More than 5,000 buyers—35 percent of whom will come from countries around the world—are expected to attend Global Pet Expo, March 23-25 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego.

The show is co-sponsored by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (Greenwich, Conn.) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (Bel Air, Md.).

According to show organizers, more than 700 exhibitors will showcase their products and services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, small animals and horses in more than 2,100 booths. Of those exhibitors, 150 will be exhibiting at the show for the first time.

Independent retailers, mass-market buyers, distributors and other qualified professionals will be admitted to the 210,000-square-foot exhibit area, which is 20 percent larger than last year’s show.

The new product showcase will feature more than 700 items vying for best-in-show awards in various categories.

For more information, call APPMA at 800-452-1224 or (203) 532-0000, or visit www.globalpetexpo.org. [January 2006 PET AGE]