Whether you're looking for all-natural and holistic pet products, aquarium specialty products or great deals on an amazing array of products for all types of companion animals, you're bound to find them at H.H. Backer's Pet Industry Spring Trade Show and Educational Conference, May 16-18 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore.

Approximately 500 manufacturers and distributors will display the latest products for pets in 900 booths.

The new All-Natural section - marked by green aisle carpeting - showcases approximately 35 exhibitors offering all-natural and holistic pet products.

The Aquatic Answers pavilion - marked by blue aisle carpeting - makes it easy for attendees to shop for aquatic merchandise and get expert advice. Julian Sprung, Chris Brightwell, Elwyn Segrest, Patrick Donston, Jeff Turner, Tullio Dell Aquila, Les Wilson, Rick Preuss, Michael Sims and Mark Krupka will lead one-on-one "Ask the Expert" sessions in the pavilion.

Buyers who want a preview of the must-haves in the pet products market can visit the Product Showcase, which opens at daily at 9 a.m. - one hour before the main exhibit hall opens.

Buyers also can win up to $35,000 in Backer's Super Trivia Challenge. Players will compete in multiple rounds each day for the chance to spin prize wheels and accumulate points. Contestants with the highest point totals each day will win cash or prizes offered by H.H. Backer Associates and contest sponsors.

H.H. Backer will continue to offer free admission to its educational seminars. This year's lineup will include "How to Work a Trade Show"; and "Big Results on a Small Marketing Budget" by Vicki Lynne Morgan; "Power Merchandising" by Chris Miller; "How to Make Your Store a Super Selling Machine" and "Strength in Numbers: NexPet 2, The New Group for Dog and Cat Specialty Stores" by Barry Berman; "Aquarium Systems and Practices" by Patrick Donston; "PIDA's New Online Training Program: Pet Store Pro" by Steve King; “Using Computer Technology to Increase Profits" by Robert Cook; and a panel discussion on selling aquatic supplies featuring top retailers Patrick Donston and Rick Preuss, and Chris Clevers of Hikari Sales USA Inc. (Hayward, Calif.).

On Sunday, May 18, Mary Oquendo and Beth Cristiano, both certified canine specialists and certified pet tech instructors, will present "Emergency First Aid for Pet Professionals"; and award-winning groomer Sue Zecco will demonstrate how to groom a cocker spaniel.