Press Releases: Article Detail
March 25, 2004
Contact:
Tierra Bonaldi / Julie Rowe
The Impetus Agency
(775) 322-4022
tierra@theimpetusagency.com / julie@theimpetusagency.com
APPA and PIDA Join Forces for Global Pet Expo
- Joint Show to Take Place in Orlando, Florida March 13-15, 2005 -
GREENWICH, CT, March 25, 2004 - Beginning in 2005, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) will merge their trade shows into the largest annual pet industry trade show in the world. The Global Pet Expo will debut March 13-15, 2005, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. By combining the best elements of The APPA Show and PIDA's Pet Exposition and Trade Show (PETS), the two organizations will work together to produce one major industry event.This collaborative effort is the result of the work of a Joint Trade Show Task Force formed by PIDA and APPA board members in April 2002.
"By combining forces, we will be able to better serve both organizations and forge an even stronger bond between industry trading partners," said Bob Vetere, COO and Managing Director of APPA. "This is truly a revolutionary move for the industry."
"It's a win-win for distributors, retailers and manufacturers," said Steven King, executive vice president of the Pet Industry Distributors Association. "It lowers the cost for manufacturers who no longer need to travel to two trade show destinations, distributors will get greater exposure with more dealers looking for reliable distributor support and more suppliers looking for distribution, and retailers will have greater access than ever to the biggest pet industry trade show in North America."
The Global Pet Expo will be open to independent dealers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. Next year, the last day of the show will be open exclusively to distributors, mass merchandise buyers, larger pet specialty chains and international visitors.
The event will eventually settle into a core group of warm weather cities that are easily accessible and have a strong local industry base. Future shows are scheduled for March 23-25, 2006 in San Diego, CA and February 22-24, 2007 in Orlando, FL.
Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Association is the nation’s leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPA’s membership consists of over 750 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation’s leading pet product companies.