More than 1,700 people attended Luxury Pet Pavilion’s first stand-alone market, held Feb. 23-24 in Los Angeles.

The traveling forum, designed to showcase luxury pet manufacturers and purveyors of fine pet goods, included displays by 84 companies.

Exhibitors and attendees represented Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

“The attendance was more than we had imagined when we began planning this endeavor, and it is obvious we have struck an important chord within the pet industry,” said Stephanie Ellis of Pawniquely Yours (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), co-creator of the event.

“Our industry’s top merchandisers came with some of the most amazing products imaginable,” added Tammy Hansen, co-creator of Luxury Pet Pavilion.
Kicking off the event was the first Hollywood Dog Walk of Fame, during which actress Patrika Darbo (“Days of Our Lives,” “Charlie Wilson’s War”) revealed paw prints immortalizing seven movie pooches and nearly 40 vendors showcased products for media representatives.

In addition, Luxury Pet Pavilion presented a $2,500 check to David Frei, president of Angel on a Leash, the official charity of the Westminster Kennel Club.

Show sponsors included Carlson Wagonlit Travel, LA Tails Pet Magazine (Los Angeles), Paw Print Magazine (Toluca Lake, Calif.), Pawniquely Yours, Pet Elite and Pet Business (New York), Pet Product News International and Pet Style News (Los Angeles) and Royal Hound Pet Products/The Throne (Huntington Beach, Calif.).

The Fall Luxury Pet Pavilion will be held Aug. 2-3 at AmericasMart Atlanta. For more information, go to www.luxurypetpavilion.com. [May 2008 PET AGE]