Greenwich, CT, January 21, 2003 — 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. 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 annual industry event.

The first joint show will take place on March 13–15, 2005 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The show will adopt a Sunday–Tuesday format. Attendance will be open to independent dealers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. Tuesday, the last day of The Show, will be exclusively open to distributors, mass merchandise buyers, larger pet specialty chains and international visitors.

The show 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 tentatively scheduled for San Diego, CA in 2006 and Las Vegas, NV in 2007.

This collaborative effort is the result of the work of a Joint Trade Show Task Force that was formed by PIDA and APPA in April 2002. The members of the Task Force include PIDA Board Members Donnie Fleming (Quality Pets, Inc.), Blaine Phillips (Phillips Feed & Pet Supply), Peter Reid (Marshall Ferrets & Pet Products), Ken Chancey (Central Pet—Tampa), Fred Schober (Super Dog Pet Food Co.), Randy Barb (Newco Distributors, Inc.) and APPA Board Members Charles Miller (Jungle Laboratories, Inc.), Andy Messinger (Vitakraft Pet Products, Inc.), Jonathon Zelinger (Ethical Pet Products, Inc.), Royal Soward, Brent Weinmann (Sun Seed Company, Inc.) and Craig Dewalt (CASCO Group).

The Show will be managed by existing APPA and PIDA staff as directed by a committee comprised of representatives of both PIDA and APPA. Revenues and expenses will be shared according to a pre-determined formula.

According to Steve King, PIDA’s executive vice president, this joint show has important positive implications for the future of trade events in the pet industry. "This is a momentous occasion for the pet industry. It marks a new day in the relationship between two of the leading pet industry associations, and between manufacturers and distributors,” said King.

APPA’s Executive Vice President Bob Vetere commented that unifying the two organizations’ members in a joint event of this caliber is a positive step that will benefit all segments of the pet product industry. “I think this is a very positive step for both our members and the industry as a whole. Not only will there be a net cost savings to most exhibitors, but they will now be a part of the largest annual pet products trade show in the world! Selling and buying will be more focused with a greater return on the dollars invested in their show participation. This merger is only the first step in creating more value for the members of APPA and PIDA,” stated Vetere.

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