presentation available to attendees in either electronic form or as a printed handout.

Speakers are asked to provide a 400-500 word article related to their selected topic(s) that will be published in the Global Pet Expo Show Daily. The article must be received by January 15, 2018 in order to meet the publication deadline.

*All speakers may also be asked to present one 15-minute “Mini Session” on a topic distinct from their seminar topics. The Mini Sessions do not require slides, handouts or an article.

If you are interested in being a speaker at the 2018 Show, create an online profile and fill out the Speaker Request Form today.

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The Premier Industry Event will take place March 21-23, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the website.

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Exhibitors: 2018 Booth Applications are NOW OPEN!

Welcome to Global Pet Expo 2018 where everything you need is all under one roof! That’s right, the Show features thousands of pet products covering the largest floor space of any annual trade show in the industry.

Exhibitor applications for the premier industry event are now open and booth space is going fast, so don’t delay. You must register by July 17, 2017, to be eligible for an advanced booth assignment based on your company’s Priority Points. After that, spaces are first come, first serve.

You must be a current member of APPA or PIDA to exhibit at the 2018 Show. If you’re already a member, visit our website to access the Exhibitor Space Application & Agreement and submit today!

Questions? Please contact Global Pet Expo staff here.

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The Premier Industry Event will take place March 21-23, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the website.

Pet Industry Spending at a Record High: $66.75 Billion!

Bob Vetere, President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association, announced that overall spending in the pet industry has surpassed previous spending by more than $6 billion! In fact, pet industry spending for 2016 came in at a record high of $66.75 billion!

While APPA’s industry figures cover pet spending in a variety of categories, we’ve pulled out some of the key facts and figures for you. Take a look:

1. There was a noticeable increase in pet food spending of 22.6% primarily due to APPA accounting for new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicated previous spending figures released may have been too conservative. In fact, interest in high end, premium pet food and treats continues to be a key driver for increased spending in the pet food category.
2. Veterinary care spending remains the second source of spending in the pet industry at $15.95 billion. While routine veterinary visits have not necessarily increased, new advances in health care and services available may be contributing to the 3.4% growth. And with new results from research compiled by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute showing that more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of their pets, it’s no wonder they are more likely to take care of them!
3. The third highest source of spending is in supplies and over the counter (OTC) medications. $14.71 billion was spent on items such as beds, collars, leashes, toys, travel items, clothing, food and water bowls, and other accessories.
4. Purchases of live animals decreased 0.9% in 2016.

5. Other services such as grooming, boarding, walking, training, pet sitting, yard services and more saw significant growth from 2015, second only to the growth of the pet food category.

If these new numbers are any indication of the direction the pet industry is moving, our future is certainly looking bright!

Visit the press release section of our website for a full breakdown of our Annual Industry-Wide Spending Figures.

Introducing the 2017 New Products Showcase Awards Winners

With nearly 1,000 new pet products entered into this year’s New Products Showcase, the buyers in attendance definitely had their work cut out for them in choosing the most innovative, useful, and groundbreaking products for 2017.

Well, the votes are in, and the winners are…

 

AQUATICS

Best In Show
Seriphos Drop Off Aquarium
Elive, LLC

Second Place
Jelly Cylinder 5
Jellyfish Art LLC

Third Place
Brio 35 Urban Eco Garden
Deep Water Aquatics

BIRD

Best In Show
USA Happy Beaks Toys
A&E Cage Co., LLC

Second Place
Bird Temp – Digital Infrared Thermometer
Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.

Third Place
Eco- Friendly Bird Nest
Le Sharma Trading, Inc.

BOUTIQUE

Best In Show
Bake-at-Home Birthday Cake Mix for Dogs
The Lazy Dog Cookie Co., Inc.

Second Place
Dodo Bird Family: Baz the Dad, Barb the Mom & Billy the Baby Dodo Birds
Merito Industries dba THINK OUTSIDE

Third Place
PetCakes Frozen Yogurt Treats
PetCakes by Lucky Paws, LLC

CAT

Best In Show
Catysmile Backpack Cat Carrier
Primetime Petz LLC

Second Place
The Bridge
Molly and Friends Cat Furniture Company

Third Place
Side Table Cat Bed
Sauder Woodworking Co.

