APPA will be hosting a meeting for Pet Food and Treat Manufacturers to discuss the latest regulatory updates for pet food and treats. Stop by for lunch and hear Dr David Dzanis, APPA’s Pet Food Nutritionist, speak about the newest regulatory trends that are being discussed by AAFCO and the FDA, which may impact your requirements. 

One of the important “hot” topics that Dr Dzanis will be talking about will be efforts by AAFCO toward "Pet Food Labeling Modernization."  AAFCO wants to revamp the labels to be more akin to human food labeling.  This will likely include replacing the guaranteed analysis and calorie content statement with a "Pet Nutrition Facts Box."  There will also likely be changes as to how nutritional adequacy will be declared on the label, how ingredients can be declared, and new needs for safe handling directions.  Although this is a monumental task, it is being fast-tracked (at least, very fast compared to most regulatory matters).   Also likely to come up include the status of "human grade" claims, and a proposal to amend the dental claim guidance.

There is no need to register for this meeting and it is open to all APPA members.

The modern trend in aquatic gardening has created a renewed interest in freshwater aquariums and live plants in general. Planted tanks have been featured in many of the trade publications and are becoming one of the driving forces in the freshwater category. If you have not carried live plants before, or are looking to expand your selection, this is the talk for you. We will discuss the hardiest varieties, care techniques, and tips to make you and your customers successful in aquatic gardening.

What big changes occur in shipping water and in your fish during transport, and why are some acclimation methods not ideal? This lecture will explain all you need to know to reduce fish losses and improve overall health, starting on day 1- arrival.

Learn about the APPA Young Professionals and watch famed barista artist Michael Breach create Instagram-friendly latte portraits of pets!

The U.S. pet industry is being transformed by changing mentalities about pets and pet care, with pet health and wellness increasingly broadly defined.  Pet parenting, pet ownership, generational, economic, and omnichannel trends have permanently broken down traditional industry boundaries.  With ecommerce sales dominating pet industry headlines, pet food brands and big-box retailers increasingly look to reorient and differentiate, including through involvement with pet welfare causes and with veterinary and non-medical pet services. Focusing on the dog and cat category consumer insights, this data-rich presentation tracks these evolving patterns and their implications for pet industry manufacturers, retailers, and service providers alike.

Business is built by relationships and we want you to have every opportunity to meet everyone at the show.  Our fabulous FREE Networking Reception gives you the time and place to rub elbows with people you might never have another opportunity to meet.  Have a drink, some eats and mix it up with new friends and old. 

No registration is required but please wear your badge to the event.

Event is sponsored by:

Start the day with a healthy buffet breakfast while outstanding pet specialty stores are honored with the Eighth-Annual Retailer Excellence Awards. Then, after the awards ceremony, stick around for our NEW Retailer Roundtable Discussions, where expert Global Pet Expo Academy speakers will facilitate peer-to-peer roundtable conversations about the hottest topics impacting pet product retailers. You're guaranteed to leave with practical, actionable business-building ideas and valuable new connections with your peers.

No registration is required but please wear your badge to the event.

Dr. Susan Little, famous cat veterinarian, PurrPodcast host and author of two feline textbooks will talk about how nutrition is important for feline health. Her lectures are fun, informative and based on nutritional truths that might just debunk a few of the ideas you've likely read online.

Please join us for the 2019 Pet Care Innovation Prize GRAND PRIZE pitch event. See five startups pitch their businesses live to a team of judges that includes active investors, industry media and the pet care category leaders at Purina. The GRAND PRIZE winner will be announced during the event at the pet care industry’s biggest trade show earning a cash prize and the opportunity to partner with Purina.

Get a first look at the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey! This seminar will feature a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in pet product and service consumption. The presentation will also include a look at generational differences and the role they play in pet ownership.

There are more options for aquarium filtration than ever, but what is essential for a complete filtration offering? Serving novice consumers while captivating your more engaged hobbyists can lead to a crowded retail space. This seminar focuses on getting the right product mix for your store to optimize the consumer experience and maximize your shelf efficiency

Are you carrying products in your store that adequately address the lighting needs of the customers that come through your door? Every segment of the aquatic hobby has changed over the years, but rarely has the evolution been as rapid as in the field of lighting. Perhaps, you are ahead of the curve or behind the times. Lighting needs vary greatly depending on the level of results your customers are hoping to achieve. Discussion will range from commercial use to home requirements

Stop by to say hello & we’ll share a FREE afternoon pick me up beverage

The demographic profile of pet owners is changing around the world. A value-seeking, online-obsessed group of younger consumers is re-defining both the types of products they want and where they want to buy them. At the same time, a growing class of pet owners in emerging markets are changing the landscape for pet food and products in ways that will transform the global market in the coming decades. This presentation will explore these trends and offer strategies that manufacturers can adapt to best address this rapidly-changing market landscape.

A giant dog house serves as the grooming check-in desk. Vintage fridges keep gourmet pupcakes perfectly chilled. Murals infuse color and whimsy. A barn door delights as the base of a treat bar. Learn how to surprise and enchant customers with your store design and merchandising from this panel of award-winning retailers from Pets+ Magazine’s America's Coolest Pet Stores contest.

If you really want to be up on new trends and hot products for 2019, make a plan to attend the annual New Products Showcase Awards Presentation. 

Each year, more and more manufacturers wait to launch their new products in the New Products Showcase so they have a chance to win first place in the Best in Show contest. The media attention our awards get is incredible and long lasting. 

Nine winners will receive a Best in Show award in the following categories:

• Aquatics    • Bird   • Boutique   • Cat   • Dog   • Natural Pet • Small Animal   • Reptile   • Point-of-Purchase Display 

The APPA Young Professionals' mission is to promote career path development of young professionals in the pet industry through networking opportunities.  For the very first time, the APPA Young Professionals will host a special education session and breakfast featuring dynamic speaker, Connor Lokar, on Friday, March 22.  

Lokar is a Program Economist at ITR Economics with an ability to relate to the next generation of business leaders.  He provides economic consulting services for businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 Companies across a spectrum of industries.  Attendees will be provided with expert analysis of what to expect from the economy in 2019 and beyond, covering such topics as pet industry trends, business to business activity, trade, labor market trends, inflation, interest rates, and more.  You will not want to miss out on this worthwhile event! 

Dr. Susan Little, famous cat veterinarian, PurrPodcast host and author of two feline textbooks will talk about how nutrition is important for feline health. Her lectures are fun, informative and based on nutritional truths that might just debunk a few of the ideas you've likely read online.

Exhibitors - Questions about move-out or breakdown?