Global Pet Expo 2024 Offers New Specialty Sections, Expanded Products Showcase Categories

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Press release: APPA

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are pleased to announce that buyer, media and influencer registration for Global Pet Expo 2024 is now live. The pet industry’s premier international event, known for delivering business connections and world-class education for pet product professionals from around the globe, will take place March 20-22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

Co-produced by APPA and PIDA, more than 1,000 exhibitors will come together to experience “Innovation in Motion” and advance the $136+ billion pet industry. As the leading event in pet innovation, new products and trends, the show floor is teeming with thousands of products, services and offerings – many of which make their debut at the event. Next year’s show floor is nearly sold out at 92% full and will feature products across all pet categories, ranging from premium pet foods to mentally stimulating toys, eco-friendly products, GPS tracking devices, health monitoring innovations, solution-based products for pet parents and more.

Registration for the show – held in the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center – includes access to exhibits and new product launches, along with opportunities to network, grow your business, attend education sessions and more.

“With pet owners and retailers constantly seeking new and improved products to meet the needs of their beloved animal companions, pet manufacturing continues to be a rapidly evolving industry filled with innovation and creativity,” said APPA president and CEO Pete Scott. “The APPA and PIDA teams look forward to yet again bringing together pet product manufacturers, importers, retailers, distributors, thought leaders and creative minds driven by their passion for enriching the lives of pets and their owners, all while helping drive our industry forward.”

In addition, the Global Pet Expo team is thrilled to announce numerous additions to this year’s show that will elevate and enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience:

New Specialty Sections

Global Pet Expo’s show floor is expanding to include new specialty sections. Exhibitors can now meet with suppliers to help improve their supply chain and production capabilities with new, vetted partners at the first ever Supplier Pavilion. In addition, attendees can witness the future of the pet industry at the Store of the Future exhibit preview, exploring new trends and technological advancements. Finally, find the latest trends in fashionable accessories, handmade products and luxury lines in the newly rebranded The Modern Pet section, formerly known as the Boutique area.

Expanded New Products Showcase Categories

Due to the advanced level of innovation on display, as well as increased participation from exhibitors each year, the New Products Showcase and its accompanying awards presentation will include some fresh categories for 2024. The Pet Sustainability category will recognize goods that provide environmental, social and economic benefits while minimizing negative impacts on the communities in which they are sourced, produced, transported, used and disposed. The Pet Tech Innovation category will showcase emerging brands and technology-forward products such as wearables, location monitoring, health aides and other innovative devices across all animal types. The Dog category will be split into two segments: The Dog Food/Treats category will include consumable dog products, while Dog Products will highlight all other dog-focused offerings. Categories for Farm and Feed and The Modern Pet will also be included.

Refreshed Global Learning Series Topic Areas

Global Pet Expo is elevating its four-day Global Learning Series program – which is free and open to all attendees starting March 19 and running through March 22 – to include additional education on topics that are driving business decisions in 2024. New topic areas will include innovation and technology; digital marketing; labeling; wellness; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and more.

New Exhibitor Search Features

New community search filters for exhibitor listings will help highlight and promote diverse businesses in the pet industry. Exhibitors can use their exhibitor profile to highlight their BIPOC, LGBTQ+ or woman-owned business and offer more visibility for their brand. Attendees can then use the new “Filter by Community” search feature in the Show Planner to explore diverse pet brands exhibiting at the show, help diversify their brand partners and better support these pet businesses.

“Both the APPA and PIDA teams are thrilled with these new updates and additions,” said PIDA president Celeste Powers. “We believe they will revolutionize the show and attendee experience and, most importantly, drive value. We hope to see you at what promises to be a fantastic Global Pet Expo 2024!”