More than 9,000 pet store owners and managers, distributors, boarding kennel operators, grooming professionals and buyers for mail-order catalogs and specialty gift stores are expected to attend H.H. Backer’s 41st Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, Oct. 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Ill.

Organized by H.H. Backer Associates Inc. (Chicago), this year’s show will feature nearly 1,000 pet supply manufacturers and distributors exhibiting pet products and services in more than 1,500 booths.

Pet retailers who carry aquatics merchandise and provide related services can shop for a wide variety of targeted products and get expert advice at the Aquatic Answers pavilion—an exciting new feature at Backer’s Christmas Show. The pavilion, located prominently on Level 1 of the trade show floor, will feature companies exhibiting aquarium products, fresh- and saltwater tank displays, and two lounges to accommodate one-on-one sessions between aquatics experts and store managers/employees.

One-on-one “Ask the Expert” educational sessions in the Aquatic Answers pavilion will be conducted by Julian Sprung, Jeff Turner, Patrick Donston, Joe Olenik, Tullio Dell Aquila, Les Wilson, Gary Sparks, Elwyn Segrest and Mark Krupka during trade show hours.

“Retailers want to learn more about the issues that directly affect their stores, such as how to train and keep good employees, how to sell high-end products, how to set up tank displays that sell, freshwater/saltwater husbandry and other topics such as lighting and filtration. The Aquatic Answers pavilion will help meet those needs in a more personalized setting,” said Colette Fairchild, trade show director for H.H. Backer Associates.

Once again, buyers will be able to preview an assortment of the season’s hottest products in the popular Product Showcase, opening at 9 a.m. daily, as well as vote for their favorite products. PET AGE’s Retailer Select Awards for Product Excellence will be presented at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14.

Distributors and pet store owners and managers also can enter Backer’s Cash Bonanza Big Cash Giveaway for the chance to win $2,000 on Oct. 12, $3,000 on Oct. 13 and a $5,000 grand prize on Oct. 14. They can get entry forms at registration and in participating sponsors’ booths.

When it’s time to take a break from shopping, buyers can stop by the Special Events Arena to see two unique acts: a professional flying disc dog show by Hyperflite and an agility/obedience demonstration by dog behaviorist and author Kathy Santo.

For even more fun, buyers and exhibitors alike are welcome at H.H. Backer’s All Industry Party, set to a ’50s and ’60s theme, on Oct. 13. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of a costume contest during the party.

Free educational seminars offered throughout the weekend include “Aquarium Systems and Practices” by Patrick Donston; “Koi Herpes Virus (KHV): Education, Prevention and Control” by Dr. Kathleen Hartman; “Selling Aquatic Supplies” by Patrick Donston, Joe Olenik, Gary Sparks and Rick Preuss; “Creating Customer Loyalty: How to Differentiate Your Store From the Competition” by Mort Brown; “Technology Boot Camp 101” by Rob Cook; “Best Practices in Retail Management” by Barry Berman; “Anatomy of a Sale: Improving Your Selling Skills” by Vicki Lynne Morgan; “Big Results on a Small Marketing Budget” by Vicki Lynne Morgan; “Greater Retail Success With the NexPet Group” by Barry Berman; and “Protecting Your Intellectual Property and Avoiding Claims of Infringement” by Fabio Silva.

Free seminars for groomers include “Equipment Repair Tips” by Chuck Palm; and “Cocker Spaniel Grooming Demonstration” by Penny Underhill. Both will take place Oct. 14.

Top-notch groomers will compete in Backer’s Celebration of Style, vying for more than $20,000 in cash prizes, travel packages, trophies and ribbons during the three-day GroomTeam USA-sanctioned event.