Global Pet Expo is an addition to the 2005 pet industry trade show schedule, but the inclusion of several elements from its parent associations’ previous shows will make it seem as familiar as an old friend.

The show, debuting March 13-15, 2005, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is a joint effort of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (Greenwich, Conn.) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (Bel Air, Md.).

Familiar elements include APPMA’s 12,000-square-foot New Products Showcase, Best in Show Awards, networking reception, and What’s New area featuring approximately 150 first-time exhibitors.

Another familiar element will be the FTFFA Aquatic Lounge, borrowed from PIDA’s Pet Exposition and Trade Show. More than 300 tanks of Florida's finest tropical fish and aquatic plants will be shown in professional retail display units courtesy of the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association (Winter Haven, Fla.).

The annual pre-show golf match, recently renamed the Allan L. Levey Golf Tournament, will take place March 12.

Billed as the largest annual pet products trade show in the world, Global Pet Expo will present 700 exhibitors in 1,900 booths.

The show will be open to independent dealers, distributors, mass-market buyers and other qualified professionals. However, only distributors, mass merchandise buyers, larger pet specialty chains and international visitors will be admitted on the last day of the show.

For more information, call APPMA at 800-452-1225, or visit www.appma.org. Alternatively, you may call PIDA at (443) 640-1060, or visit www.pida.org. [October 2004 PET AGE]