Be different or die!

The biggest compliment came from a packaging manufacturer. “I met more decision-makers in one and a half days at the International Pet Conference than at Interzoo,” said one company manager enthusiastically. Wow! There can hardly be a better compliment for the organiser of a pet conference. Over 170 delegates from 20 countries came to Hamburg to find out about the latest trends in the pet sector at the International Pet Conference, and only very few might have had any regrets about coming. The speakers were of a high calibre and not only gave the delegates a wealth of new information, but also ideas that could be of great benefit to their daily business. Networking was naturally a high priority at the conference. The organisers of the International Pet Conference deliberately reduced the number of speakers slightly and extended the intervals somewhat to accommodate the request of many delegates for more time to develop contacts. In the various discussion sessions, opinions were expressed and exchanged animatedly, current topics were discussed, new contacts were made and existing ones were developed further. The atmosphere was good, especially on the first evening of the conference when Roland Böhme, managing director of the aquarium and terrarium company JBL, received the first PET Personality of the Year award. JBL personifies the conference slogan “Be different or die” very well. The company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has acquired a reputation over the years for being different from other companies when it comes to market presence, service and products. It has developed from a small pet shop to a leading international supplier of aquarium and terrarium products, thanks to figures like Roland Böhme and his father Joachim Böhme, the company founder, who passed away recently. The company has shown what it is capable of again this year with the establishment of the international Aquarium Design Contest. Unconventional, innovative firms that put the emphasis on service are what the pet sector needs. It is in this regard that JBL managing director Roland Böhme genuinely merits the PET Personality of the Year Award. Yours Ralf Majer-Abele Download: Be different or die! (PDF file)