(PRESS RELEASE) STAMFORD, CT — With plans for the 17th Annual Global Pet Expo well underway, Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), announced today that booth space applications will go live June 15, 2020. Global Pet Expo, presented by APPA and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) is set to take place March 24–26, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL, and Darmohraj said that safety and accessibility remain top priority.
“The health and well-being of our participants is paramount,” Darmohraj said. “Exhibitors, buyers and all attendees alike can expect to hear from us in the coming months with regular safety updates. We are committed to producing an event that provides attendees the ability to focus on and conduct the business they are coming to our show to do.”
Global Pet Expo officials are working closely with all relevant partners in the events ecosystem to ensure a safe experience on every level. Some recent updates include the following:
- The OCCC is currently working to achieve a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Facility Accreditation, which is considered the gold standard for how facilities should be prepared upon opening.
- The city of Orlando is participating in the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. This group is currently working on recommendations to help reopen Orange County, including the approach to ease restrictions while ensuring the safety of the public.
- The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), a trade group for exhibition professionals, published a guide called: Essential Considerations For Safely Reopening Exhibitions and Events to make sure the trade show industry as a whole is prepared.
- Show organizers continue to look to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to provide guidance for international participants.
In addition to a clear focus on safety, the ability for APPA and PIDA members to participate in Global Pet Expo is also top priority at this time. In an effort to alleviate any additional burden, Global Pet Expo will offer 2020 booth pricing for 2021. Exhibitors will also have added flexibility with their payment plans with smaller deposits throughout the payment schedule, additional time to make final payments, and an extended cancellation period. All booth space applications received by August 31, 2020 will be reviewed and assigned by Global Pet Expo staff in “Priority Point” order. Applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible to secure their place on the list.
Darmohraj added, “Global Pet Expo is an important opportunity for the pet industry as participants look to reconnect and build new partnerships. We are truly grateful for the continued support from our loyal exhibitors and attendees who come from 80 countries to participate in Global Pet Expo each year, and we are dedicated to planning a successful and safe trade show in 2021.”
Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. It is a trade-only event and not open to the general public. For details, visit globalpetexpo.org