A whole hall devoted to Aquatic Answers and an area focusing on all-natural items are just some of the highlights trade visitors will find at H.H. Backer’s 42nd Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, Oct. 3-5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Ill.

The show, featuring nearly 1,000 vendors in more than 1,500 booths, is expected to draw more than 9,000 pet store owners and managers, grooming professionals, boarding kennel operators and other retail buyers.

The Aquatic Answers hall, near the main show entrance, will feature aquarium-related companies, fresh- and saltwater tank displays and a large lounge area for “Ask the Expert” sessions. Participating experts include Julian Sprung, Patrick Donston, Jeff Turner, Joe Olenik, Tullio Dell Aquila, Les Wilson, Mark Krupka, Rick Preuss and Timothy Hovanec.

The All-Natural area will showcase companies offering natural or “green” products representing nearly every segment of the pet industry.

Adding to the air of excitement, Casco Group Inc. (Cerritos, Calif.), Pacific Store Designs Inc. (Garden Grove, Calif.) and PET AGE Magazine (Chicago) will award a professional pet store makeover package worth $30,000 to one lucky attendee. Owners of independent pet stores that carry live animals can enter the drawing by visiting the Casco/PET AGE Pet Store Makeover display in the main lobby of the show.

In addition, top-notch groomers will compete for more than $20,000 in cash, travel packages, trophies and ribbons during three-day Celebration of Style grooming competition.

Pet store owners, managers and employees will pick up dozens of business-building tips in a series of free educational seminars: “How to Work a Trade Show” and “Networking Skills: Improve Your Bottom Line” by Vicki Lynne Morgan; “The E.A.S.Y. Selling Method” by Anthony Bennie; “Aquatics Livestock 101” by Patrick Donston; an interactive panel discussion on aquatics with Patrick Donston, Joe Olenik, Rick Preuss and Chris Clevers; “Power Merchandising” by Chris Miller; “Thriving in a Down Economy” with Barry Berman and Vicki Lynne Morgan; and “Emergency First Aid for Pet Professionals” by Mary Oquendo and Beth Cristiano. In addition, Penny Underhill will give a free poodle grooming demonstration on Oct. 5.

Feeling groovy? H.H. Backer will award cash prizes to guests with the best ’70s costumes at its all-industry party at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel on Oct. 4.