SuperZoo 2016 recently concluded at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA after experiencing record attendance. SuperZoo is a pet retail trade exposition and conference produced by World Pet Association (WPA).
Attendance to this year’s conference increased by more than four percent. There was an eight percent increase in companies attending over 2015, as well as nearly 1,200 exhibitors participating.
New products
In the redesigned, larger exhibit hall, more than 820 products debuted as part of the New Product Showcase. SuperZoo attendees voted on the best new pet food and other products in the showcase and awarded prizes in eight categories.
“We launched our product, GingerLead, three years ago at SuperZoo and have grown tremendously,” said Liz Rubenstein, founder of GingerLead and a SuperZoo 2016 exhibitor, in a press release.
Magic Johnson and Styx
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, former NBA player and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, began the trade show with a keynote speech. Rock band Styx headlined a sold-out concert at House of Blues.
Corporate social responsibility
In addition, WPA announced the winner of its inaugural Show Us Your Good Works social media photo contest. HuggleHounds took home the honors for their program, Huggles for Heroes, which supports Warrior Canine Connection by donating a percentage of sales from selected products. They will have $1,000 donated in their name by WPA to the National Animal Interest Alliance.
Next SuperZoo
SuperZoo will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, July 25-27, 2017, with conference sessions July 24-26.
Upcoming pet food industry event
Pet food professionals can learn how to incorporate novel and exotic proteins into pet treats and food during the Petfood Innovation Workshop and Kansas State University (KSU) Pet Food Experience September 13-15. Held on KSU’s main campus in Manhattan, Kansas, USA, this hands-on event provides an immersive experience in creating unique new pet food products that can meet today’s demand for high meat and a focus on protein.
Pet food industry ingredient and technology suppliers will lead participants through making pet treats and other pet food products with novel proteins such as stabilized rice bran, pork protein powder, spray-dried plasma, exotic animals and vegetables.
