SuperZoo Returns With a Roar
September 15, 2011
While some trade shows limp along in this economic climate, those representing high growth industries are walking tall – and wagging their tails. Case in point is SuperZoo, an annual trade show and conference for the $46 billion pet industry. Held Sept. 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the event boasted a 15 percent increase in attendance, with 13,000 attendees and 795 exhibitors spanning 137,000 square feet of exhibit space, according to show officials. In 2010, SuperZoo drew over 10,000 attendees and 690 exhibitors occupying 120,000 sq. ft.
So why is this industry swimming while others struggle to stay afloat? Because recession or no recession, most people think of their pets as family and will spend money to care for them, said Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association, which produces and manages the show.
“Ours is a pretty recession-resistant industry, so we’ve survived better than most,” said Poindexter. “In the recession people will turn more to home and aren’t traveling as much. So if they can’t go to Cancun this year, at least they can buy Fido a new toy. And if Fido’s happy, that makes them feel good.”
Before even opening its doors this year, SuperZoo showed signs of beating its record 2010 numbers, Poindexter said, with pre-registration and attendance up 20 and 10 percent respectively and an increase of 105 exhibitors.
Besides the draw of new trends, products, special events and 93 cutting-edge educational sessions through SuperZoo University, this year’s event increased its value offerings, including new seminars and show sections and expanded grooming competitions.
Due to buyer and exhibitor demand, WPA also plans to move the show’s dates to July starting in 2013 and going forward. This will give retailers and manufacturers more time for the holiday purchasing season, Poindexter added.
On a vibrant show floor primarily dominated by food and toy manufacturers, SuperZoo’s aisles and booths buzzed with upbeat activity and steady traffic that also included the occasional dog.
Exhibitor Stephanie Volo, president and co-owner of Planet Dog said that for her company, SuperZoo keeps getting better and better.
“We skipped this show for two years but came back last year,” said Volo. “When we returned, it was like a different show; the feel of it, the exhibitors, the people that came – it felt revitalized. This year is the same. There’s lots of positive energy, more international attendees and more people opening new stores. I think WPA has become more proactive in their planning.”
First-time Attendee Al Barrett, vice president of DS Creative Services said he was so impressed with the show that he plans to keep coming back.
“My customers are here, every aisle is full and everyone I’ve talked to says it’s a strong show,” said Barrett. “If I wasn’t in the pet industry, I wouldn’t even know there was a recession.”
SuperZoo will return to the Mandalay Bay Sept. 11-13, 2012.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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