More Than 11,000 Attend In-Person SuperZoo 2021
SuperZoo, North America’s leading pet retail trade show, welcomed 11,145 pet industry professionals for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to reconnect, learn and do business in person. Produced by World Pet Association (WPA), SuperZoo was held Aug. 16–19 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and offered pet retailers and groomers the most comprehensive collection of upcoming trends, newest products and unmatched educational offerings that will help them stand out from the competition.
“It was a pleasure to celebrate the pet industry and its professionals at SuperZoo 2021 for four days of product discovery, learning and networking,” said Vic Mason, president of WPA. “For more than 70 years, SuperZoo has earned a reputation as the industry’s most productive and vibrant show, and we were honored to have the opportunity to safely bring our industry back together again at North America’s only in-person industry gathering this year. With two years’ worth of new products on display, friends and colleagues to reconnect with and unmatched educational programming, it is apparent that our industry is resilient as we continue to see unprecedented demand and growth for pet products and services.”
More than 7,160 pet retailers including Amazon, Chewy, Costco, Kroger, Petco and Pet Supplies Plus, as well as groomers and manufacturers gathered in person for SuperZoo 2021. The 200,000 sq. ft. show floor featured 735 exhibitors that showcased innovative products and emerging trends, including 700 debut items that launched in SuperZoo’s New Product Showcase and Innovation Incubator.
SuperZoo’s education program delivered advice and trend insights from thought leaders that help both new and seasoned pet professionals satisfy their customers and boost profits. Attendees enjoyed more than 70 educational sessions throughout the show covering the full spectrum of relevant topics and best and next practices, including core business tips, grooming techniques and animal wellness trends. New this year, SuperZoo offered a diversity course, panel discussions covering CBD-related research and pet nutrition and an advanced course on the hair and skin recipe for success.
SuperZoo’s New Product Showcase featured more than 700 hot new pet retail products and the latest trends in pet retail. A panel of five industry experts selected the 33 New Product Showcase Award winners and eight Best Overall Product Award winners, including:
- Luxury Lifestyle: Bonne et Filou, Handmade All-Natural Dog Macarons
- Retail Shelf Appeal: Treat Planet, Snicky Snaks Poppers Dog Treats
- Point of Purchase: Hagen Group, Catit Pixi
- Humanized Pet Product: Himalayan Dog Chew, LLC, Advent Calendar 2021
- Health and Wellness: Stashios, Wrap-Ups Bacon Flavor Pliable Pill Wrapper
- Sustainable Pet Product: Shameless Pets, Dental Sticks and Calming Treats
- New-to-Market Pet Food & Treats: Jiminy’s, Cricket Crave and Good Grub Dog Food
- Judges award for best new to market pet products for 2020: Nestle Purina Pet Care, Pro Plan LiveClear Kitten Food
With more than $35,000 in winnings at stake, SuperZoo’s grooming contests allowed grooming professionals to showcase their creativity on the industry’s grandest stage. Contests featured multiple divisions for each regular breed class, plus the following awards:
- Best First-Time Competitor in Show: Kathlena Austin
- Best International Pet Stylist in Show: Jose Tucupita
- Best Pet Stylist in Show: Kristie Reisenweaver
- Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show: Christie Henriksen
- Mixed Salon/Freestyle Open: Cat Opson
- The Wahl Clipper Classic: Cat Opson
- Creative Dog & Cat Styling Open: Milena Kon
- All Breed Model Dog Challenge: Erin Martin
For a full list of New Product Showcase award winners as well as the grooming contest award winners, visit WPA365.org.
Pet professionals who are looking for additional ways to continue their SuperZoo experience can access WPA365 to discover a vibrant on-demand community, marketplace and learning center. Exclusively for industry professionals, they’ll have the opportunity to find more products from top exhibitors, access exclusive education sessions and connect with passionate pros, reps, suppliers and other industry leaders.
SuperZoo 2022 will take place Aug. 23-25, 2022, with education from Aug. 22-25. For more information, visit www.SuperZoo.org.