What to Expect: Global Pet Expo 2024
Whether you’re an industry veteran or new to the pet space, Global Pet Expo 2024 is poised to offer a new and exciting experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. Following significant success and expansion in 2023, American Pet Products Association is increasing their investment in Global Pet Expo to deliver even more value to pet industry professionals.
The theme for 2024 is Innovation in Motion, which is a reflection of the association’s vision for this year’s expo and future events to come.
“We’ve started with an Innovation theme and ended up changing it to Innovation in Motion. A lot of innovation is coming into the space, pet tech, wearables, and things like that. We really want to be able to highlight those areas. And they’ll come out throughout the experience at Global,” shared APPA President and CEO Pete Scott.
Let’s look at what you can expect from Global Pet Expo in 2024.
6 Can’t-Miss Features of Global Pet Expo 2024
1. Innovation In Motion Experience Featuring the New Products Showcase
The highlight of the Global Pet Expo this year is the Innovation in Motion Experience, featuring the newly reimagined New Products Showcase, the Spotlight Stage, and more. The modern browsing experience in the Innovation in Motion hub will complement the emerging technology and new-to-market products on display. Scott shared, “We’re throwing a lot of energy into the New Product Showcase by expanding into Pet Tech this year as a new category, and we’re also teaming up with the Pet Sustainability Coalition to offer a Sustainability category for 2024.”
2. Expansive Exhibit Floor Featuring New Specialty Sections
Attendees of Global Pet Expo are invited to explore the sold-out exhibit floor with 1000+ exhibitors across 3000+ booths. The exhibit hall boasts specialty sections including The Modern Pet, The Natural Pet, the Aquatics Lounge, and the Supplier Pavillion. “The supplier pavilion has been an ask for a long time from many of our partner organizations,” according to Scott. To browse the manufacturers and brands exhibiting at this year’s event, you can view the floor plan. We recommend that registered attendees use the My Show Planner tool and exhibitor directory to determine a wishlist of partners to meet with during the expo.
3. New Data: State of the Industry Report & Presentation
A much-anticipated feature of Global Pet Expo each year is the publication of new industry research. At this year’s APPA State of The Industry presentation, the association provides new insights on industry outlook, consumer trends, and pet owner data. APPA recently announced enhancements to the research and insights offering, with National Pet Owner Surveys conducted on an annual basis and compiled into actionable insights reports for pet industry leaders. This year’s State of the Industry will include brand-new survey results and economic forecasts for the pet industry through 2028!
“Consumer behaviors are changing and we need to keep up with that. It’s our obligation to provide our attendees, retail buyers, manufacturers, and our members with that information and share what innovations are coming to life,” said Scott as he spoke about APPA’s new Insights department and the research they will be unveiling during the Global Pet Expo.
4. Unmatched Pet Industry Education Opportunities
Back for another engaging year, the Global Learning Series features 50+ sessions on pet industry business education brought to you by PIDA and APPA. This four-day educational program includes more speakers and programs than ever before. The session content has been expanded to include topics such as innovation technology, wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and insights and research. The Global Learning Series is free to enjoy for Global Pet Expo pass holders and is an excellent added value for attendees.
For more educational opportunities, APPA is introducing a new event that coincides with The Global Pet Expo. The Pet Summit offers three additional tracks for pet industry professionals: Business Marketing, Creator Education, and Research and Insights. The Pet Summit provides an option for pet industry professionals who traditionally haven’t attended the Global Pet Expo to engage with APPA. The sessions are curated for brand marketers, data analysts, C-suite executives, social media content creators, influencers, and venture capitalists. You can learn more by visiting ThePetSummit.com.
5. Business Growth Opportunities for Exhibitors and Attendees
Retailers and buyers can benefit from exclusive expo deals to streamline their purchasing budget. Connect with pet product brands and get special show deals such as discounts, rebates with purchases, waived order minimums, and free shipping.
Exhibitors can showcase their offerings on the show floor and through the New Products Showcase. Thousands of buyers, hundreds of media outlets and influencers, and pet industry investors will be browsing the exhibit hall at Global Pet Expo. This year, through an exciting partnership with DogTV, exhibitors will also have the opportunity to feature their products through video and podcast interviews, and can also opt to capture promotional footage from the event. For more information, visit the Global Pet Expo marketing toolkit.
6. Special Events Including the Unleashed Party
Attendees of Global Pet Expo can count on exciting special events like the Unleashed welcome reception, featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, and more. The after-hours and meet-up events at the expo offer opportunities for networking with the pet industry trailblazers, media reporters, social media influencers, and more. Select buyers will also be invited to a Top Golf invitational. APPA and PIDA are also planning new activation opportunities on the exhibit floor and along the concourse that will engage and delight attendees.
Join us at the Innovation in Motion Experience to discover what’s on the horizon for the pet industry in 2024 and beyond.
