According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet industry expenditures totaled more than $60 billion in 2015, and were expected to climb to nearly $63 billion in 2016. As pet industry veterans know, much of that commerce is driven by the many trade shows and conventions that take place each year. If you provide a product or service to this fast-growing industry, you don’t want to miss these upcoming trade shows throughout the U.S.
SuperZoo – August 2 – 4, Las Vegas
As North America’s top pet retail event, SuperZoo attracts more than 15,000 prospective customers, offering four days of networking, meeting new buyers, and connecting with the global pet retail world. An unmatched marketing opportunity for pet product retailers, SuperZoo:
- Helps generate leads by attracting buyers from all 50 states and 53 countries
- Offers a great place to launch your newest offerings to diverse industry professionals with its new products showcase
- Helps generate new business, with 9 out of 10 pet retailers buying a product or placing an order as a result of attending
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – August 6 – 8, San Antonio
Staged by the leading association dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession, AVMA provides exposure to more than 5,000 veterinary professionals from the U.S. and 60 foreign countries. In addition to staying up to date on the latest AVMA education, ethics, and standards, the convention offers exhibitors a prime marketing opportunity for their products and services. At the 2015 convention:
- 91% of attendees took some buying action after visiting the exhibit hall
- 62% requested more information from an exhibitor
- 55% compared products in the exhibit hall for future purchase
- 49% made a purchase as a result of their visit to the exhibit hall
Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC) – October 17 – 20, Atlantic City
Designed for veterinary professionals interested in advancing their education and their businesses, ACVC provides a variety of learning opportunities, including information on new techniques and advances in the veterinary field. Attendees can obtain continuing education credits for license renewal, while also developing relationships with the veterinary vendor community. Exhibitors can take advantage of the convention’s interactive exhibit to showcase their products and services and generate new leads. This includes a new product spotlight package that offers additional coverage and exposure before and during the convention.
CVC Central– August 26 – 29, Kansas City
One of three CVC nationwide conventions, CVC Central brings together veterinary professionals to connect, learn, share experiences, and partake in a variety of learning courses. For exhibitors, CVC provides a targeted marketing opportunity that offers special events designed to drive traffic, boost engagement, deliver stronger leads, and generate more sales. At CVC conventions, 93% of attendees come to learn about new products and services, 82% come to visit with exhibitors, and 71% come to buy.
CVC West – December 7 – 11, San Diego
CVC West offers four days of learning and development opportunities, including more than 500 hours of coursework to choose from. For exhibitors, CVC West provides the same robust marketing opportunities as other CVC conventions, including special events to help drive traffic, boost engagement, deliver stronger leads, and generate more sales. CVC West also offers a rare opportunity to bask in summer-like weather in December while enjoying Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and other popular local attractions.
Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC) – February 23 – 26, 2017, Columbus, Ohio
MVC is a regional veterinary conference that is considered a national convention by many industry suppliers. It draws more than 6,000 attendees from the U.S. and Canada for several days of expert speakers, world-class education, and networking with industry representatives and veterinary colleagues. MVC offers a big conference for a small price tag, making it easier for exhibitors on a budget. Plus, MVC attendees tend to return year after year, with almost 9 out of 10 rating MVC as equal to or better than similar conventions.
NAVC– February 4 – 8, 2017, Orlando
The first veterinary conference of the calendar year, NAVC is also one of the largest meetings of exotics and companion animal practitioners, attracting more than 10,000 veterinary professionals from around the world. This extraordinary marketing opportunity also attracts several thousand exhibitors who come to connect with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and practice managers, of which nearly three-fourths can initiate or have the authority to finalize purchases of products and services. After the 2016 convention, more than 4 out of 5 made or intended to make a purchase within the next six months as a direct result of the conference exhibitor interaction.
Petfood Forum – April 3 – 5, 2017, Kansas City
The premier conference for the pet food manufacturing industry, Petfood Forum brings together pet food companies and professionals from around the globe to showcase nutritious pet food products, new ingredients, and new techniques related to the pet food industry. The #1 place to see and be seen by industry buyers and influencers, Petfood Forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to meet and develop relationships with industry professionals working in nutrition, ingredient, and processing technologies, as well as packaging, food science, R&D, product development, food safety, QA/QC, purchasing, import/export, and regulatory compliance.
Global Pet Expo (APPMA) – March 24 – 27 2017, Orlando
Ranked as one of the top 100 trade shows in the nation by “Trade Show Executive Magazine,” Global Pet Expo is the pet industry’s largest annual trade show. Presented by the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association, Global Pet Expo showcases the latest products for a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, small animals and horses. Open only to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other industry professionals, the convention regularly attracts more than 1,000 national and international exhibitors. It also features several thousand new product launches and more than 6,000 qualified pet product buyers.
Pacific Veterinary Conference (PacVet) – June 29 – July 2, 2017, Long Beach, CA
Combining continuing education with a world-class vacation destination, PacVet offers four days of learning and networking opportunities for veterinary professionals from around the world. Attendees can choose from more than 240 hours of continuing education opportunities while catching up on the latest products, techniques, and trends in veterinary medicine. Exhibitors can display their products and services during the two-day Vet Expo, which attracts more than a thousand veterinary professionals. They can also take advantage of on-site lead retrieval services to maximize their lead generation efforts.
