SuperZoo[1], one of the largest national shows for pet retailers, experienced another record-breaking year at its 2011 show, recently hosted by the World Pet Association[2] (WPA) at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Currently in its eighth year in Las Vegas, the three-day industry trade show drew 795 exhibiting companies, a 15 percent increase over the previous year; hosted 4,716 companies, a 26 percent increase over last year; and saw more than 12,197 registered attendees, an increase of 19 percent over the previous year.
“SuperZoo is truly a national destination for members of the pet industry, and we are thrilled to continue to see SuperZoo grow in both the amount of exhibitors and attendees year after year,” said Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association. “Our exhibitors bring the best and brightest products in the pet industry to the show floor, and we look forward to continuing to provide this valuable experience for event attendees in years to come.”
Managed by the WPA, SuperZoo attracts exhibitors and attendees from around the world from 50 states and 58 countries, with unique trade show features such as SuperZoo University, a pet industry education program which offers seminars covering important topics within the industry that educate exhibitors on ways to improve their businesses. Other unique features include The Club at SuperZoo and the Groomer’s SuperShow, which awards more than $45,000 in prizing through the Groomer Super Jackpot contest, Creative Styling competitions and other contests.
In addition to hosting thousands of pet industry professionals, SuperZoo also supports the local community by hosting Rescue Rodeo, which challenges the world’s greatest groomers to makeover rescue dogs from Las Vegas-area shelters. In addition to the prize money awarded to the winning groomers, shelters that housed the winning dogs received a cash donation.
SuperZoo also awarded annual “New Product” awards at the show in eight categories. The award process allows buyers the opportunity to vote on their favorite items from the New Product Showcase during the first day of the show. The following winners were announced at SuperZoo:
“New Product” Awards Winners:
Overall Best in Show
1st Place – Dogtek – Eyenimal Pet Cam
2nd Place – United Pet Group – Tetra Betta Bubble
3rd Place – Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. – Quiko Edible Treats
Aquatic
1st Place – United Pet Group – Tetra Betta Bubble
2nd Place – Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. – Fluval Sea
3rd Place – United Pet Group – Tetra Glofish Kits
Bird
1st Place – Fetch-it Pets – Ultimate Polly Wanna Piñata Bird Toys
2nd Place – Kaylor of Colorado – Kaylor Quick n Ready
3rd Place – Kaylor of Colorado – Kaylor Sunny Yellow
Cat
1st Place – Dogtek – Eyenimal Pet Cam
2nd Place – Brilliant Pet – Frolicat TWITCH
3rd Place – TheCatitude LLC – Purrtreesort
Dog
1st Place – R2P Pet Ltd. – Sprong!
2nd Place – Advantek – The Pet Gazebo
3rd Place – The Paw Wash LLC – The Paw Wash
Grooming
1st Place – Natures Specialties Mfg – Plum Crazy
2nd Place – Jarden Animal Solutions – Li-ion Clipper Collection
3rd Place – Espree Animal Products, Inc – Espree Counter Display
Miscellaneous
1st Place – Lixit Corporation – Chicken Toy
2nd Place – Signature DNA – Unique Genetic Portraits
3rd Place – Central Garden & Pet Company – Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar
Reptile
1st Place – United Pet Group – Tetrafauna Deluxe Reptohabitat
2nd Place – Timberline Live Pet Foods – Live Food Refrigerator Deal
Small Animals
1st Place – Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. – Quiko Edible Treats
2nd Place – A&E Cage Company LLC – Hamster Javarium
3rd Place – Central Garden & Pet Company -Super Pet Natural Accessories
Also announced at SuperZoo during the association’s annual meeting was the appointment of Ruth Jeffers of Jeffers as the new chairman of WPA. Jeffers succeeds Michael Lasky, who will continue on the board as intermediate past chairman. Two new board members also were announced, retailers Greg Forquer of PetSense and Pete Risano of Pet Life. Other newly installed officers included first vice chair Michael Twain of Amazing Pet Products; second vice chair Jim Boschee of Chuck Latham Associates; CFO Lewis Sutton of Pet-Ag; and secretary Brooke Berg of Jarden Animal Solutions.
The next SuperZoo will be hosted at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Sept. 11 – 13, 2012.
For more information about SuperZoo, visit www.SuperZoo.org[3] or call 800- 999-7295.
About the World Pet Association:
The World Pet Association (WPA) is the oldest industry organization promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services. As society’s “humanization” of pets grows stronger, WPA knows it is important to inform and educate the general public to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA plays host to America’s Family Pet Expo, the world’s largest pet and pet products expo, hosted annually in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Puyallup, Washington. The organization also holds SuperZoo (www.superzoo.org[4]), an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars known as SuperZoo University. WPA also offers Pet Industry Briefs, a free weekly e-newsletter providing vital industry information at your fingertips. For more information on WPA or to sign up for Pet Industry Briefs, please visit www.worldpetassociation.org[5].
