SUPERZOO 2023 Surpasses Expectations With Surge in Pet Professional Turnout
September 11, 2023
As North America’s largest pet retail trade show for the $100 billion pet industry, SUPERZOO is known for a vibrant expo showcasing innovative products and trends, industry-leading education, hyper-competitive grooming contests and valuable networking opportunities. But this year, the event witnessed a stronger-than-expected increase in attendees and key decision-makers from the U.S. and abroad.
Held Aug. 16-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the annual expo and conference welcomed nearly 18,000 pet professionals — a 10% increase compared to 2022 — from 84 countries, as well as more than 10,000 key decision-makers, representing a 6% increase from the previous year.
The dynamic event was also empowered by a comprehensive data audit to ensure the presence of qualified retail buyers, a strategic approach that yielded more than 10,000 qualified pet industry retailers, buyers and decision-makers, surpassing any other pet trade show in North America by 33%, according to show officials.
“This year’s SUPERZOO surpassed our highest expectations, reaffirming its status as the definitive event for the pet retail community,” said Mike Karsting, senior vice president for World Pet Association. “The enthusiasm displayed by attendees, exhibitors and industry leaders alike was truly remarkable. We are thrilled to have fostered an environment where connections were forged, ideas were shared and the pet industry’s vibrant future was charted.”
Spanning 330,000 square feet, the expansive, curated show floor featured 1,100 exhibitors displaying the latest pet industry trends amid featured specialized areas, including the New Product Showcase, Emerging Brands, Natural and Health, Specialty and Lifestyle, Farm and Feed, Aquatics, Birds, Reptiles and Small Animals, Groomer’s Marketplace and the International Pavilion.
“We love coming to SUPERZOO because we get to meet our customers and our buyers and get a pulse on what’s happening within the industry,” said Exhibitor Paul Semanski, marketing lead for N-Gage Brand. “We spend a lot of time investing in and talking to our customers and potential buyers so we can continue to innovate our products to meet their needs.”
At the New Product Showcase, which celebrates the innovative advancements and visionary ideas transforming the pet industry, a massive lineup of more than 1,058 debut products vied for recognition by a panel of industry experts, who assessed each entry and awarded first-place winners and runners-up in 10 product categories, as well as the Judges Award for the Best New-to-Market Pet Product.
The show also witnessed a diverse mix of retailers, ranging from industry giants such as Woof Gang Bakery, Petland, Pet Supplies Plus, Petco, PetSmart, Kahoot’s, Chewy and Hollywood Feed to independent businesses.
“SUPERZOO is a fantastic platform for brands that might not have widespread recognition to showcase their offerings and highlight what sets them apart,” said Attendee Zach Ward, store manager of Tomlinson Feed and Pets Inc. “This event has provided valuable insights to me and my team, leading us to discover exceptional products that we’re eager to introduce in our stores.”
Offering more than 65 sessions led by more than 30 industry leaders, the show’s education program presented dynamic content geared to the specific needs of retailers and groomers, while Free Show Floor Talks provided valuable insights into e-commerce strategies, social media marketing and other crucial aspects of running a successful pet business.
SUPERZOO also recognized “pawsome” creativity and talent at its ever-popular grooming contests, which offered more than $35,000 in prizes across nine competitions awarding excellence in regular breed classes and special categories.
Beyond the showfloor, the show’s special events included the popular evening SUPERZOO Beach Party featuring live music and networking at Mandalay Bay Beach, as well as the new Venture Capitalist Panels presenting a variety of startup pitch competitions, including the Leap Venture Studio Pitch Competition supporting underrepresented founders competing for a $10,000 prize.
SUPERZOO will return to Mandalay Bay Convention Center Aug. 14-16, 2024.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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