“Interzoo is the world’s leading international trade fair for pet supplies. Naturally, the objective of all stakeholders is to ensure that we continue to play this role in the future,” said the new chairwoman of the Interzoo Advisory Committee, Katharina Engling. "This involves sharing and discussing different perspectives, experiences and ideas and putting them into practice to make sure that Interzoo continues to thrive."
Having served on the Advisory Committee for some time, the 47-year-old has now been appointed to the chairwoman by the Board of the ZZF (German Pet Trade and Industry Association).
“We are delighted that Ms. Engling has taken on this role. As a long-standing senior executive at pet food company Bunny Tierernährung, she is an absolute expert on our industry both nationally and internationally,” said ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich. “She also brings a lot of experience in trade fair work with her, not just as an exhibitor at Interzoo,” Katharina Engling was also elected to the ZZF Board in May this year and is therefore very familiar with the association’s issues and objectives.
Bitten by the ‘Interzoo bug’ since 1994
Katharina Engling has been carrying the flag for small mammals for 25 years. As a senior executive at Bunny Tierernährung GmbH she is responsible for marketing and R&D.
“I have more or less had the ‘Interzoo bug’ since 1994. That was when I started out in an industry that immediately captivated me,” she recalled. “Interzoo brings together representatives of the pet sector from all over the world.” It provides a platform for professional dialogue and a showcase for the latest innovations and visions. Every two years it is the highlight of the pet industry calendar for exhibitors and trade visitors alike. You simply cannot miss it!”
Trade Fair Advisory Committee gets Interzoo customers on board
The Advisory Committee, consisting of Interzoo exhibitors and trade visitors, helps the full-time staff of Interzoo organizer WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH) with the strategic planning and ongoing development of the event. The committee facilitates discussions between WZF and industry experts on important topics associated with the trade fair, such as the challenges facing the pet industry and new ideas for Interzoo.
“From the very outset, WZF felt it was important to get our customers involved,” said WZF Managing Director Alexandra Facklamm. “This means that we maintain a constant dialogue with our target group. Because only if we know what matters to our customers can we make improvements in this dynamic market. This means we are organizing Interzoo not just for but with the pet industry.”
Thanks extended to acting director
Alongside Katharina Engling, the following ZZF members belong to the Advisory Committee: Roland Böhme, JBL GmbH & Co. KG; Annette Burda, Burda’s Tierwelt GmbH; Stephan Fumy, Zoofachhandel Fumy GmbH; Lars Larsen, Juwel-Aquarium GmbH & Co. KG; Jörg Lefers, Allco Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG; Axel Pinders, Dohse Aquaristik GmbH & Co. KG and Nadine Trautwein, Hunter International GmbH.
ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich took the occasion of Katharina Engling’s appointment to thank Dr Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at WZF, for her additional commitment to the work of the Advisory Committee. Following the departure of Hans-Jochen Büngener she had successfully headed the committee as temporary chairwoman until the appointment of a representative from the industry.
