Targeting professionals interested in manufacturing, regulating and marketing Held outside California for the first time in its 16-year history, America’s Family Pet Expo drew more than 26,000 attendees to the Novi Expo Center in Novi, Mich., when it was held Nov. 19-21. In fact, it ranked among the center’s top 10 shows.

Produced and managed by the World Wide Pet Supply Association (Arcadia, Calif.), the show featured 217 vendors displaying a variety of products and services in 382 booths.

Special attractions included the Petco Pet Adoption Fair, the Canidae Rock-N-Roll K-9s, the Precise Canine Flyball Tournament, Valentine’s Performing Pigs, Premier Animal Attractions, a Parade of Dog Breeds, Miller’s Petting Zoo, a cat show sponsored by The International Cat Association, a competition sponsored by International Cat Agility Tournaments, snake races and numerous interactive events.

Educational opportunities included how-to training and grooming workshops and hands-on exhibits. Numerous animal clubs, organizations, breeders and pet rescue groups provided additional education information for the public.

The retail portion of the show was active, according to show organizers, because consumers took advantage of holiday shopping bargains for their pets and pet-loving friends.

Event sponsors included All-Glass Aquarium Co. Inc. (Franklin, Wis.), Aquascape Designs Inc./Nursery Pro (Batavia, Ill.), Canidae Pet Foods (San Luis Obispo, Calif.), Feller Stone Inc. (Veyo, Utah), The Iams Co. (Dayton, Ohio), Nestle Purina PetCare Co. (St. Louis), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington), Petco Animal Supplies Inc. (San Diego), Precise Pet Products (Nacogdoches, Texas), Python Products Inc. (Milwaukee), Super Pet (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), Sun Seed Co. Inc. (Bowling Green, Ohio), T-Rex Products (Chula Vista, Calif.) and Tetra (Blacksburg, Va.).

This year, America’s Family Pet Expos will take place April 15-17 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa, Mesa, Calif.; June 24-26 at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.; and Nov. 18-20 at the Novi Expo Center.

For more information, call 800-999-7295 or visit www.wwpsa.com. [February 2005 PET AGE]