"It wasn't quite business as usual"

APPA and PIDA, the two organisers of the leading US trade show, were certainly able to give themselves a pat on the back at the end of it. They rose superbly to the Herculean challenge of staging a three-day fair in the face of the globally spreading coronavirus pandemic despite flight and immigration restrictions, last-minute stand cancellations and a growing fear of Covid-19. The preventive hygiene measures taken at the exhibition centre were effective and the staff were tireless in their efforts to ensure trade visitors had an enjoyable experience despite the adverse circumstances.

With 6 041 visitors present, the total buyer attendance was well below that of the previous year. The main reason for this was the late cancellation of around 150 exhibitors, mostly from China and other countries in Asia. However, the fair still offered an important venue for the international pet sector to meet up, said the fair organisers. The fact that, notwithstanding the pandemic, 22 per cent of the trade visitors consisted of international buyers representing 78 countries confirms the significance of this trade show.
Attendees from all 50 US states were represented, with an increase of 6 per cent from the West Coast specifically, while domestic attendance by mass market buyers was up by 17 per cent over last year, according to APPA and PIDA. The exhibitor turnout at the Global Pet Expo was also impressive: the show featured 1 066 exhibiting companies with 3 541 booths, spanning 354 100 net square feet (33 000 m2).

"The ways in which Covid-19 has changed the world are still unfolding. And while it wasn't quite business as usual, we are extremely proud of the Global Pet Expo team for their tireless work to not only adapt to the changing landscape but pull off a safe and productive event with unparalleled show experience," said Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of APPA. "With more than 20 per cent of buyers registered coming to Global Pet Expo for four or more years consecutively, it demonstrates the vital role this trade show plays for pet retailers. It should also be noted we had 222 first-time exhibiting companies, recognising Global Pet Expo as an exceptional opportunity for new entrepreneurs and businesses entering the industry."

The 2020 Global Pet Expo Academy was also a success, attracting a record 2 000 attendees. The Academy, managed by PIDA, featured 15 speakers offering 46 hours of free…