DOG

Best In Show
Qwizl
West Paw Design

Second Place
PAW5 Wooly
PAW5

Third Place
TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick
TropiClean Pet Products

NATURAL PET

Best In Show
NO-HIDE DOG CHEWS – PORK
Earth Animal

Second Place
Ruff Bone
Himalayan Corporation

Third Place
CannaBoost (TM) CDB/Hemp full spectrum extract
PawFlex, Inc.

REPTILE

Best In Show
Exo Terra Gecko Food
Hagen Group

Second Place
Exo Terra Tall Terrarium
Hagen Group

Third Place
Zilla Front Opening Terrarium
Central Garden & Pet

SMALL ANIMAL

Best In Show
Kaytee Run-About Ball LED Light Rainbow 7 inch
Central Garden & Pet

Second Place
Walkin’ Wheels Mini Wheelchair
Walkin’ Pets by Handicappedpets.com

Third Place
Kaytee Critterhome 30 x 18 Deluxe Habitat Large
Central Garden & Pet

POINT OF PURCHASE

Best In Show
Meowijuana – Retail Display Box (Large)
Meowijuana LL

Second Place
Earth Rated 2017 Collection
Earth Rated

Third Place
Kaytee Crittertrail Building Station
Central Garden & Pet

Andrea Arden Was Honored at Global Pet Expo 2017

Dog training expert, author and TV and radio personality, Andrea Arden, accepted the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award” at the 2017 Global Pet Expo!

Arden accepted the award, presented by Bob Vetere, President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association, at the Purina® Media Reception at Global Pet Expo. The annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award” recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership.

Arden has had a colorful career to say the least, beginning 22 years ago with her Emmy award winning show The Pet Department. She’s the media’s one stop shop for trends within the pet industry, tips on training, responsible pet ownership and pet education. A frequent contributor to the TODAY show, Live With Kelly, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and many others, Arden is passionately dedicated to educating pet parents about how to best enrich and prolong the lives of companion animals as well as advocating for rescue animals and the organizations tasked with helping them. And, as if that isn’t enough, she’s also the on-camera trainer for Animal Planet’s America’s Cutest Dog and Cat, Dogs101, Cats101 and Wonderdog.

In addition to her extensive television work and advocacy, she has been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy, as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette and Modern Dog. She has also written four books; Barron’s Dog Training Bible, Dog-Friendly Dog Training, Train Your Dog the Lazy Way, and The Little Book of Dog Tricks. 

It’s safe to say that with the above accomplishments and all she’s contributed to the pet industry, she was the perfect honoree for this year’s award. Congratulations, Andrea!

Announcing the 2017 Retailer Excellence Award Winners

Global Pet Expo is proud to announce the winners of the Sixth Annual Retailer Excellence Awards. These awards are designed to honor outstanding independent pet stores in a variety of categories.

The following retailers received designated awards in each of the 10 different categories:

Paw’s Natural Pet Emporium of Richland, WA
Best Overall Single-Store Retailer: This award recognizes a single-store retailer for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

Yarn & Bone Pet Supply Co. of Camden, DE
Best Overall Retailer (2 – 10 stores): This award recognizes multi-unit retailers with less than 10 stores for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

CountryMax Stores of Victor, NY
Best Overall Retailer (10 or more stores): This award recognizes multi-unit retailers with more than 10 stores for excelling in sales, customer service, store design, merchandising and community service.

Most Valuable Pets, Inc. of Nicholasville, KY
Best Live Animal Retailer: This award recognizes a retailer that excels in sales, promotion, display and knowledge of the dedicated live-animal category.

Pet Pantry Warehouse of Rye, NY
Best Merchandising: This award recognizes their outstanding creative techniques to promote sales and services.

The Green K9 of Mount Dora, FL
Multi-Service Excellence: This award recognizes their effective offering of a broad spectrum of services including grooming, training, boarding, etc.

