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For Press & Influencers

Media Guide to Global Pet Expo

Global Pet Expo, presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), is the pet industry's premier event featuring the newest, most innovative pet products on the market today. The sold-out show features over 1,100 exhibiting pet brands, 300 first-time exhibiting companies and thousands of new products.

Global Pet Expo is known for delivering pet product innovation, business connections and world-class education for pet product professionals from around the globe while offering media and influencer attendees the opportunity to connect with pet brands showcasing the latest in pet innovation, products and trends.

17k
+

in attendance

1k
+

new products

50
+

educational sessions

1,100
+

exhibiting companies

3,100
+

booths to explore

JOIN US AT
GLOBAL PET
EXPO 2025!

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Global Pet Expo welcomes credentialed members of the media and pet industry influencers. By selecting your badge type below, you can learn more about requirements and how to apply for a media/influencer badge at Global Pet Expo. We hope to see you in Orlando March 26-28, 2025!

APPA & PIDA

Event Leadership

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Peter Scott

APPA President & CEO
Peter Scott is a proven leader with over 25 years of experience in growing global non-profit... [read more]

Peter Scott is a proven leader with over 25 years of experience in growing global non-profit organizations and individuals specializing in creating partnerships that increase engagement, drive revenue, and amplify the organization’s impact.  
 
Pete's ability to merge creative strategy, business acumen and board governance consulting has earned him the ear of those at some of the world’s largest organizations, including Microsoft, Wyndham, Hershey, Ford, Swiss Army, Kraft and others  His efforts have received recognition from media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, The Wall Street Journal, Associations Now, Internal Auditor Magazine and Compliance Week.

As an award-winning author of four books, he has trained thousands of people worldwide on social media governance, risk and compliance from such organizations as the Federal Reserve Bank, FINRA,  PWC, Deloitte, Nielsen, The Federal Reserve Bank, The Canadian House of Commons, Saudi Arabian Capital Markets Authority and others. Peter gained recognition for his efforts by receiving the PRSA Silver Anvil and Radiance Awards, Brand Hall Excellence in eLearning Award, multiple Forbes Best of Web, Webby Awards, as well as the Technology and Learning Magazine's Award of Excellence. Pete was also named as one of the CEOs of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal in 2021.

Taberi is Pete’s better half, and together, they obsess about their dog, Tucker. 

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Celeste Powers

PIDA President
Celeste Powers, CAE, has been president of the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), a... [read more]
Celeste Powers, CAE, has been president of the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), a co-sponsor of Global Pet Expo, since 2019. A pet industry newcomer at the time, she brought with her 30 years of non-profit association management — more than 20 of them in CEO roles. With longtime experience building strong volunteer/staff teams, improving member services to increase the bottom line, and strategic planning to optimize the effectiveness of various organizations, she quickly established herself as a relationship builder and champion of the industry as a whole.
 
Celeste played an essential role in the reimaging and growth of the Pet Industry Leadership Summit, the industry’s premier event for top-level executives from every segment of the pet care community. In 2021, along with the APPA leadership team, she worked to overhaul the education portion of Global Pet Expo. This led to the launch of the Global Learning Series, which has since grown to more than 50 free sessions for retailers, distributors and manufacturers. She also led the launch of Pet Store Pro’s all-new website in 2024, making employee training faster and easier for independent retailers. 
 
An active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Celeste was awarded ASAE's Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1999. She graduated from Gettysburg College, where she earned a BA in political science.
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BobMerar

Bob Merar

EVP Operations
Bob Merar is the Executive Vice President of Operations at the American Pet Products Association... [read more]
Bob Merar is the Executive Vice President of Operations at the American Pet Products Association (APPA), working closely with the trade show and events team producing Global Pet Expo, which showcases over 1,100 pet product manufacturers. Merar has been an integral part of the Association for many years, previously serving as an APPA board member for 12 years (2010 – 2022) and as the chairman from 2015 through 2017. In 2022, he was appointed interim CEO until current President and CEO, Peter Scott, transitioned into the role.
 
 
For over 35 years, Merar has played a pivotal role in the pet industry in both the manufacturing and distribution sectors, serving as president of Exclusively Pet Dog Cookies and General Pet Supply. He has also held positions on the Pet Advocacy Network and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) board of directors and served as President of PIDA from 2009 through 2012.
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Kate-Stewart

Kate Stewart

VP Tradeshow Management
As Vice President of Tradeshow Management for APPA and Global Pet Expo, Kate Stewart plays a... [read more]

As Vice President of Tradeshow Management for APPA and Global Pet Expo, Kate Stewart plays a pivotal role in the success of one of the pet industry’s largest and most influential events. With over 15 years of experience in event planning and management, Kate has become a leading force in creating world-class tradeshows that bring together thousands of pet industry professionals, suppliers, and exhibitors from around the globe.


Kate is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Global Pet Expo, from strategic planning and logistics to exhibitor engagement and attendee experience. Her vision and expertise ensure that the event continues to be the premier platform for showcasing new products, forming industry connections, and driving business growth. Under her leadership, Global Pet Expo has expanded its reach, increased exhibitor participation, and elevated the overall experience for attendees and partners alike.

When she’s not managing events, Kate enjoys traveling, creating family memories, and spending time with her pup.

