APPA Confirms Global Pet Expo Dates, Format Still a Work in Progress
American Pet Products Association (APPA) COO and Executive Vice President Andy Darmohraj confirmed this week that Global Pet Expo, presented by APPA and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), will take place during the scheduled show dates, March 24–26, 2021. While organizers of the premier industry event are working towards holding a live event at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL, they are also exploring other options including digital platforms and hybrid models.
Darmohraj said, “With the ever-changing impact of Covid-19, we are committed to being adaptable to ensure Global Pet Expo participants have a successful and safe experience. That said, I can confidently say that the Show will most definitely go on.” He added, “Bringing the industry back together is paramount as we all continue to navigate the new landscape of doing business. There’s no better place to connect with industry thought leaders, share ideas and gain the education needed to succeed in these challenging times than at Global Pet Expo.”
Global Pet Expo will feature more than 1,000 companies from around the world showcasing the latest and greatest products available for all types of pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, small animals and horses. The Show will be highlighted by more than 3,000 product-launches and nearly 300 first-time exhibiting companies. Ranked one of the top 100 trade shows in the nation by Trade Show Executive Magazine, the Show also includes the following special sections; Natural Pet, Boutique, Everything Aquatic, What’s New! and the New Products Showcase.
The New Products Showcase gives exhibitors the opportunity to highlight their newest lines and provides attendees a chance to preview all the newest products hitting the industry in one location. This special section recognizes the year’s best creative efforts in New Product and Point-of-Purchase Displays. With nearly 1,000 entries, this is the largest New Products Showcase at any pet product industry trade show in the world. The New Products Showcase “Best in Show” awards are the most coveted awards given in the industry. Winners are announced at the Annual New Products Showcase Awards presentation.
Also contributing to the diverse and dynamic offerings available during Global Pet Expo, attendees can attend free, educational programs through the Global Learning Series. This comprehensive program incorporates learning events for all attendees including retailers, distributors and manufacturers on one of five pathways: The Retailer Success Series, formerly known as the Global Pet Expo Academy; Learning Series Workshops; Paws2Learn; APPA Learning Experiences; and Market Research Sessions. The five pathways feature learning under specific Knowledge Areas including leadership, customer experience, public relations and marketing, human resources, profitability and growth and other hot topics.
Darmohraj added, “We are looking to our 2021 event with great optimism and enthusiasm and look forward to the interaction, engagement and opportunities that remain the cornerstone of taking part in Global Pet Expo.”
Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers and other qualified professionals. This show is not open to the general public. For more information and updates on the Show’s format, please visit globalpetexpo.org. Please note, media registration (https://globalpetexpo.org/press/pressregistration.asp) went live Nov. 2, 2020.