(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Each year, pet industry professionals in the tri-state area anticipate the NYC Re-tails & Sales Pet Expo. In previous years, this one-day, in-person boutique pet expo has been held at a hip and trendy venue in Manhattan. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s 8th annual expo will be a Zoom Pop.
On Tuesday, April 27th, retailers, groomers and media can hop onto zoom to experience a day full of learning about new pet products on the market, establish business relationships, and enjoy lots of pet industry fun. This year will showcase health focused start-ups and new businesses that empower pet parents to make smart choices for their pets. The trade show will kick off at 1pm with the Star Spangled Banner being sung live, followed by a few thoughts from media partner Pets Plus Magazine.
“What pet parents, especially millennials are looking for when shopping for their pets is something that solves all their concerns — their pet’s health and longevity as well as the impact on this planet,” says Nancy Hassel, president of American Pet Professionals.
According to a survey conducted by American Pet Professionals, there is still concern and hesitation for many when it comes to attending an in-person event. The survey results concluded these statistics:
Will you attend an In-Person pet industry event within the next 6 months?
- Yes — Absolutely — 31.3%
- Yes, but only after I am vaccinated — 19.4%
- Maybe — depends on the event — 19.4%
- Not Sure — 13.4%
- Nope, I don’t feel comfortable yet — 16.4%
“It’s a disappointment we will not meet in person this year, but Nancy and I are going above and beyond to ensure that our Zoom Pop virtual expo will be just as informative, engaging and fun!” expresses Dana Humphrey, founder and president of Whitegate PR and “The Pet Lady.”
Similar to previous years, the NYC Re-tails & Sales Pet Expo will begin at 1:00pm with a live performance of the National Anthem. After this, each hour on the hour will spotlight one retailer who will be on a live panel answering questions from hosts Nancy and Dana. In addition, there will be retailers, distributors and pet product buyers on the panels interviewing the vendors as well.
April 27th’s virtual event will be like a pop-up trade show. All vendors will receive an attendee list, people are encouraged to bring their pets, and attendees can request to have product samples mailed to them. Pets Plus Magazine will be this year’s media sponsor.
The vendor lineup currently includes: Asher + Arden, Brilliant Salmon Oil, Earth Animal, Healthy Line, Pampered Pets USA, Chews Happiness, JaxxGear and Rogue Pet Science. In addition, Pets Plus Magazine will be this year’s partner and media sponsor.