STAMFORD, CONN. (February 13, 2026) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are gearing up to welcome the global pet industry to Orlando on March 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center. The event will bring together more than 1,000 exhibiting pet brands, 3,300+ booths and over 20,000 attendees for three days centered on what’s next in pet care.
From emerging trends to category-defining product launches, Global Pet Expo is a launchpad for innovation and a hub for fostering connections that move the industry forward. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of new ideas, business opportunities and forward-thinking education designed to reflect how pet ownership and the industry continue to evolve.
“Global Pet Expo is where the pet industry sets its direction for the year ahead,” said APPA President & CEO, Pete Scott. “What we see at the show doesn’t just reflect trends, it defines them. From breakthrough innovation to the partnerships that fuel growth, this is where the business of pet care moves forward.”
This year, attendees will experience an expanded lineup of new and elevated offerings throughout the show:
New Activations
Attendees can explore a variety of new activations, offering hands-on experiences, cutting-edge insights, and a first look at the technologies and trends driving the industry forward:
Petfluence Studio: An interactive space designed for creators, pet retailers, brand marketers, tech providers, advertisers, and media professionals, the Petfluence studio is where the retail media revolution begins, brought to life with industry leaders, DOGTV and Pets on Q.
Tech Innovation Lab: A front-row seat to the future of pet retail with an up-close look at the technologies reshaping pet business operations and growth strategies.
The Buyer’s Collection: Uncover the show’s most exciting discoveries. Explore emerging innovations, uncover hidden gems, and walk away with a curated, category-specific bag filled with standout products.
Insightful Keynotes
Global Pet Expo’s keynote series offers actionable insights, data-driven perspectives, and forward-looking analysis on the trends shaping the pet market. Sessions include:
The Third Wave: From Search to Social to Retail Media
Wednesday, March 25 | 9:00 a.m. | S320
In this keynote panel, leaders from across the retail media ecosystem come together to discuss the fast-growing retail media channel, separate hype from reality, and share what’s actually working. The session delivers clarity and actionable insights. You need to stay competitive. Walk away, understanding how to measure success where the hidden value lies and what the next 3 to 5 years hold for pet brands willing to ride the wave.
Moderator: April McGee, Director of Media, TLS at RETHINK Retail
Panelists: Emily Harris, Head of Sales at Spot Media by Petco; Jamie Martin, Executive Director of Commerce Media at WPP Media; Kristin Rohlfing, Director of Shopper Marketing at Nestle Purina; and Matthew Rubin, SVP, President – Digital & Ecommerce at Tractor Supply Company
The Pet Industry’s New Growth Playbook
Thursday, March 26 | 8:00 a.m. | S320
This fast-paced, interactive keynote challenges assumptions about what’s driving growth in today’s rapidly evolving pet industry. Featuring insights from leading data and technology firms, the session will explore shifting consumer behavior, the rise of social and creator-driven commerce, and the growing influence of real-time data and AI. Attendees will gain timely, forward-looking insights into what’s shaping the market now, and how to make smarter, faster decisions in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Moderator: Karyn Schoenbart, Co-Founder and Managing Director at DUO Partners
Panelists: Nihal Advani, Founder & CEO at QualSights; Mitch Christopher, Director of Strategic Accounts at Revuze; and Tod Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Director at DUP Partners
New Pet Ownership Data
Media attendees will gain an exclusive look at the latest pet ownership data during the all-new Trend Talk: APPA’s State of the Pet Industry with Pete Scott. Discover trends from the 2026 State of the Industry Report live from the show floor at Global Pet Expo’s Petfluence Studio stage, where Pete will reveal the latest 2025 pet ownership data, 2025 industry expenditures and 2026 forecasts, as well as new insights into pet owner trends.
Education on the Show Floor
The Global Learning Series will take place exclusively from the show floor across various stages, including:
Spotlight Stage: Attend celebrity appearances, 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 and professionals.
Sustainability Theater: Led by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, discover programming and education on pet industry sustainability, networking opportunities and more.
Petfluence Stage: A dynamic destination where pet brands, influencers, and media leaders can learn more about the power of digital content, marketing and more.
View the full schedule here.
Expanded Learning Opportunities
Access deep, actionable education through The Pet Summit, featuring seven dynamic tracks tailored to today’s leading pet professionals, including: Brand Storytelling & Digital Influence, Community Partnerships, Data & Insights, Financial Investment Perspectives, Pet Sustainability (with the Pet Sustainability Coalition), Tech & Innovation, and Store of the Future. Attendees can upgrade their Global Pet Expo registration to access all educational tracks, keynotes, sessions, networking events, and more. Learn more at ThePetSummit.com.
“Global Pet Expo plays a critical role in connecting every link in the pet industry supply chain,” said PIDA President, Celeste Powers. “By bringing together manufacturers, distributors, and independent retailers in one place, the show creates meaningful opportunities to strengthen partnerships, streamline distribution, and ensure products reach the market more efficiently.”
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 and media registration is still open for Global Pet Expo 2026. For more information, visit GlobalPetExpo.org.