We are pleased to announce Global Pet Expo 2012 exceeded all expectations, reporting record-breaking numbers in buyer and media attendance and total booths sold. Experiencing an increase in growth on all fronts, the 2012 Show featured 5,011 buyers in attendance, more than 3,000 new pet product launches, 896 exhibitors and 2,487 booths sold - the highest post-show numbers reported in Global Pet Expo's eight-year history.
The buyers, exhibitors, and media who participated in this year's show all contributed to making this our largest event to date. The overall success of this year's show sent a clear message that the pet industry is stronger than ever, and continues to attract entrepreneurs and innovators offering pet owners more products than ever for their pets. As owners continue to demonstrate that they value pets as members of the family, demand for the latest and greatest products is at an all time high. There's no better place for buyers to get a first look at these products than at Global Pet Expo, where there are more new product launches than any other show in the industry.
Ranked one of the top 100 tradeshows in the nation by Trade Show Executive Magazine, the Show has also grown in recent years with added special sections including the "International Pavilion," "Natural Pet," "Boutique," "Everything Aquatic" and "What's New!" For the second year in a row, these special sections completely sold out months prior to the show. Created in response to growing pet product trends in the industry, special sections showcase popular product lines and make it easier for buyers to navigate the show floor.
Additionally, 145 international companies exhibited at the trade show gaining access to the U.S. pet products market and solidifying Global Pet Expo as a key trading opportunity for countries from around the world. There was also a strong showing in international attendance accounting for nearly 25 percent of the total buyer attendance rate, representing 65 countries from around the world.
The 2012 Show also saw record-setting media attendance ranging from pet industry specific magazines and bloggers to media like Good Morning America, TODAY, National Geographicand the New York Times, further demonstrating the global interest in pets. Show officials reported a significant increase amongst online news outlets and bloggers. Social media platforms played a significant role in Global Pet Expo communications efforts with buyers, exhibitors and media alike. More than 1,510 Tweets were sent during the Show (the show has 2,311 Twitter followers), close to 2,000 Facebookers "liked" the show, and there were 18,406 YouTube views related to the show throughout the week.
This year, TODAY correspondent and animal advocate, Jill Rappaport was honored with Global Pet Expo's annual "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award" for her commitment to the industry. Rappaport accepted the award March 1stat the media-exclusive Purina® Media Reception at Global Pet Expo. Nearly 150 distinguished members of the press were in attendance at this event held at the Rosen Centre.
Global Pet Expo's success was also reflected by pet industry spending figures announced at the Show's official press conference. As projected, industry spending in 2011 grew 5.3 percent from $48.35 billion in 2010 to $50.96 billion in 2011. APPA also projects a steady 3.8 percent growth rate through 2012, with nearly $53 billion in overall pet spending.
Now in its second year, the New Products Showcase Awards Presentation also proved successful. The ‘Best in Show' red carpet ceremony took place on the show floor and was hosted by veterinarian and media personality, Dr. Marty Becker. With more entrants in the showcase than ever before, buyers narrowed down top picks out of hundreds of products across nine categories to determine the "Best in Show" winners. Becker also gave a nod to his favorites with his annual "Becker's Best" awards.
Everything you could ever think about needing for your pet is at Global Pet Expo, along with products you never even imagined needing or wanting. The 3,000 new product launches at this year's show included everything from teddy bear fish tanks and life-size dog speakers to GPS tech products and interactive feeding puzzles and games. If you're a part of this great industry, you must attend Global Pet Expo.
The 2013 Global Pet Expo will take place Wednesday - Friday, February 20 - 22, 2013 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center. For details, visit http://www.globalpetexpo.org/
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