Trade show in the gamblers’ paradise

Companies in the pet sector met once again at the Superzoo trade show in a city otherwise famed for its big casinos and racy nightlife. 871 exhibitors presented their new products and innovations on almost 15 000 m² at the sold-out Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas/USA. “For four consecutive years, the event has increased in size and scope,” declared the World Pet Association (WPA), the show organiser. Apart from the number of exhibitors, attendance also increased 12 per cent compared with the 2011 event, and participants hailed from 53 countries including Canada, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Mexico. “We are thrilled with the continued success of the show, especially in terms of the quality of buyers present,” said Doug Poindexter, WPA president. “This is a testament to the strength and vitality of the pet industry in North America.” Award-winning products To pick out the best from the host of new products presented at the show, the WPA also organised the Superzoo Award “Best New Products of 2012” for the exhibiting companies. Here the A & E Cage Company took the top spot with its “Java Wood Bird Toys” in the category “Overall Best in Show”. Second place went to Lucky Litter dba Brilliant pet with the product “Froli Cat Flik”, a toy for cats. The company Angel’s Eyes came third with its “Angel’s Eyes Shampoo”. In the “Aquatic” category, Classic Paws/Aquatic Gallery was the victor with its “Magic Globe Aqua­rium”. The first place in the “Cat” and “Dog” categories went to the companies Lucky Litter dba Brilliant pet (Cat) and Dog for Dog (Dog). As well as new products, educational seminars were a focal point of this year’s Superzoo once again. One of the featured topics at this year’s conference was “The Destination Business”, presented by Jon Schallert of the Schallert Group. Schallert walked attendees through his 14-step strategy to transform businesses from a store to an experience. “It’s our main priority to provide attendees with top-notch education that will help them improve their retail businesses in meaningful, measurable ways,” commented Debra Spaulding of the WPA. Apart from talks, visitors were also treated to the Groomer Supershow, with expert training on the seminar programme and a series of international grooming competitions. The winners were announced and awarded trophies, plaques and more than $ 45 000 in prize money. Download: Trade show in the gamblers’ paradise (PDF file)