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The pet industry’s premier event returns with expanded specialty areas, a new keynote series, and exclusive insights for pet professionals worldwide.
STAMFORD, CONN. (March 24, 2025) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are in the final stages of preparations for Global Pet Expo 2025, taking place March 26-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The pet industry’s premier event featuring the newest, most innovative pet products on the market today will showcase over 1,000 exhibiting pet brands across more than 3,500 booths and welcome more than 20,000 attendees.
“Global Pet Expo continues to set the standard for delivering the latest in pet innovation, business connections and world-class education for pet professionals from around the globe,” said APPA President and CEO Pete Scott. “This year, we’re thrilled to introduce expanded specialty areas and new educational opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to empowering pet professionals with the tools and insights they need to succeed. As we unveil the latest trends and product innovations, APPA is proud to be the industry’s leading platform for business and thought leadership."
This year, attendees can expect new and elevated experiences at the event:
Added Specialty Areas
The show floor features new and reimagined specialty sections on the show floor, including:
- Aquatics & Exotics: The hub for all things aquatic and reptile at Global Pet Expo, ranging from freshwater to saltwater décor, reptile enclosures, filtration equipment and more.
- Pet Sustainability: An expanded specialty area for 2025 featuring Pet Sustainability Coalition accredited companies, this section is a one stop shop for attendees seeking sustainable pet brands.
- Start-Up Pavilion: Early-stage innovations in the What’s New! Section of the show floor.
Discover thought leadership opportunities throughout the show floor, including:
- Spotlight Stage: Attend insightful panel discussions, pitch competitions and award ceremonies.
- Catalyst Stage: Spark connections and gain industry-leading insights in the Supplier Pavilion, featuring networking and thought leadership from top pet industry suppliers.
- Sustainability Theater: Lead by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, discover programming and education on pet industry sustainability, networking opportunities and more.
- Tails of Joy Theater: Celebrate the positive social impact of our partnerships with organizations, including Animal Policy Group, HABRI, Joybound People & Pets, Pets in the Classroom and the Pet Advocacy Network.
This year, Global Pet Expo unveils its new keynote series as part of the event’s efforts to introduce more opportunities to learn and connect. Sessions feature common themes of optimism and entrepreneurship from the largest gathering of pet professionals.
Bert Jacobs, CEO (Chief Executive Optimist) & Co-Founder of Life is Good®
Wednesday, March 27 | 9 a.m. | Main Stage (S320)
It has been 30 years since Bert and his brother, John, sold their first t-shirt, but their mission remains to this day: to spread the power of optimism. Join us for a story of entrepreneurship, inspiration and positive social impact that demonstrates the depth and meaning behind the three simple words, “Life is Good.”
The 2025 Economic Outlook for Pet Retailers
Thursday, March 27 | 8 a.m. | Main Stage (S320)
Join Tyler Mathisen, renowned news anchor and Vice President of Events Strategy for CNBC, for insight into how factors like tariffs, interest rates, employment and AI shape our economic outlook, featuring an unmatched panel of industry leaders, including Lynette Ackley (Group VP, Merchandising, Meijer), James Elasky (Senior VP & Chief Merchant, PetSmart), Yvonne Hsu (EVP + GM, Hill’s Pet Nutrition), Niko Lahanas (CEO, Central Garden & Pet), and Gopi Sandhu (VP of Environmental Sustainability, Nestlé Purina).
New Show Floor Experiences
Global Pet Expo unveils new experiences throughout the concourse, including:
- Level Up! Unleashed Party: Global Pet Expo offers many networking opportunities for attendees, including the Unleashed Party, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, on March 26 at 5 p.m. Attendees can participate in the three hour event filled with complimentary food, drinks, entertainment, games and prizes.
- Aquatics & Exotics Lounge: Experience the newly reimagined Aquatics & Exotics Lounge, filled with beautiful aquariums, unique reptiles and live animals alongside a larger-than-life digital experience.
- Pets Add Life Lounge: Join APPA and DOGTV at the Pets Add Life Lounge, where you can watch live podcast recordings, attend Influencer Meet & Greets, and get a live sketch of your pet.
- Tails of Joy: The Tails of Joy Experience at Global Pet Expo will celebrate the positive social impact of partnerships with like-minded organizations, including the Animal Policy Group, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Joybound People & Pets, Pets in the Classroom, and the Pet Advocacy Network. Also new this year will be the Global Pet Expo Store, where attendees can purchase a limited-edition Global Pet Expo t-shirt in partnership with Life is Good®. 100% of sales benefit pets through the Tails of Joy program.
Media attendees will gain an exclusive look at APPA’s latest pet ownership data during the Press Conference and Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26, at 1 p.m. APPA’s Vice President of Research Insights will present key insights from the 2025 State of the Industry Report, which will dive into the latest data on pet households in the U.S., provide insights on emerging trends and share projections into the industry’s development.
Added Celeste Powers, CAE, president of PIDA, "At PIDA, we are dedicated to strengthening relationships between pet product manufacturers and distributors, and Global Pet Expo remains the premier venue for fostering those critical connections. The enhancements to this year’s show, from the expanded Supplier Pavilion to new thought leadership opportunities, reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of the pet industry. We look forward to welcoming attendees and providing an unparalleled experience in Orlando."
The exhibitor list, floor plan, education and special events schedule are available in the Show Planner and Global Pet Expo Mobile App, available for download in the App Store or Google Play Store. Buyer, media, and influencer registration is still open for Global Pet Expo 2024. For more information, visit www.globalpetexpo.org/attend.
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ABOUT GLOBAL PET EXPO
Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s premier event, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The show features more than 1,000 exhibitors, 3,500 booths, and over 3,000 new product launches annually, gathering nearly 20,000 pet professionals from around the world. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, media, influencers and other qualified professionals. For more information, visit GlobalPetExpo.org and follow Global Pet Expo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and TikTok.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN PET PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association for the pet industry. APPA’s mission is to build a connected and informed community with a passion for pets while serving the pet industry through services and programs designed to help its members prosper. APPA membership includes over 1,000 pet businesses and thought leaders, including manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and more. Through the APPA Gives Back program, APPA is proud to support organizations that benefit humans and pets: the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Joybound People & Pets, Pets in the Classroom and the Pet Advocacy Network. Visit AmericanPetProducts.org for more information, and follow APPA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
ABOUT PET INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of pet product distributors since 1968. The mission of PIDA is to enhance the well-being of the wholesaler-distributor, to promote partnerships with their suppliers and customers and to work cooperatively with other organizations in fostering the human animal bond. PIDA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and Pet Care Trust and Pets in the Classroom. Visit PIDA.org for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.
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