The show that means business

The motto says it all: The show that means business. A clear statement of intent, and in fact the Global Pet Expo, America's leading annual pet trade show, was already sold out a month before the opening. The show featured 1 130 exhibitors, 27 per cent of which were international companies, 3 437 booths and 223 first-time exhibiting companies. Visitor numbers also increased compared with the previous year. As Andy Darmohraj announced 9.5 per cent more buyers (6 761)than in the previous year had been counted by late morning on the last day of the show.With more than 3 000 new product launches, Global Pet Expo showcased the latest and greatest products available for all types of pets in an exhibition area covering over 340 000 square feet (approx. 31 600 m2). The launches most popular with the trade visitors received awards in the New Products Showcase (see report in box). 
The tremendous success of the continuously growing Global Pet Expo has been recognised by the trade show industry as well. The Trade Show Executive Magazine (TSE) ranked Global Pet Expo no. 61 on its exclusive Gold 100 list. Global Pet Expo is also ranked no. 48 in TSE's fastest 50 for fastest growing trade shows and was honoured at the prestigious Trade Show News Network Awards as a Top 25 Fastest Growing Show in net square footage. The Global Pet Expo is organised by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). 

In the aquatics segment, the Elive company took first place with its Seriphos Drop Off Aquarium. Best in Show in the bird products was the company A&E Cage with its USA Happy Beaks toys. Primetime Petz was the winner in the cat product group for its Catysmile Backpack Cat Carrier. In the dog segment, West Paw Design won with Qwizl. Best in Show in the natural pet category was Earth Animal with no-hide dog chews. First place in the boutique category went to The Lazy Dog Cookie for its Bake-at-Home Birthday Cake Mix for dogs. The Hagen Group and its Exo Terra Gecko Food topped the reptile category, while the victor in the small animal category was Central Garden & Pet with the Kaytee Run-About Ball LED Light Rainbow. Top spot in the point of purchase category was given to the company Meowijuana with its Retail Display Box.