Bark Out Loud Doggie Boutique & Café of Mansfield, TX
Best Marketing: This award honors effective execution in sales and promotional techniques to increase sales and customers including the use of advertising, public relations, social media and more.

Natural Pet Enrichment Center of North Royalton, OH
Best Customer Service: This award recognizes an unmatched level of customer service, demonstrates familiarity with products and services, etc.

Pet Express of Saugus, MA
Best Store Design: This award honors excellence in overall store design including merchandising displays, store layout, curb appeal and more.

Petsway of Springfield, MO
Best Community Service: This honor recognizes fellowship, integrity and a clear demonstration that the store is committed to giving back to the community.

 

Congratulations to all of the winning retailers!

Entries were judged by a committee consisting of Global Pet Expo and Pet Business Media staff members. For more information about the Show or the awards please visit www.globalpetexpo.org.

The Official Global Pet Expo Social Media Guide

The Show That Means Business is getting even more social this year! And because we know it can all be a bit overwhelming at times, we’ve compiled everything you need to know in one easy-to-digest social media guide.

Facebook

Like Global Pet Expo on Facebook to find the latest Show updates as you scroll through your newsfeed as well as recaps at the end of each day. AND, as a Global Pet Expo first, we will be going LIVE a few times throughout the Show. Stay tuned!

Twitter

Follow Global Pet Expo on Twitter and include the #GlobalPetExpo hashtag in all of your tweets. We will be live-streaming these tweets on monitors throughout the Show Floor. This is a great way to instantly broadcast your message to Show attendees. Make sure to tag us @GlobalPetExpo, too!

Instagram

Follow Global Pet Expo on Instagram for up-to-date Show photos, exhibitor products and features, and more. Include the #GlobalPetExpo hashtag and tag us in all of your photos for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. We will also be live-streaming these posts on monitors throughout the Show Floor.

YouTube

We know it’s a big show, so don’t worry if you miss something. We will be uploading Global Pet Expo TV videos to our YouTube channel that highlight the exciting events from each day.

 

Pinterest

The premier industry event has professional photographers walking the Show floor and attending the Show events, capturing the best moments and turning them into memories. Follow us on Pinterest for boards full of the best Show photos! 

Snapchat

As the digital landscape changes, so do we! This year, the Show will feature a new snapchat filter allowing you the opportunity to spruce up those tiny pieces of art you snap during the Show.

 

Global Pet Expo App

Download the Global Pet Expo App for iOS or Android right to your phone or tablet for quick access to show schedules, the exhibitor list, the floor plan and more, all at your fingertips.

 

Important reminder: The official Show hashtag is #GlobalPetExpo so, no need to turn it into an acronym or include 2017.

We look forward to seeing you at the Show and seeing your messages on social media!

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The Show That Means Business is happening March 22-24, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the website.

Global Pet Expo is SOLD OUT!

With just a few weeks until the doors open to the premier industry event, Global Pet Expo officials are proud to report that all booths on the Show Floor have been sold.

So, what does that mean?

The 2017 Show will feature 1,130 exhibitors, 27% of which are international companies, 3,435 booths and 223 first-time exhibiting companies!

With more than 3,000 new product launches, Global Pet Expo will showcase the latest and greatest products available for all types of pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, small animals and horses. The Show has also grown in recent years with added special sections including the “International Pavilions,” “Natural Pet,” “Boutique,” “Everything Aquatic,” and “What’s New!”

We’re looking forward to another great Global Pet Expo, and we’ll see you in Orlando!

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The SOLD OUT Show That Means Business is happening March 22-24, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the website.

Remaining Sponsorships Opportunities

Increase the impact of your booth and make a bold statement with a sponsorship at this year’s Global Pet Expo. In a post-show survey, 70% of Global Pet Expo buyers told us they recognized exhibitors from their sponsorships. Don’t miss your chance to be a recognizable business at the premier industry event!

