Global Pet Expo: What to expect and how Hemp Well made the most of it in 2022

Global Pet Expo: What to expect and how Hemp Well made the most of it in 2022 - Hemp Well

Global Pet Expo is the industry’s largest annual trade show for pet products and services. The annual show is held in Orlando, Florida in late March. This year it featured over 1,000 exhibitors and even more products and services. Hemp Well had the opportunity to exhibit.

What to expect at the show

Our main goal, like all exhibitors was to attract new and meet with existing customers. Attendees to the show included: buyers, store owners, managers and other professionals. Global Pet Expo is not open to the general public. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the pet industry, connect with other pet professionals, attend industry discussions with experts, and find new products and services (like Hemp Well) to help them grow their businesses. Here are some of our key takeaways from the show:

The pet industry is continuing to grow. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the pet industry exceeds $100 billion in sales. This growth is expected to continue and was well represented at the show despite lower attendance than past years.

How to Make the Most of Global Pet Expo

Global Pet Expo, the pet industry's largest annual trade show, is returning to Orlando next March. If you are attending or exhibiting, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

First, arrive with a plan. The Expo can be overwhelming, so take some time to map out which exhibitors you want to visit and what products you're interested in. There are also many educational seminars and events happening throughout the week, so be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan accordingly.

Our team had the opportunity to listen to the Pet Boss Nation podcast on a flight, unfortunately two weeks after the show. The podcast is highly insightful and valuable to operators, managers, and dreamers in the pet industry. Their booth is on the top of our 'booths to visit in 2023'.

Second, don't forget to network! This is a great opportunity to meet other pet professionals and make connections that can benefit your business. Be sure to exchange business cards and follow up with new contacts after the Expo.

Exhibitors

Global Pet Expo is one the largest pet trade shows in the world. Every year, pet industry professionals from all over the globe come to Orlando to see the latest and greatest products and services. If you're thinking of exhibiting at Global Pet Expo, here's what you can expect and how to make the most of your experience.

With more than 1,100 exhibitors, the Global Pet Expo had over 3000 new product launches. What makes your story, product, or service different? The best ingredients doesn't guarantee that a pet store or chain of pet stores will want to sell your product. You and your booth need to tell a story, demonstrate that you are able to fulfill orders and offer necessary profits to your customers. An investment in your booth can go long way.

Never overpromise at the show. The attendees often know far more than you.

The costs to exhibit can be steep but the investment can pay off big time. Consider a professional booth design and utilizing at least 10 feet x 20 feet if you can afford it. First time exhibitors can purchase smaller spaces at more affordable pricing in the New Products Area. Your booth should still pop no matter the size.

The Bankers

Four years ago, since Hemp Well's first Global Pet Expo we have been approached by investment bankers at our booth. The number has grown every year. This year, we saw the most ever. Maybe we do have something amazing here at Hemp Well (of course we do). Or, maybe, Wall Street is adopting pets en masse, too.

Perhaps most appealing to investors, the pet industry has been recession proof throughout the two most recent recessionary periods. Future results are never guaranteed by past performance. However, it appears that both people and investors love pets more than ever before in our history.

Even if you are not seeking investment or a sale of your business, it never hurts to talk to anyone who visits you. They spent a lot and took the time to visit you. Ask them "why did you decide to speak with me?"

If you're in the pet industry, Global Pet Expo is a great way to see what's new, network with other businesses, and learn about the latest trends.

If you are attending or exhibiting in 2023 visit with us at the Hemp Well booth.

 

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