Chicago (April 18, 2013)—H.H. Backer Associates announced several changes to its annual fall show in Chicago designed to improve the attendee and exhibitor experience and draw key buyers from across the United States and overseas.
The show will have a variety of new attractions, a fresh graphic look and a new show name–Backer’s Total Pet Expo. This year’s event, to be held September 20-22, 2013, at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Chicago (Rosemont), Ill., will showcase 500+ exhibitors on two floors. “Our goal is to help attendees get a jump on the competition for 2014 and finalize their holiday season buying for the year, which will be easier now that we have September dates,” said Colette Fairchild, the show’s director. “We will feature a greater variety of new exhibitors and products and offer a new twist on the educational portion of the show. We want buyers to leave Backer’s Total Pet Expo with the education and motivation they need to be successful,” she added.
H.H. Backer Associates also unveiled a new website (www.totalpetexpo.com) to help buyers find the vendors, products and services they want to see quickly and easily and make the registration process faster.
New or revamped features will include:
- Pet Store on the Floor. A new 3,500 sq. ft. retail store serves as a resource center on store layout, merchandising, staff training and POS options. A special area within the store focuses on how to implement a successful staff training program, Pet Store Pro™ . In addition, H.H. Backer will give away two iPads each day.
- The Idea Wall. A 30′ long wall, located near the Pet Store on the Floor, provides a forum for sharing and reading retail tips. Prizes are awarded for the best ideas.
- Backer Buyer Rewards. Qualified attendees are rewarded for placing orders at the show. Attendees receive a $75 Visa gift card for every $3,500 spent at the show (up to three cards per firm).
- “The Smart Zone.” New education stations offer a more comfortable, conference-style setting right on the show floor and will include tracks on technology, finance, marketing/merchandising, aquatics and animal health/wellness. Industry experts offer free advice for small groups of attendees on everything from the latest social media marketing strategies to the hottest merchandising trends. A full schedule will be available online beginning June 15.
- Full Day Pre-Show Seminar on Retail Sales and Marketing. Retail expert Bob Negen of WhizBang! Training presents “Explode Your Sales: Marketing Ideas So Effective They Will Blow Your Mind” on Thursday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Negen reviews tools, tactics and techniques to help turbo-charge retail profits. This seminar shows attendees how to quickly implement five ways to immediately build an average sale, turn first-time shoppers into long-term customers and train a great team of retail superstars. Registration information will be available beginning June 15; the fee is $99.
- Product Innovations Area. Sponsored by Pet Age magazine, this newly designed area (formerly Product Showcase) features the industry’s best products. Awards for the top three products will be presented on the last day of the show.
- Free Downtown Chicago Shuttles. Shuttles leave from the main entrance of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center after the show closes on Friday evening, September 20, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Improved Networking Opportunities. A special reception for members and guests of the newly formed Women in the Pet Industry Network (WIPIN) gives both attendees and exhibitors a chance to get together in a relaxed atmosphere on Saturday, September 21 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Backer’s Club Platinum Lounge. For additional information, e-mail Shawna@womeninthepetindustry.com or visit booth 408 at the show. Backer also continues to host its popular all-industry party on Saturday, September 21 from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Attendees receive two complimentary drink tickets during the first hour. Costume contest prizes are $500 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place.
- 5K Fun Run/Walk for Pets. This popular event, sponsored by GoToRovers.com, is now open to teams of competitors in addition to individuals. The run starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 21 and benefits The Animal Care League of Oak Park, Ill. Visit GoToRovers.com/funrun.php for details and registration information.
The show will continue to offer its other popular specialty areas, including expanded All-Natural and New Exhibitor areas, and the “Celebration of Style” Grooming Competition, featuring more than $20,000 in cash and prizes.
Backer’s spring trade show, April 9-11, 2014, in Atlantic City, N.J., also will assume the Total Pet Expo (Spring) name. Significant changes to the biennial event will be announced early next year.