SUPERZOO 2023 Surpasses Expectations With Surge in Pet Professional Turnout
September 11, 2023
As North America’s largest pet retail trade show for the $100 billion pet industry, SUPERZOO is known for a vibrant expo showcasing innovative products and trends, industry-leading education, hyper-competitive grooming contests and valuable networking opportunities. But this year, the event witnessed a stronger-than-expected increase in attendees and key decision-makers from the U.S. and abroad.
Held Aug. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the annual expo and conference welcomed nearly 18,000 pet professionals — a 10% increase compared to 2022 — from 84 countries, as well as more than 10,000 key decision-makers, representing a 6% increase from the previous year.
The dynamic event was also empowered by a comprehensive data audit to ensure the presence of qualified retail buyers, a strategic approach that yielded more than 10,000 qualified pet industry retailers, buyers and decision-makers, surpassing any other pet trade show in North America by 33%, according to show officials.
“This year’s SUPERZOO surpassed our highest expectations, reaffirming its status as the definitive event for the pet retail community,” said Mike Karsting, senior vice president for World Pet Association. “The enthusiasm displayed by attendees, exhibitors and industry leaders alike was truly remarkable. We are thrilled to have fostered an environment where connections were forged, ideas were shared and the pet industry’s vibrant future was charted.”
Spanning 330,000 square feet, the expansive, curated show floor featured 1,100 exhibitors displaying the latest pet industry trends amid featured specialized areas, including the New Product Showcase, Emerging Brands, Natural and Health, Specialty and Lifestyle, Farm and Feed, Aquatics, Birds, Reptiles and Small Animals, Groomer’s Marketplace and the International Pavilion.
“We love coming to SUPERZOO because we get to meet our customers and our buyers and get a pulse on what’s happening within the industry,” said Exhibitor Paul Semanski, marketing lead for N-Gage Brand. “We spend a lot of time investing in and talking to our customers and potential buyers so we can continue to innovate our products to meet their needs.”
At the New Product Showcase, which celebrates the innovative advancements and visionary ideas transforming the pet industry, a massive lineup of more than 1,058 debut products vied for recognition by a panel of industry experts, who assessed each entry and awarded first-place winners and runners-up in 10 product categories, as well as the Judges Award for the Best New-to-Market Pet Product.
The show also witnessed a diverse mix of retailers, ranging from industry giants such as Woof Gang Bakery, Petland, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, PetSmart, Kahoot’s, Chewy and Hollywood Feed to independent businesses.
“SUPERZOO is a fantastic platform for brands that might not have widespread recognition to showcase their offerings and highlight what sets them apart,” said Attendee Zach Ward, store manager of Tomlinson Feed and Pets Inc. “This event has provided valuable insights to me and my team, leading us to discover exceptional products that we’re eager to introduce in our stores.”
Offering more than 65 sessions led by more than 30 industry leaders, the show’s education program presented dynamic content geared to the specific needs of retailers and groomers, while Free Show Floor Talks provided valuable insights into e-commerce strategies, social media marketing and other crucial aspects of running a successful pet business.
SUPERZOO also recognized “pawsome” creativity and talent at its ever-popular grooming contests, which offered more than $35,000 in prizes across nine competitions awarding excellence in regular breed classes and special categories.
Beyond the showfloor, the show’s special events included the popular evening SUPERZOO Beach Party featuring live music and networking at Mandalay Bay Beach, as well as the new Venture Capitalist Panels presenting a variety of startup pitch competitions, including the Leap Venture Studio Pitch Competition supporting underrepresented founders competing for a $10,000 prize.
SUPERZOO will return to Mandalay Bay Convention Center Aug. 14-16, 2024.
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Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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