Back to grass roots

Many people in the sector did not actually expect the show, which first took place in 1979, to be staged ever again. Many visitors and exhibitors found the experience four years ago at the exhibition grounds in Villepinte all too frustrating as more school students than speciality trade representatives were to be found running around the exhibition hall. Paris never again, many vowed at the time, and in fact the organisers had to call off the show at short notice two years ago for a lack of exhibitors. New concept Now it’s a new Expozoo. Back to its roots, back to the Porte de Versailles, where the first editions of the show were staged. At any rate, the exhibitor list on the Expozoo website featured over 100 companies at the beginning of April, including well-known firms like Mars Petfood, Nestlé Purina Petcare and Zolux. And the aquatics sector, which almost completely ignored Expozoo four years ago, could be turning out in force again in Paris with leading companies Tetra, Sera, JBL, Aquatlantis and Eheim. It should not be overlooked, however, that some key French firms including Royal Canin and Canifrance were still absent from the list by the start of April. Compared with the previous concept, the organisers of the show want to offer exhibitors affordable exhibition stands, of which only a limited range is fully equipped. To simplify logistics and reduce costs, Expozoo is offering free catering for exhibitors and visitors – a concept that has been implemented successfully at the Dibevo fairs in the Netherlands for many years. To facilitate communication at Expozoo, meetings can be held in the lounge, a common area set in the middle of the fair hall, where snacks and beverages are available free of charge. The first day of the fair is to be open primarily to key accounts, including buyers from retail networks and leaders from other types of retail format. A selection was made for this via the French pet product suppliers association Prodaf. Independent dealers, veterinarians and grooming agents are expected in addition to key accounts on the other two days. On the evening of the first show day, trophies are to be presented to the best manufacturers in the “Animal Challenge 2011”. The winners have been chosen by the trade visitors.  www.expozoo.com Download: Back to grass roots (PDF file)Expozoo at a glance Venue: Paris Porte de Versailles, Hall 8 (4 800 m²) Date: 25-27 May 2011 Opening times: 25 + 26 May: 1000-1900; 27 May: 1000-1800. Fair concept…