The Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show, to be held Oct. 8-10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Ill., will offer 10 free seminars for pet retailers and groomers-more than it has ever offered.

The show is produced by H.H. Backer Associates Inc. (Chicago).

Sessions on Friday, Oct. 8, include a canine certification seminar taught by David Kupersmith, D.V.M. and sponsored by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington); "Which Comes First-The Customer or the Employees?" by Dave Ratner; "Animal Supplements Roar" by Phil Brown, D.V.M.; and "50 Ways to Increase Your Aquatic Profits" by Joe Olenik.

Sessions on Saturday, Oct. 9, include PIJAC reptile certification by Kupersmith; "Which Comes First-The Customer or the Employees?" by Ratner; "MAC Certification: Your Key to Quality Marine Ornamentals From Responsibly Managed Reefs" by Paul Holthus; "How Wal-Mart or Superstore-Proof Is Business?" by Barry Berman; "Running a Pet Business by the Numbers" by Mort Brown; and "Greater Retailer Success With the NexPet Group" by Berman.

On Sunday, Oct. 10, Judy Kurpiel, CMG, CAH, owner of Little Critters Pet Grooming (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), will present free grooming demonstrations on terriers and rare breeds.

For complete seminar details, visit www.hhbacker.com or call (312) 663-4040. [September 2004 PET AGE]