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
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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