That means there will plenty of product choices and merchandising ideas to interest the more than 8,000 pet store owners and managers, distributors, boarding kennel operators, grooming professionals and buyers for mail order catalogs and specialty gift stores expected to attend the show, organized by H.H. Backer Associates Inc. (Chicago).

“This year’s show will feature the largest variety of products and services ever, and we expect a record crowd from across the country and overseas,” said Colette Fairchild, CMP, trade show director for Backer Associates.

Buyers will have the chance to preview an assortment of the season’s hottest products in the popular Product Showcase, which opens at 9 a.m. on each show day. They can even vote for their favorite products as part of PET AGE magazine’s eighth annual Retailer Select Awards for Product Excellence. Gold, silver and bronze awards will be presented to winning exhibitors on Sunday, Oct. 9.

Distributors, pet store owners and managers will have numerous opportunities to win up to $9,000—including a $2,000 grand-prize—in the Backer Cash Bonanza contest. Eligible buyers can pick up entry forms for the daily drawings at registration and in participating sponsors’ booths.

Retailers can get valuable information to help them succeed in today’s competitive marketplace at free seminars sponsored by Backer Associates: “You Are Who You Hire” by Dave Ratner; “The Secrets of Selling Holistic Pet Care Products” by Andi Brown; “Reducing Mortality Rates in Freshwater and Saltwater Fish” by Joe Olenik; “Optimizing Your Business the High-Tech Way” by Richard Kann; “Six Top Excuses Why Your Retail Pet Business Isn’t More Profitable” by Barry Berman; “Selling High-End, High-Impact Products” by Robin Kershner, Bruce Haas and Robin Weaver; and “Greater Retail Success with the NexPet Group” by Barry Berman.

Groomers can sharpen their technical skills with Barb Koffski’s free seminar, “First Aid in Your Grooming Shop,” and Suesan Watson’s grooming demo, “Mixed Breeds.” Both will take place on Sunday, Oct. 9.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington) will present a feline certification seminar on Friday, Oct. 7, and a small-animal certification seminar on Saturday, Oct. 8. The $50 on-site fee covers materials and certification costs. However, PIJAC members can call 800-553-7387 for more information about a discounted fee and registration procedures.

Top-notch groomers will compete in the Celebration of Style Grooming Competition, vying for more than $17,000 in cash, trophies and ribbons during the three-day competition.

For fun, attendees can watch John Misita’s Frisbee Dogs performing “K-9s in Flight” each afternoon in the Canine Sports Arena. The Dogtra dog obedience seminar will immediately follow each show.

To find specific products and companies—or to create your own personal ExpoMap—take advantage of Backer’s online ExpoPlanner at www.hhbacker.com.

For a complete schedule of events, online registration or other show information, visit www.hhbacker.com or call (312) 663-4040. [September 2005 PET AGE]