More exhibitors, fewer visitors

The Global Pet Expo 2018 in Orlando successfully wrapped up its 14th show with a record number of exhibitors during the three-day industry event, which was staged under the motto "All under one roof". Presented by the two associations APPA and PIDA, the trade show boasted an exhibition floor space covering 352 300 net square feet (approx. 32 700 m2) to accommodate the growing number of attendees and booths.

The number of exhibitors increased by three per cent over 2017 to 1 164, including 272 first-time exhibitors making their debut at the show. The show floor also expanded with 3 523 booths, a 2.5 per cent increase over last year's event. Total buyer attendance was 6 508, representing 77 countries from around the world.
Compared with the previous year, however, when 6 761 visitors were counted, this signified a decline for the first time after many years of growth. Nevertheless, the organisers point out that more than 2 100 buyers attended Global Pet Expo for the first time, which is a 26 per cent increase from 2017. Undeterred by the downturn in visitor numbers, Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of the APPA, indicated that the show floor will be even bigger and better than ever at the 2019 show. 

New educational and networking opportunities and increased social media engagement created a constant buzz on the show floor, according to the organisers. For the first time, mini educational sessions took place in the New Products Showcase. These were so well attended that there was standing room only. And the premiere of aquatic seminars in the Aquatic Lounge on the show floor was a welcome addition for members of the aquarium industry, according to APPA. Overall, the 2018 expanded Academy was a huge success, attracting nearly 1 800 attendees, up 12.5 per cent from last year. The Academy, managed by PIDA, featured 20 speakers offering 35 hours of retailer education on topics such as social media marketing, competing with online retailers, merchandising tips, customer service solutions and the hottest topics in employment law. 
APPA and PIDA also reported huge visitor interest in the more than 1 000 entries in the impressive 30 000 ft2 (nearly 2 800 m2) New Products Showcase, as more buyers turned out than ever before, casting twice as many votes for their favourite products. Now in its eighth year, the New Products Showcase "Best in Show" awards ceremony took place on the show floor, where…