World Pet Association Welcomes You To Superzoo 2024

A Word From the WPA President

As the largest pet product marketplace in 2024, SUPERZOO plays a key role in the pet community. It’s where more than 18,000 professionals from all over the world and in every specialty come to step outside their day-to-day and see the full picture of the industry. With so much growth and innovation happening at a constant, rapid pace, keeping up on consumer preferences, market shifts and product trends defining the future is critical for continued success. SUPERZOO exists to facilitate this for the industry professionals who make that all possible, while providing other important elements for success — opportunities to connect, share ideas and conduct business in person. I know I speak for everyone at the World Pet Association when I say that the essential nature of this show is top of mind for me, and I aim to make it an exceptional experience for every attendee and exhibitor. I am thrilled to welcome SUPERZOO first-timers and our returning attendees. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the community come together again to discover all that we have in store this year. —  Vic Mason, president, World Pet Association

What’s In Store for SUPERZOO 2024

SUPERZOO once again claimed the title of the largest pet product marketplace — but as you’ll soon realize, it’s much more than that. It’s a sensory experience, where you can see and touch the latest innovations in the New Product Showcase and Emerging Brands areas, hear new ideas from experts and what’s working for your peers, and sniff out exactly what you need to increase your profitability. It’s also renowned for being a lot of fun!

We at the World Pet Association are incredibly grateful and excited that you’re here. Whether this is your first year, tenth or somewhere in between, I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of SUPERZOO 2024. Part of that magic lies in being able to tailor your time on-site to your specific needs, whether that’s discovering new brands or ways to use data to drive more sales. There’s a lot to see and do each day, but here are a few highlights to help you plan.

Don’t-Miss Education

All 65 sessions in this year’s program are presented by leading experts on a variety of subjects — and they’re all well worth attending. I’ll stick to two here:

• Retailers are sure to benefit from “The Future of Pet Care: Innovations, Trends and Opportunities,” in which brand strategist Michael Johnson of BSM Partners explores key trends set to reshape our landscape. 8-9 a.m. Wednesday in South Pacific A.
• For those in the initial stages of building their business, Jamie Smith, co-founder and CEO of Innovative Pet Lab, will lead the “Opportunities for Pet Care Startups: Panel of Industry Accelerators.” 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday at the Emerging Brands Stage.

Check out the Show Program’s full schedule for details about all education sessions.

Show Floor Tips

SUPERZOO is known as the destination for new products, and I’m proud to say that we have 1,000-plus never-before-seen items this year! I highly encourage attendees to:

• Explore the New Product Showcase and Emerging Brands areas. There’s no better way to get a sense of what customers will be asking for next. Some unique finds you’ll come across include pup-inspired sprinkler toys for hot summer days, innovative aquarium sets complete with speakers, puncture-proof sports balls stronger than even the sharpest chompers, and so much more!
• Many of the 1,100-plus exhibiting companies are offering show-only deals, so take your time exploring the show floor’s eight curated areas. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find what you’re looking for and to discover items you didn’t even know existed.
• And don’t forget to take breaks at one of our many lounges, replete with lunches and snacks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help you recharge: Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company Live Music & Lunch Lounge, ADM Snack Lounge, NerfDog yumHub Lounge and the HICC Pet Groomer’s Snack Lounge.

More Must-Attends Exciting events on Thursday and Friday include:

• The free SUPERZOO Beach Party — sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition— is well worth adding to your agenda. Strike up a conversation with a new supplier or buyer, meet potential investors or business partners, and build lasting relationships, all while enjoying music and refreshments. 7-10 p.m. Thursday at the lively Mandalay Bay Beach.
• The SUPERZOO Cash Giveaway — scan your retailer badge in the Live Music & Lunch Lounge Friday morning to get in the running to win $3,000 cash. You must be present to win at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
• The fun continues there with Young Pet Professional Networking from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday.

However you spend your time at SUPERZOO, I hope you enjoy gathering with the professional pet community and cross every item off your to-do list. It’s my honor to help provide a place where incredible, passionate professionals like you can discover the trends shaping the future of our industry and collaborate to continue improving the lives of pets all over the world. Have a great show! — Mike Karsting, senior vice president of events, World Pet Association

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