The AusPet Industry Expo recently made its much-anticipated return, with two days of wheeling, dealing, and networking.

A joint venture between the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) and IndePet, the expo returned after a six-year layoff with over 50 exhibitors and plenty of retailers through the door.

The two-day expo also featured the PIAA award night and networking drinks on Tuesday as well as the return of the PIAA AusGroom Pet Grooming competition.

Anthony Ramsey, CEO of PIAA, said returning the AusPet Industry Expo for the first time since 2018 was always going to be a leap of faith.

“The backing and support we received from both exhibitors and attendees was beyond anything we could have hoped for. We could have actually sold the booth space out twice over. The highlight however was the atmosphere in the room with everyone a buzz that the networking and comradery that was remembered from past trade shows had again returned.”

Todd Clarkson, CEO of IndePet, called the event a roaring success and highlighted the unique camaraderie that exists in the pet industry.

“There were two big highlights for me. First was seeing so many amazing and innovative products in a single location all designed to try and improve the health and wellbeing of our beloved pets. Secondly, was seeing the interaction and networking between our industry leaders – the pet industry, while large, is still a tightknit community and this event showed the very best of that.”

Hans Petiet, from Tails Pet Centre, said it was so refreshing to be able to once again, after a long break, participate in the AusPet Expo.

“Many of the suppliers attending had very impressive stalls with new and innovative products. Having been in the industry for over 16 years, it is so refreshing to see continual product development and ideas.”

Megan Nolan, Country Manager – APAC at Company of Animals, said the event far exceeded her expectations.

“The quality of attendees was high as was exhibitor energy, it felt very ‘old school’ which was fantastic. Any event that allows suppliers the opportunity to network with independent retail partners will get my support.”

Over the course of the two days, attendees also had the opportunity to vote for their best new products, with the list of winners below:

APIE Best New Products

  • Best New Aquarium Product – Aquael Hypermax 4500 Canister Filter by AquaPremium
  • Best New Cat Product – Nexgard Spectra Cat by Boehringer Ingleheim
  • Best New Dog Product – Pet Corrector by Company of Animals
  • Best New Small Animal/Reptile/Other Pet Product – Reptile One S2M Vivarium Colour Range by Kongs Australia
  • Best New Grooming Poduct – Zees Grooming Range by Prestige Pet

Ramsay said almost everyone was impressed by the mix of pet, aquarium, and grooming retailers that attended from all over Australia, allowing them to meet their long-standing customers and establish plenty of new contact for business.

“The event was a resounding success and will return in 2025 bigger and even better. Moving forward, the plan will be to establish a yearly rotation between Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.”

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2025 AusPet Industry Expo.

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