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Jeremy-Baker

Jeremy Baker

Chief Growth Officer
Driven by a passion for innovation and consumer-centric solutions, Jeremy is a seasoned leader in... [read more]
Driven by a passion for innovation and consumer-centric solutions, Jeremy is a seasoned leader in the pet industry with over 18 years of experience. With a deep understanding of the manufacturing and retail landscape, along with a commitment to quality and innovation, he has established himself as a leader in shaping the future of the industry.
 
 
Prior to joining the pet industry, Jeremy began his journey in the consumer goods space over 20 years ago with Black and Decker. For the last 15 years, he led efforts to expand Oxbow Animal Health into a global leader in the pet specialty arena. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jeremy's career progressed through a number of roles. He spearheaded countless initiatives, driving innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His efforts were instrumental in expanding distribution to over 40 countries and gaining the number one market share in several categories, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and results-oriented executive.
 
 
In 2021, he led efforts to sell Oxbow to Compana Pet Brands, a leader in the pet space with over 17 brands across many categories of the industry. After the successful integration of Oxbow, he joined the Compana team as the Group VP, leading the Business Development and E-commerce teams.
 
 
As the Chief Growth Officer for APPA, Jeremy leads a talented team in developing and executing strategic initiatives to drive growth and ensure the association and industry will thrive for years to come. He leverages his extensive industry knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership to identify emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities, positioning the organization as a leader in the rapidly evolving landscape.
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Patrick-OBrien

Patrick O’Brien

Chief Digital Officer
Patrick O'Brien stands at the forefront of digital innovation in the pet industry as the Chief... [read more]
Patrick O'Brien stands at the forefront of digital innovation in the pet industry as the Chief Digital Officer of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), where he skillfully blends his passion for technology and love for pets to spearhead transformative digital strategies. With a career spanning over two decades, Patrick has become synonymous with digital excellence and thought leadership, constantly pushing the boundaries of how technology can enhance business and consumer experiences.
 
Before joining APPA, Patrick honed his skills and vision as the Vice President of Product & Technology at Travel Media Group. In this capacity, he was instrumental in redefining the digital landscape of travel, leading his team through the creation and implementation of cutting-edge product innovations, business insights, and technology solutions.
 
At APPA, Patrick has been a transformative force, leveraging digital tools and platforms to amplify the association's mission of promoting and supporting the pet products industry. As Chief Digital Officer, Patrick O'Brien continues to foster innovation, guiding the association and its members towards a future where technology and pets go hand in hand in creating a better world for both pets and their people.
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Joe-Stern

Joe Stern

VP Show Creative
Joe Stern is a seasoned creative leader and design strategist with over 20 years of experience in... [read more]

Joe Stern is a seasoned creative leader and design strategist with over 20 years of experience in crafting innovative, award-winning visual designs and experiences that elevate brand recognition. With a proven track record of building and leading in-house marketing and design teams, Joe is recognized for leveraging change as a powerful tool to amplify brand authenticity.
As the Vice President of Creative at the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Joe is the visionary driving the creative direction for APPA brands and the Global Pet Expo. His innovative strategies are instrumental in elevating the pet industry on a global scale.

Before his role at APPA, Joe served as the Creative Director at the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), where he spearheaded the rebranding of the organization’s flagship conference. His efforts led to a remarkable 22% increase in attendance at the 2018 Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX), positioning VMX as a forward-thinking leader in the veterinary field with cutting-edge visuals and immersive experiences.

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Diane-Tiberio

Diane Tiberio

VP Membership & Business Development
Diane is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing,... [read more]

Diane is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing, events, and business development. Currently serving as the Vice President of Membership and Business Development at the American Pet Products Association, Diane leads strategic initiatives to drive growth and engagement within the organization, particularly through our flagship event, Global Pet Expo.

Her career is firmly planted in marketing and includes a background in database architecture, integration, and marketing analytics, honed during my tenure at Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading event organizer. She also spent a decade as the marketing and conference director for the Vision Expo brand, collaborating closely with industry organizations to deliver impactful events. An active member of the NYSAE and recognized in 2023 by Pet Insights' Women In Pet feature, Diane is dedicated to continuous professional development and industry leadership.

As a mother of two millennials, she finds fulfillment in mentoring and nurturing the next generation of professionals. With a passion for building communities, driving brand strategies, and fostering growth opportunities, Diane approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence.

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Global Pet Expo

Press Releases & Updates

Latest articles

September 19, 2024

Buyer Registration Now Open for Global Pet Expo 2025

STAMFORD, CONN. (Sept. 15, 2024) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) today anno...

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April 05, 2024

Global Pet Expo 2024 Celebrates Record-Breaking Attendance at the 20th Annual Show

STAMFORD, CONN. (April 5, 2024) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) hosted the ...

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April 02, 2024

Winners of the 14th Annual New Products Showcase Recognized at Global Pet Expo 2024

STAMFORD, CONN. (April 1, 2024) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announced t...

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Social Media

Connect with Global Pet Expo

Follow & Tag

Find us at @GlobalPetExpo, and make sure to take us in your social posts! We'll be resharing and retweeting content throughout the show.

#GlobalPetExpo

Include our official event hashtag #GlobalPetExpo in your posts to get your content in front of fellow pet industry professionals.

Social Media Tool Kit

Use our social media tool kit for messaging and content ideas to create turnkey social media posts and promote your attendance at Global Pet Expo.

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