Global Pet Expo Officials Announce Flexible Payment Plans for Exhibitors, and Safety Measures for Attendees as Priorities for 2021 Trade Show

(Stamford, CT) —With plans for the 17th Annual Global Pet Expo well underway, Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), announced today that Booth Space Applications will go live June 15, 2020. Global Pet Expo, presented by APPA and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) is set to take place March 24–26, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL, and Darmohraj said that safety and accessibility remain top priority.  

 “The health and wellbeing of our participants is paramount. Exhibitors, buyers and all attendees alike can expect to hear from us in the coming months with regular safety updates. We are committed to producing an event that provides attendees the ability to focus on and conduct the business they are coming to our Show to do,” Darmohraj said. 

Global Pet Expo officials are working closely with all relevant partners in the events ecosystem to ensure a safe experience on every level. Some recent updates include the following: 

• The OCCC is currently working to achieve a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Facility Accreditation, which is considered the gold standard for how facilities should be prepared upon opening.  

• The City of Orlando is participating in the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. This group is currently working on recommendations to help reopen Orange County, including the approach to ease restrictions while ensuring the safety of the public. 

• The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), a trade group for exhibition professionals, published a guide called: Essential Considerations For Safely Reopening Exhibitions and Events to make sure the trade show industry as a whole is prepared. 

• We continue to look to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to provide guidance for international participants.

In addition to a clear focus on safety, the ability for APPA and PIDA members to participate in Global Pet Expo is also top priority at this time.  In an effort to alleviate any additional burden, Global Pet Expo will offer 2020 booth pricing for 2021. Exhibitors will also have added flexibility with their payment plans with smaller deposits throughout the payment schedule, additional time to make final payments, and an extended cancellation period. All Booth Space Applications received by August 31, 2020 will be reviewed and assigned by Global Pet Expo staff in Priority Point order. Applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible to secure their place on the list. 

Darmohraj added, “Global Pet Expo is an important opportunity for the pet industry as participants look to reconnect and build new partnerships. We are truly grateful for the continued support from our loyal exhibitors and attendees who come from 80 countries to participate in Global Pet Expo each year, and we are dedicated to planning a successful and safe trade show in 2021.” 

Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. It is a trade-only event and not open to the general public. For details, visit www.globalpetexpo.org. 

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Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The 2020 Show featured 1,066 exhibitors, 3,541 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches. Additionally, 6,041 pet product buyers from around the world attended. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. The 2021 Show will take place March 24-26, in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. For more information, visit www.globalpetexpo.org. 

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,100 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises.  APPA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and Vets program, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust.  Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information. 

Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of pet product distributors since 1968. The mission of PIDA is to enhance the well-being of the wholesaler-distributor, to promote partnerships with their suppliers and customers and to work cooperatively with other organizations in fostering the human-companion animal bond. PIDA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust. Visit www.pida.org for more information.