MONROVIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2010) – SuperZoo, the national show for pet retailers, experienced a substantial increase in the number of exhibitors and attendees at the 2010 show hosted recently at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Currently in its sixth year in Las Vegas, the three-day industry trade show noted an almost 14 percent increase in the number of exhibitors over the previous year and hosted more than 10,000 attendees, establishing a record-breaking event for the show’s producer, the World Pet Association (WPA).

“WPA is thrilled to report the success of SuperZoo 2010,” said Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association. “We remain dedicated to providing the most valuable experience possible for our exhibitors and attendees and look forward to another great show in 2011,” Poindexter said.

Managed by the WPA, formerly the World Wide Pet Industry Association, SuperZoo attracts exhibitors and attendees from around the world with unique trade show features such as SuperZoo University, a pet industry education program which offers seminars covering important topics within the industry to help educate exhibitors on ways to improve their businesses. Other unique features include The Club at SuperZoo and the Groomer’s SuperShow, which awards more than $45,000 in prizing through the Groomer Super Jackpot contest and Creative Styling competitions.

In addition to hosting thousands of pet industry professionals, SuperZoo also supports the local community by hosting Rescue Rodeo, which challenges groomers to makeover rescue dogs from Las Vegas-area shelters. In addition to the prize money awarded to the winning groomers, shelters that provided the winning dogs received a cash donation.  This year’s competition attracted the largest turnout yet, with more than 44 local dogs participating in Rescue Rodeo.

World Pet Association also backed a charity fundraiser at SuperZoo for the nonprofit groups, Pets in the Classroom and Canine Cancer Foundation. Pets in the Classroom is a program geared towards educating youth on the joys and responsibilities surrounding pet ownership through providing classrooms with pets. The Canine Cancer Foundation is dedicated to eliminating cancer in dogs by funding research. Sponsored by ET Horn, this first year event raised more than $13,000 to be split between the two organizations.

SuperZoo also awarded annual “New Product” awards at the show in eight categories. The award process allows buyers the opportunity to vote on their favorite items from the New Product Showcase during the first day of the show. The following winners were announced at SuperZoo:

“New Product” Awards Winners

  • Overall Best in Show
    1. United Pet Group – Tetra Fauna Viquarium
    2. United Pet Group – Waterfall Globe Aquarium
    3. Arms Reach Concepts – Co-Sleeper Brand Pet Bunk Bed
  • Aquatic
    1. United Pet Group – Waterfall Globe Aquarium
    2. Timberline Live Pet Foods – Betta Bugs
    3. Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. – Fluval Chi Glass Aquarium Kit
  • Bird Products
    1. Kaytee/Super Pet –  Kaytee Nature’s Benefits
    2. A&E Cage Co. – Java Wood Table Top Stand
  • Cat Products
    1. Lucky Litter LLC Dba Brilliant Pet – FroliCat™ SWAY™
    2. The OurPet’s Company – PlayNSqueak AT NIGHT Cat Toys
    3. The Green Pet Shop – Kat Pak
  • Dog Products
    1. TechNiche International – Cooling Dog Coat
    2. All Four Paws – The Chill Collar
    3. Arms Reach Concepts – Co-Sleeper Brand Pet  Bunk Bed
  • Miscellaneous Products
    1. Lixit Corporation – Poultry Food + Water Dish
    2. Jarden Animal Solutions – Outlaw Clipper
  • Reptile Products
    1. United Pet Group – TetraFauna Viquarium
    2. Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. – Exo-Terra Nano Glass Terrarium
    3. Zoo Med Labs, Inc. – ReptiBator
  • Small-Animal Products
    1. JW Pet Company Inc. – PetVille Roll-A-Coaster
    2. Kaytee / Super Pet – Super Pet Critter Trail Habitat
    3. Kaytee / Super Pet – Super Pet Treat-Pet-Play

SuperZoo generated considerable media buzz in Las Vegas, attracting reporters from Las Vegas Review-Journal and all local broadcast affiliates, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. The show was also covered by national media outlets BBC America and TLC as well as key trade media within the pet industry.

For more information about SuperZoo, visit www.SuperZoo.org or call (800) 999-7295.

ABOUT THE WORLD PET ASSOCIATION

The World Pet Association (WPA), formerly the World Wide Pet Industry Association, is the oldest industry organization promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services.  As society’s “humanization” of pets grows stronger, WPA knows it is important to inform and educate the general public to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA plays host to America’s Family Pet Expo, the world’s largest pet and pet products expo, hosted annually in Costa Mesa, Calif., and beginning in July 2011 in Puyallup, Washington The organization also holds SuperZoo (www.superzoo.org), an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars known as SuperZoo University.  WPA also offers Pet Industry Briefs, a free weekly e-newsletter providing vital industry information at your fingertips. For more information on WPA or to sign up for Pet Industry Briefs, please visit www.worldpetassociation.org.