Global Pet Expo 2024 to set ‘Innovation in Motion’

STAMFORD, CONN. — Global Pet Expo 2024 will gather pet industry professionals from far and wide to Orlando, Fla., later this week. This year’s show, held March 20 to 22 in the Orange County Convention Center’s South Concourse, will feature enhancements to longstanding show floor staples and entirely new experiences alike to provide attendees with invaluable insights and highlight the latest and greatest from industry innovators. According to show organizers the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), more than 1,100 companies will exhibit across the sold-out show floor this year. “The pet industry is evolving to meet the growing needs of pets and pet parents, with some of the most creative minds working to improve the lives of pets,” said Peter Scott, president and chief executive officer of APPA. “Global Pet Expo continues to be the leading event in pet innovation, new products and trends, and we’re excited to unveil new experiences and activations that bring innovation to life throughout every aspect of the show.” A new “Innovation in Motion Experience” for 2024 will involve a revamped New Products Showcase display and Spotlight Stage, new product categories for the New Products Showcase, and a brand-new Fireside Chat area. Fireside Chats will host panel-style conversations with industry members and retailers, with topics “ranging from e-commerce and sustainability to policy and more,” APPA noted. New categories in the New Products Showcase include Farm & Feed, The Modern Pet, Pet Sustainability, and Pet Tech Innovation. The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) will sponsor the new Pet Sustainability section of the New Product Showcase, as well as a first-ever Sustainability Section of the show floor featuring eight of its accredited members. Other new sections for the 2024 show floor include a Supplier Pavilion, in which a collection of vetted supplier partners will have the opportunity to network with brands and exhibit their offerings, and The Modern Pet, formerly The Boutique, where luxury pet fashion and accessory brands will be located. More than 50 hours of education will be presented starting March 19 through the Global Learning Series. Part of this education will come from APPA’s own pet ownership data. The association will be presenting its second-annual State of the Industry report at Global as the first of four quarterly reports planned for 2024. The report will detail key sentiments, trends and behaviors expected to influence the pet industry through 2030. “The sessions, free and open to all attendees, include new topics shaping business decisions in 2024,” said Celeste Powers, president of PIDA. “We continue to find ways to drive value to the educational experience at Global Pet Expo. The Global Learning Series is a can’t-miss for anyone looking for the latest insights and discussions most important to our industry.” Other key market research topics on the Global Learning Series agenda include a look at omnichannel shopping behaviors from NielsenIQ, updates from AAFCO, and a wealth of insights for retailers, buyers and brands. Browse other educational sessions within the 2024 Global Learning Series here. On Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m., Purina will host its 2024 Pet Care Innovation Awards, where five pet industry startup founders will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for the chance to win a grand prize of $25,000. The pitch competition will be held at the Spotlight Stage in the New Product Showcase section. Stay tuned for more of  Pet Food Processing ’s Global Pet Expo 2024 coverage here on petfoodprocessing.net, as well as live coverage of show floor developments and exclusive daily takeaways from Editor Kimberlie Clyma on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Read more about  what to expect at Global Pet Expo 2024 .