table of contents
April 2006 / Issue 10
Chairman's Message
Global Pet Expo 2006: A Look Back and Ahead The growth of GPE and the pet industry should no longer surprise any of us. In spite of the anxiety that has accompanied ongoing consolidation among manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the industry overall has continued to thrive. While many old-line firms have unfortunately disappeared with those changes and, in spite of the increased presence of the leading players in all business segments, the recent GPE proved that industry growth is great enough to absorb these changes while creating real and exciting opportunities for all participants...For complete story, click here
APPMA News
This issue’s top headlines include APPMA welcoming new members in January; a new director joins the APPMA Board; APPMA releases new surveys and APPMA announces dates for the next in a series of Member Teleseminars...click here to read all these stories and more
Show Shakedown
Follow-Up is Key to Your Success Following Global Pet Expo Trade shows – for exhibitors and buyers – are about new products. You can unveil new products one customer at a time with sales calls or you can launch them at Global Pet Expo. Buyers tell us the main reason they attend the show is to see and compare new products. This kind of comparison shopping can only happen at a trade show. Don't be discouraged if the buyers didn't line up at your booth to place orders. With so much product to see, the decision making process takes a while. Your job as an exhibitor is to follow-up with the buyers you talked to...For the complete story, click here
Legal Briefs
The Changing Regulatory Scene: Member Input Wanted Many pet product manufacturers will be affected by regulatory schemes that are in the works. APPMA’s Government Affairs Group is watching these issues and will continue to inform members when there are new developments. However, we also want to hear from you as to what regulatory issues are important to you...For the complete story, click here
Growing Global
APPMA Offers International Trade Development Opportunities to Members Global Pet Expo held many unique advantages for APPMA members. Among them were several opportunities for members who participate in global trade. These opportunities included free export and import seminars, free one-on-one export/import consulting sessions and an International Trade Mission for pet food manufacturers...For the complete story, click here
PIJAC Perspectives
PIJAC: The Pet Industry’s Unified Voice PIJAC plays a special and unique role benefiting manufacturers and distributors. They constantly track numerous policies and regulations that could greatly impact your business as well as the ability of your customers – retailers – to grow and prosper. PIJAC focuses on animal issues, pet store and breeder facility standards, and thousands of proposals that impact the importation, breeding, sale or possession of pets-- issues not normally part of your day-to-day business...For the complete story, click here
Marketing/Communications/PR
NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s Early Show, HGTV, Animal Planet and More Turn Out to Cover Global Pet Expo 2006 The 2006 Show was an unprecedented event when it came to press coverage – our media attendance doubled over last year’s numbers and the coverage garnered at the event was the best in our trade show history! Highlights included a live shot from the show room floor on CBS’s Early Show with Veterinarian Correspondent, Debbye Turner. The Today Show covered the show...For complete story, click here
Survey Says
APPMA National Pet Owners Survey Seminar Enlightens Members and Buyers at Global Pet Expo Among the many events at GPE, members, media and buyers were invited to a presentation of the National Pet Owners Survey data. Industry experts and novices alike, attended this Survey overview. Attendees included domestic and international buyers from both single-unit stores and the mass market, new and current APPMA members, as well as press representatives from national media outlets...For the complete story, click here
Industry Insight
The Long Road to Doing the Right Thing Try putting together a group representing different interests in the pet industry and getting them to agree to do something that will affect the entire industry. It has been a long road over the past two years but we are learning that we can come together as an industry to do the right thing. Many of the retailers at Global Pet Expo last month were invited to work with a coalition representing all parts of the pet industry to review a series of guidelines being developed to help retailers. One thing we can agree to as an industry is that we care about animals...For complete story, click here
Sponsorship Opportunities
A Special Thanks to The 2006 Global Pet Expo Sponsors! Last month, GPE Sponsors increased branding for their company, product line and attracted attendees to their booths by purchasing a variety of sponsorships. This year, the Marketing team decided to add some additional benefits for sponsors so they would stand out from their competition. It’s never too soon to start planning for Global Pet Expo 2007. Look for new and exciting sponsorship opportunities in the upcoming year that will be worth taking advantage of...For complete story, click here
Referral Network
Are you seeking new business opportunities? The Referral Network may have just what you’re looking for. The online referral network allows APPMA members to post a listing for FREE in one of six different categories, including a section dedicated to “Reps Wanted”. Also listed are business opportunities, job openings and other services available to the APPMA membership. Click here for more information.