Pet Connections Expo to Hold Business Consultations for Independent Pet Retailers

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Both event attendees and exhibitors will have the opportunity to receive complimentary advice on a variety of business-related topics at the upcoming Pet Connections Expo, which will be taking place October 2-3, 2018, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

Pet industry veteran Animal Brands owner Vicki Lynne Morgan, a pet industry business development advisor and consultant, will offer trusted advice from real-world experience in private consultations throughout the show. Strategic business tips and brainstorming sessions will be available during one-on-one and small group sessions, scheduled daily.

Since 2001, Morgan has counseled and trained more than 1,000 small business owners through the SBA-funded Small Business Development Centers on New Jersey college campuses. Her topics include, but are not limited to, foundations for launching a successful business; business plans; integrated, inbound guerrilla marketing; selling skills; messaging that attracts the target audience; customer experience management; channel partner relationships; sales collateral review; networking skills; fusion marketing; and more.

“Trial and error is not an option for achieving long-term success and profitability. Unfortunately, many small-business owners don’t have access to sound advice and guidance from someone who knows the pet industry and understands the decisions they need to make to reach their goals,” Morgan said, “Each session will address specific issues and concerns based on participants’ input. Attendees will leave with new insight and a lot of homework that will help them sustain and grow business opportunities and profitability.”

These “Ask the Expert” business sessions will be conducted in specially-designated booth space on the Pet Expo Connections show floor. Sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who sign up in advance through the show’s mobile app. A maximum of three companies, two representatives each, may attend the 50-minute sessions.

“Small business owners are facing many challenges this year,” said Bill Doherty, the show’s director. “We wanted to offer these services free of charge to encourage as many retailers as possible to participate. These sessions will expand our offerings and provide targeted business advice in an intimate setting.”

The Pet Connections Expo will bring together pet industry buyers and suppliers from around the country. After its launch in 2017, this year’s focus will continue to be on topics that are most important to independent pet retailers.