The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) hosted the pet industry’s premier event and 18th annual Global Pet Expo on March 23-25 in Orlando. A return to a live and in-person three-day event, Global Pet Expo featured a show floor spanning 269,500 net square feet of exhibit space.
Total buyer attendance reached more than 5,400, with 52 percent of buyers representing first-time show attendees. Multi-unit retailer pet boutiques were the largest registration group, alongside an increase in attendance from mass market variety retailers. In addition, Global Pet Expo experienced a return in international buyer attendance, reporting a 49 percent increase in buyer attendees from the U.K. compared to 2020.
The show presented 722 exhibiting companies and 2,695 booths filled with the latest and greatest in pet product innovations, many of which made their debut at this year’s event. The New Products Showcase garnered over 700 new product submissions with winners announced during the “Best in Show” Awards presentation.
The 2022 Global Learning Series delivered more than 40 sessions with inclusive learning pathways for retailers, distributors, exhibitors and special interest groups. Sessions were held by inspiring, experienced speakers and subject matter experts that provided actionable takeaways for business growth and success in today’s climate.
In addition, Global Pet Expo 2022 received national media attention from outlets interested in sharing the latest pet trends and products with their audiences. Total registered press exceeded media registration from the last in-person show in 2020, with 235 representatives from national consumer outlets, pet industry trade, business and financial publications, social media influencers, bloggers, broadcast and more.
“Many tradeshows held recently have reported significant decreases in attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic, some as much as 40 percent. We are extremely proud to announce that Global Pet Expo only saw a decrease closer to 20 percent, with nearly 90 percent of registered buyers attending the event,” says Celeste Powers, CAE, president of PIDA. “We are already looking forward to Global Pet Expo 2023 and anticipate next year to be an even larger event!”
In addition to this year’s in-person show, attendees have access to Global Pet Expo Digital Access, taking place April 20-22. This exclusive, complimentary online event for Global Pet Expo exhibitors and registered buyers will give attendees a chance to reconnect, access on-demand education, share information about products and trends and more.
Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers and other qualified professionals. Global Pet Expo 2023 will take place March 22-24 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center. For more info, visit GlobalPetExpo.org.
