In this Media Spotlight interview, Chloe DiVita of PETS+ talks with Pete Scott, CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about Global Pet Expo 2026 (March 25–27, 2026). Following last year’s record-breaking attendance, Scott discusses plans for this year’s event at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
The expo draws retailers from across channels, with Target, Walmart, and Chewy attending alongside pet specialty stores. Last year, 631 influencers with a combined reach of over 123 million participated, reflecting the role of social commerce in the industry. More than half of attendees hold director-level positions or above, with significant C-suite representation.
New additions for 2026 include the Petfluence Studio, which focuses on digital content creation and social commerce connections between brands and retailers. The Tech Hub will feature emerging technologies affecting retail operations, from AI tools to checkout systems.
Beyond the trade show floor, the Unleashed party provides networking opportunities, while shuttle services help attendees navigate the large venue. Scott notes that these elements aim to make the event more accessible, particularly for smaller businesses.
The PET Summit will take place from March 23 to 26 and will coincide with Global. Now in its third year, the summit features seven tracks covering topics such as brand storytelling, sustainability, and technology innovation. The programming is designed for marketing teams, content creators, and anyone interested in industry trends beyond traditional purchasing methods. You can register or add-on to your Global badge here.
Watch the full PETS+ Media Spotlight interview with Pete Scott to learn all the details about Global Pet Expo 2026!
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