(PRESS RELEASE) PHILADELPHIA, PA – International Conference Development LLC (ICDevents) announced a group of advisers that will come together to plan for its second annual Pet Connections Expo this fall.
The Pet Connections Expo will take place Oct. 2-3, 2018, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. After a successful launch in 2017, this year’s focus will continue to be on topics that are most important to independent pet retailers. Pet Connections Expo will bring together pet industry buyers and suppliers from around the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions as well as the entire country.
“We are excited for the second year of the event and grateful to be able to incorporate the invaluable asset of the vast experiences that these industry visionaries will contribute to the program,” said Bill Doherty, ICDevents president and show director.
The event sets itself apart by providing free educational content for pet retailers, kicking off on Oct. 2 with opening keynoter Dave Ratner. As an independent retailer and pet product developer, Ratner connects with customers on a daily basis. He will focus his opening presentation on strategies that independent retailers can incorporate to level the playing field with the giant online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Ratner is joined by an esteemed group of advisers that will be key in putting together a strong educational program focused on independent retailers and their specific needs.
Ratner said, “As a passionate crusader for indie retailers, I am thrilled to be on the advisory board along with some of the other truly great retail representatives throughout the country. It is an honor to share my experiences, successes and failures with the attendees at the conference.”
Marcos Caetano, partner, Woof Gang Bakery, and an appointee to the Advisory Board, said, “I am looking forward to serving on the Advisory Board and helping to grow the show and continue the excellent educational offerings for independent retailers.”
The Advisory Board:
- Allen Basis, executive director, Pet Age
- Bill Bookout, founding member, National Animal Supplement Council
- Marcos Caetano, partner, Woof Gang Bakery
- Terri Grow, founder and president, PetSage
- Nancy Hassel, founder and president, American Pet Professionals
- Brad Kriser, founder and CEO, Kriser’s Natural Pet
- Vicki Lynne Morgan, president, Animal Brands Consulting and Russmor Mentoring Group
- Lindsay Mutschler, CFO, Concord Pet
- Dave Ratner, owner, Dave’s Soda and Pet City and Dave’s Pet Food
- Greg Tilford, CEO, Animal Essentials, Inc.
Further details on the 2018 Pet Connections Expo can be found at www.petconexpo.com.