The 20th Annual Pet Industry Spring Trade Show, held from 16-18 May, attracted nearly 2 300 first-time attendees to its new venue, the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore. More than 6 300 qualified buyers from 2 077 firms attended the show. A total of 544 exhibitors displayed products in more than 870 booths. In addition, 91 exhibitors displayed at the Backer show for the first time.
New this year was the All-Natural area, featuring companies with natural or "green" products representing nearly every segment of the pet industry. Returning to the show was the popular Aquatic Answers pavilion, a centralised area on the show floor, which featured aquatic exhibitors and individually tailored "Ask the Expert" sessions between aquatic retailers and well-respected members of the field.
H.H. Backer Associates' next show is the 42nd Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show from 3-5 October in Rosemont. The Backer Spring Trade Show will be held from 3-5 April 2009 in Baltimore.