International Conference Development (lCDevents) is gearing up to launch Pet Connections Expo, a new pet industry trade show set for Oct. 3-4 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Penn.

Designed to be an affordable alternative for independent retailers, vendors and other pet professionals, the event intends to provide a more intimate and relaxed community environment where pet retailers can network, share experiences and learn how to compete with the online and large brick and mortar stores in order to succeed in their businesses, according to Bill Doherty, PetCon Expo show director.

“We are excited to offer an alternative show, convenient for buyers and retailers alike, with a focus on the growing category of pet health and nutrition,” Doherty explained.

He continued, “The show offers one-on-one meeting opportunities and will have a big focus on networking. The October dates are purposefully timed, allowing for independent retailers to make their final purchasing decisions in time for the holiday season.”

The first annual PetCon Expo is expected to attract 150 exhibiting companies and more than 750 qualified pet industry buyers from the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, as well as across the country.

“The added costs of exhibiting, like the drayage, carpeting, shipping, wireless, hotel room, etc., is very inexpensive (and we) purposely chose a venue where the highest concentration of retailers wouldn’t have to travel great distances to attend,” Doherty said.

He continued, “(The venue is) located central to Philadelphia’s five counties and the greater Tri-state area, and it’s a convenient driving distance from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, as well as the New York and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas.”

With carpeted aisles and a smaller setting than other pet industry events, PetCon Expo is geared to offer buyers and suppliers a more comfortable, pressure-free environment in which to conduct business, Doherty added.

Industry sponsors for the 2017 event so far include Pet Age, Pets Plus and National Animal Supplement Control (NASC).

In addition, the show will host several educational programs and sessions presented by known leaders in the pet industry. With an emphasis on independent retailers, the speakers will address solutions for increasing profits and meeting customers’ needs.

“Our educational sessions on the show floor are unique and each session offers networking conversations that will help independent retailers to get ideas, understand and be ready for what is coming next,” Doherty said.

He added, “We are not trying to become the next big show for the industry – we are the new fall show that is affordable for both vendors and retailers to attend.”

To learn more about Pet Connections Expo, go here.