“Truly a global event”

The Global Pet Expo is imminent. How many exhibitors are you expecting this year? I am proud to report that Global Pet Expo 2013 will be our largest show to date. We are expecting nearly 950 manufacturing companies to participate in 2013. Of these, 20 per cent will be companies based outside the United States. Our international exhibitors have nearly tripled since 2005. And we estimate that nearly a quarter of our buyer attendance will be international as well. This truly is a global event. What will the show highlights be? Global Pet Expo is known as the show where pet product manufacturers release new products, and it is the first show of the year where buyers have the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in pet product innovations. The 2013 event will introduce 3 000 new products. This is very important for retailers and distributors, because it gives sufficient time to add the items to their inventory. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to vote for the best new products of 2013 in the New Products Showcase. This is unique in the pet industry, as the sellers of pet products determine the best products of the year. Best in Show awards will be presented to the winners at the Third Annual New Products Showcase Awards Presentation set to take place on 21 February 2013 on the show floor. Additionally, we have expanded the education programme for retailers in 2013 and the Retailer Excellence Awards will highlight the best pet stores in the country. In previous years, the American pet supplies sector has succeeded in achieving further sales growth in spite of the stagnation of the economy as a whole. Was this the case in 2012 too? The annual comprehensive spending and data report for the pet industry showed spending grew 5.3 percent from $ 48.35 bn in 2010 to $ 50.96 bn in 2011. APPA also projects a steady 3.8 per cent growth rate through 2012, with nearly $ 53 bn in overall pet spending. Final numbers for 2012 spending and projections for 2013 will be announced at Global Pet Expo 2013. We will also be releasing exclusive industry data from the 2013-14 National Pet Owners Survey at the show. Can you tell our European and Asian readers why they should travel to the Global Pet Expo this year? Global Pet Expo 2013 will feature thousands of innovative products. Many of the US-based manufacturers do not participate in international events. This is the one opportunity to see these companies and their products in one place, and it is the first show of…