A bigger, bolder show with new experiences, cutting-edge tech, and expanded networking opportunities.
STAMFORD, CONN. (August 162, 2025) – The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are now welcoming buyers, media and influencers to register for Global Pet Expo 2026. Taking place March 25-27, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the show continues to set the standard as the pet industry’s most influential gathering for product discovery, trendspotting, networking, and professional growth.
From over 1,000 brands in the exhibit hall to its robust educational lineup, Global Pet Expo is where the pet industry comes together to do business, forge connections and shape what’s next. Each year, the event draws nearly 20,000 professionals, making it the premier stage for launching innovations, strengthening relationships, and exploring opportunities in the $152+ billion pet care market.
“As the industry continues to grow, Global Pet Expo plays a vital role in advancing products and practices that put pet health, wellbeing, safety and sustainability first, while helping businesses grow and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace,” said APPA President & CEO, Pete Scott. “Our focus is preparing the industry for what’s next. By expanding hands-on learning and partnership opportunities, Global Pet Expo gives businesses the tools they need to innovate, compete and succeed.”
New for 2026
This year’s event will introduce two major additions to the show floor:
- Global Petfluence Studio – An interactive hub where pet brands, influencers and retail media can connect to explore the power of digital content. Featuring dedicated video and audio studios, the space offers hands-on experiences for content creation, social commerce, and media partnerships.
- Tech Innovation Lab – A destination for pet retailers to discover, demo and adopt the latest technologies transforming the industry. Retailers can explore tools to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and stay ahead of fast-evolving trends in pet retail.
“The Global Petfluence Studio and Tech Innovation Lab reflect our commitment to evolving with the industry and serving the needs of the entire pet community,” said APPA Chief Growth Officer Jeremy Baker. “These new experiences not only spotlight the technologies and creators shaping the future of pet retail and marketing, but they also create meaningful opportunities for connection, discovery, and growth across our ecosystem.”
Education & Networking
- Global Learning Series – Get quality thought leadership right on the show floor. New for 2026, sessions will now be held in the exhibit hall. Programming will take place on the Spotlight and Catalyst Stages, the PSC Sustainability Pavilion Theater, and more.
- The Pet Summit – Featuring experiential education for pet industry leaders and strategists, The Pet Summit offers classroom-style learning sessions with industry experts, meaningful networking opportunities, professional development, an After Hours Party, and more. The event will also include an all-new Pet Marketing Innovation Lab: a hack-a-thon-style competition designed to engage talented pet industry marketers in creating impactful marketing campaigns for APPA’s Tails of Joy member organizations. Education tracks include:
- Tech & Innovation: Accelerating the Future of Pet
- Data & Insights: Navigating the Pet Industry Through Intelligence
- Brand Storytelling & Digital Influence
- Store of the Future: Redefining the Pet Retail Experience
- Financial & Investment Perspectives
- Pet Sustainability Sponsored by PSC
- Keynote Sessions – Introduced for the first time at the 2025 event, Global Pet Expo 2026 will also feature two keynote sessions on Wednesday and Thursday on the Main Stage.
- Networking – Attend exclusive events like the Unleashed Party Welcome Reception and Topgolf Buyer Networking Event, and discover upgrades to the buyer lounge, member lounge, and mobile app experiences with 1:1 networking capabilities.
“Education and networking are at the heart of Global Pet Expo,” said President of PIDA, Celeste Powers. “Our expanded learning opportunities give attendees practical insights they can put to work immediately, while also inspiring creativity and collaboration that move our industry forward.”
Registration for Global Pet Expo 2026 includes access to exhibitors, new product launches, Global Learning Series education sessions and networking events. To learn more and register, visit www.globalpetexpo.org/attend.