ORLANDO — Consumers are expected to spend $157 billion on pet products in 2025, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). That’s up from $104 just five years ago. From pet food and treats to vet care and over-the-counter medications to services like training, pet sitting and pet walking, the industry is booming.
Every year, the Global Pet Expo, organized by APPA and the Pet Industry Distributors Association, is the pet care industry’s most influential gathering for product discovery, trendspotting, networking and professional growth. Global Pet Expo 2026, taking place March 25-27 in Orlando, will feature 1,200 brands in the Orange County Convention Center’s exhibit halls — including more than 1,000 new products — and expects to attract 20,000 attendees.
New next year are two major additions to the show floor: the Global Petfluence Studio and the Tech Innovation Lab.
“The addition of these new features was inspired by the rapid changes we’re seeing across the pet industry, specifically how digital content and technology are reshaping the way businesses connect with consumers and operate day to day,” Pete Scott, APR, CAE, APPA President & CEO, said.
Related. Global Pet Trade Shows Thrive as Industry Booms
Inside the Global Petfluence Studio
The Global Petfluence Studio will be an interactive hub where pet brands, influencers and retail media can connect. It will feature dedicated video and audio studios for content creation, social commerce and media partnerships.
“The Global Petfluence Studio is designed to give attendees practical tools to strengthen their digital strategies, while also offering exhibitors, influencers, media and sponsors unique opportunities for targeted engagement, collaboration and ROI,” Scott shared.
Inside the Tech Innovation Lab
New technologies are transforming the pet care industry, from AI-powered insights to wearable health trackers to advanced pet-care software. The Tech Innovation Lab will be a show floor hub where attendees can discover and demo the latest tech at the forefront of pet retail trends.
“By showcasing cutting-edge, real-world solutions, this area of the exhibit hall will give pet retailers the chance to demo tools that can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences and drive business growth,” Scott said. “It also expands the show’s potential audience to include new job functions and decision-makers, while delivering substantial value to tech vendors through lead generation, education and thought leadership opportunities.”
Expanded Exhibitor Demographics and Influencers
Scott explained that the pet care community is evolving and the 2026 show will be a reflection of that.
“One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is that exhibitors are no longer bringing just their sales teams,” Scott said. “Increasingly, they’re expanding their presence to include marketing, public relations and social media professionals, recognizing that success in today’s market requires a cross-functional approach to trade shows that blends product expertise with brand storytelling and digital engagement.
“We’re also seeing exponential growth in influencer attendance, which speaks to how quickly the media landscape is changing. Influencers come to our show to network with brands and discuss partnership opportunities, and our attendees continue to be more attuned to the business value of engaging with them. It creates a dynamic environment at the show, where traditional buyers, emerging digital voices and brands can all build relationships that drive the industry forward.”
To get more events industry news, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.
