Successful annual Christmas show

At one of the largest, most highly attended shows in its history, H.H. Backer Associates attracted 9 475 registered buyers from more than 2 800 retail and wholesale outlets for its 41st annual pet industry Christmas trade show and educational conference, held from October 12-14 in Rosemont (Chicago). The total number of registered attendees, including exhibitors, was 13 850. According to trade show director Colette Fairchild, 969 exhibitors occupied 1 507 booths, including 193 first-time exhibiting companies: “We’re very happy with the turnout of qualified buyers,” she said. “More than 2 000 were first-time registrants from all across the U.S. The show continues to draw new faces due to the large variety of products available.”