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SUPERZOO! L ow co u n t r y D o g g o e s t o Ve g a s ! W R I T T E N B Y I S A B E L A LV A R E Z A R AT A Contributing Writer
Every year since 2004, pet lovers have descended upon Las Vegas for SUPERZOO, the largest pet industry trade show in the United States. Established by the World Pet Association (WPA) in 1950, SUPERZOO has had many iterations. SUPERZOO 2023 gathered almost 20,000 pet professionals including 1,200 exhibitors and 3,200 buying companies in a 330,000-squarefoot show floor, a 10% increase in attendance over 2022. Held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, SUPERZOO 2023 welcomed pet lovers from 84 countries and all 50 states. Because of its popularity and magnitude, SUPERZOO provides a massive platform for pet businesses and entrepreneurs hoping to showcase their products and services, including innovative pet care solutions, grooming supplies, pet fashions, bedding, and accessories. Attending SUPERZOO is also a valuable experience for buyers, independent retailers, bloggers, podcasters, and creators looking to discover the next big thing in petrelated technology, nutrition, chews and toys among the show’s over 1,000 product debuts. “SUPERZOO is an incredible opportunity for those in the industry to come together, network, and discover the latest trends. This is an invaluable opportunity for all of us to stay on top of the largest innovations and developments” said Britt Kascjak, Director of Content & SEO for BlogPaws, a pet business education company focused on teaching pet professionals the ins and outs of growing an online business through the creation of high-quality content. The show was divided into curated sections and included vendors specializing in dogs, cats, small mammals, aquatics, reptiles, birds, and,
ABOVE: Lowcountry Dog Media Manager, Alyssa Helms, on Day 1 of SUPERZOO. OPPOSITE: Alyssa with Shorty Rossi from PIT BOSS & Shorty’s Rescue. more minimally, horses. While cat products are gaining popularity, dog-specific offerings far outnumbered those intended for other species. Because pets are welcome, SUPERZOO 2023 attendees got to enjoy the company of celebrity dogs and “petfluencers” like Dixie the Praying Dog with a flower in her hair, Jack the Surfing Dog in a floral shirt, Yorkies Sammie and Maddie covered in pearls and bows, and Apple the Golden in a custom-made dress. The Groomer’s Marketplace was part retail showcase and part art exhibit. Dogs spotted in this area were artistically coiffed and colordipped as part of ongoing grooming competitions. On SUPERZOO’s Grooming Stage, groomers competed for Best First-Time Competitor, Best International Competitor, and Best Pet Stylist in Show, among other titles. Special contests included the Creative Styling Competition and Abstract Design Challenge. Competitors were grooming for a portion of the over $35,000+ in winnings at stake. The Grooming Marketplace also featured a dog spa, indoor doggie playground, and outdoor pet relief area.