Below are just a few options:

• Double sized press bins (NEW!)
• Rotating light box (NEW!)
• Show Floor sports bar (NEW!)
• Main lobby flags
• Branding towers
• Floor decals

Visit our website for a full list of sponsorship opportunities.

Every Global Pet Expo sponsorship includes these value-added extras:

• A highlight of your company’s name and booth number on the Interactive Floor Plan of the Global Pet Expo website
• Placement of your company’s logo and booth number on a 28’ x 7’ banner outside the Show’s main entrance (banner recognizes all sponsors)
• A highlight of your company’s name and booth number on the Floor Plan Map & City Guide
• Recognition in a news release distributed to more than 250 members of the media

Extras and sponsorship availability are subject to change as we get closer to the Show.

For more information or for a list of remaining sponsorship opportunities, contact Marian Thielsen via phone at (203) 532-3601 or via email at mthielsen@americanpetproducts.org.

Special Events Happening at Global Pet Expo

While this is The Show That Means Business, we do have some special events that are quite entertaining. Take a look and plan to attend:

The Petworking Receptio
Wednesday, March 22 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hall A – Registration Concourse Level One,
Orange County Convention Center 

Business is built by relationships and we want you to have every opportunity to meet everyone at the show.  Our fabulous FREE Networking Reception gives you the time and place to rub elbows with people you might never have another opportunity to meet.  Have a drink, some eats and mix it up with new friends and old.

No registration is required but please wear your badge to the event.

The event is sponsored by Pets Add Life.

Industry Breakfast & Retailer Excellence Awards Ceremony
Thursday, March 23 |8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Valencia Ballroom, 4^th Floor, Orange County Convention Center

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this is no exception. Start the day with a wonderful meal and attend the presentation of Global Pet Expo and Pet Business Media’s Retailer Excellence Awards ceremony.

No registration is required but please wear your badge to the event.

Each year, the Retailer Excellence Awards honor outstanding pet stores in a variety of categories. Awards will be given to one retailer in each of the ten different award categories:

• Best Overall Single-Store Retailer
• Best Overall Multi-Unit Retailer – 2-10 Locations
• Best Over Multi-Unit Retailer – 10+ Locations
• Best Live Animal Specialty Store
• Merchandising Excellence Award
• Multi-Service Excellence Award
• Marketing Excellence Award
• Customer Service Award
• Excellence in Store Design Award

New Products Showcase Awards Ceremony
Thursday, March 23 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 P
Show Floor in the New Products Showcase

If you really want to be up on new trends and hot products for 2017, make a plan to attend the annual New Products Showcase Awards Presentation.

Each year, more and more manufacturers wait to launch their new products in the New Products Showcase so they have a chance to win first place in the Best in Show contest. The media attention our awards get is incredible and long lasting.

Nine winners will receive a Best in Show award in the following categories:

• Aquatics
• Bird
• Boutique
• Cat
• Dog
• Natural Pet
• Small Animal
• Reptile
• Point-of-Purchase Display

APPA Professional Women’s Network Breakfast
Friday, March 24 | 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Room W209

Guest speaker: Dr. Dani McVety

Home is where the heart is: Bringing hospice care into the homes of those that need it the most.

Join the APPA Professional Women’s Network and the APPA Young Professionals for a complimentary breakfast buffet and special presentation by Dr. Dani McVety.

Dr. McVety is Co-Founder and CEO of Lap of Love and co-host of PetCareTV.  She frequently writes and speaks for professional and lay audiences in hopes of empowering both parties to seek the highest standards of care.  Her talks have quickly garnered the reputation of being “fantastically hilarious,” “bringing humor where it’s needed most,” “incredibly inspiring,” and “simply authentic.”  In her talks, Dr. McVety shares her struggles through veterinary school, how she found her passion in the emergency room, why she felt a calling in the toughest moments of medicine, and how her and her business partner have grown a nationally recognized business.  As a certified body language instructor, one of her favorite topics is communication.  “Communication is the heart of all that we do; it is lifeblood of all our interactions.”

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The Show That Means Business is happening March 22-24, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit the website.