(PRESS RELEASE) RIVERSIDE, CA — World Pet Association (WPA), a not-for-profit pet retail industry organization, is moving forward with its future priorities after announcing a leadership transition. Vic Mason, WPA president, concluded his tenure in February and will remain available to WPA through the end of the current fiscal year while he pursues retirement and other professional endeavors. Mike Karsting, senior vice president, is overseeing Mason’s executive duties.
“WPA has built an extraordinary foundation, and we enter this next phase with tremendous momentum and a focused sense of purpose,” said Mike Lou, chairman of the WPA Board of Directors. “Our team is strong, and our mission to seek, share and inspire is clear. We remain deeply committed to supporting pet professionals through education, sought-after trade events and meaningful relationships. We have great optimism for what lies ahead.”
WPA will continue to cultivate a healthier and more collaborative pet retail community through its day-to-day initiatives, from trend research with industry partners to its Good Works program, which has supported the pet industry with more than $15 million in donations over the last 15 years.
Planning also continues seamlessly for WPA’s flagship shows, SUPERZOO and GROOM’D. SUPERZOO, North America’s premier pet retail marketplace, with education, new products, emerging brands, networking events and more, takes place Aug. 11-14, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. GROOM’D, the one-of-a-kind destination for groomers and daycare and kennel operators, is scheduled for March 12-14, 2027, in College Park, Ga.
For more information about WPA, visit worldpetassociation.org.
About World Pet Association
Founded in 1950, World Pet Association (WPA) is the pet industry’s oldest nonprofit organization. WPA connects and informs pet professionals through industry-defining trade shows SUPERZOO and GROOM’D (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair and Conference). Through WPA’s Good Works program, proceeds from these events are funneled back into key industry organizations and nonprofits, including World Alliance of Grooming Associations, National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), USARK FL, USARK, HABRI, Pet Advocacy Network, Pet Sustainability Coalition, BEAK, Pet Care Trust/Pets in the Classroom, Project Piaba, USAQUA, with the goal of making it easier for pet industry professionals to do business. WPA’s mission is to support the business needs of pet retailers and to promote responsible growth and development of the pet industry by providing thought leadership on consumer and legislative issues; leading efforts in the public sector to inform consumers and ensure safe, healthy lifestyles for all animals; and providing business resources, education, content and services to ensure pet product retailers have the support they need to be competitive. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.
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