by Nancy E. Hassel, American Pet Professionals
 
The first 6 months of 2016 flew by didn’t it!  Here is an updated list of pet industry events you, as a pet professional should be attending – some are consumer events, but still could be beneficial to you as a pet pro:
June 2016:
BlogPaws – This will be BlogPaws 8th annual pet blogging and social media conference. Taking place in Phoenix, Arizone from June 23-25, 2016.
CatCon LA – CatConLA 2016 will take place on June 25th & 26th 2016, celebrating groundbreaking products and ideas in art and design, pop culture, and attitude… for cat people. For more info click here.
PetQuest Grooming Show – Taking place in Wilmington, Ohio from June 23 – 26, 2016.  Click here for more info. 
July 2016:
Best Friends Conference – The annual conference hosted by Best Friends Animal Society will be taking place this year at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City in Utah. Held from July 14 – 17, 2016. For more info click here.
August 2016:
SuperZoo – This annual pet insdustry trade show takes place in Las Vegas every year. This year it will be held August 1 – 4, 2016. Another conference for retailers and you need to check out SuperZoo University while there too! For more information, click here.
AVMA Conference – Held this year in San Antonio, Texas the American Veterinary Medical Association annual conference will take place from August 5 – 9, 2016 For more information click here.
All American Grooming Show – Held in Wheeling, Illinois from August 18 – 21, 2016.  Click here for more info. 
P3 – Progressive Pet Products – A brand new trade show taking the Chicago area for the first year. The show is taking place August 24-25, 2016 at Navy Pier in downtown Chi-town! For more info click here.
CVC Veterinary Conference  – Continuing Veterinary Education conference being held in Kansas City, Missouri from August 26 – 29, 2016.  For more info click here. 
September 2016:
Pet Sitters International – Pet Sitter World conference takes place September 12-14, 2016 in San Diego, California. For more info click here.
Groom Expo at Hershey – Taking place September 22 – 25, 2016. From their website “Groom Expo is the world’s largest grooming show, welcoming thousands of pet professionals to the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, every September. Groom Expo hosts dozens of educational seminars, exciting grooming competitions, and a weekend packed with extra events to meet and mingle with fellow pet professionals.” While APP has yet to be at Groom Expo, I have heard great things about the event. Click here for more info.
October 2016:
Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference – Taking place in Atlantic City, NJ October 17-20, 2016. Continued education courses for veterinarians and according to their website ‘advances in the veterinary field, with the goal of obtaining Continuing Education Credits for license renewal, as well as creating business collaboration with the veterinary vendor community.’ Learn more here.
APDT – Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference is taking place from October 12 – 16, 2016 – location information has not yet been announced. For more info click here.
Wild West Veterinary Conference – Being held October 12 – 16, 2016 in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, this is their 22nd annual conference. For more info click here.
IBPSA Pet Care Services Conference – Being Held October 16 – 20, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  For more info click here. 
PetSittingOlogy Conference  – will take place October 23 – 26, 2016, at the Monte Carlo Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a friendly gathering of pet professionals who want to invigorate their businesses. For more info click here.
PetFood 2.0 – If you are a pet food or treat manufactuer this conference is just for you. This is taking place for the 3rd year – dates TBA, and located in Chicago. You can find out more by clicking here.
November 2016:
BarkWorld – This social media and pet blogging conference is an great event and was owned by i5Publishing. I was honored to be a speaker again in 2015 – it was a fantastic event! The event is happening this year October 12 – 16, 2016 as always in Atlanta, GA. Click here for more info.
Aquatic Experience – According to their website, “From saltwater to freshwater with pond and aquatic animals, we have it all. Consumers and retailers are invited to join us for educational seminars and a thriving show floor filled with hobbyists from entry level to the most sophisticated aquarium keepers.” Show dates for 2016 have not yet been announced. You can find out more by clicking here.
Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo – Hosted in Hershey, PA from November 13 – 15, 2016– the Pet Boarding & Daycare expo specializes to pet professionals who are in pet boarding, daycare and pet sitting. You can learn more by clicking here.
December:
CVC Veterinary Conference  – Continuing Veterinary Education conference being held in San Diego, California from December 8 – 11, 2016.  For more info click here.
There are so many fantastic events and conferences for you to attend in the next 6 months to promote your product, grow your business, be educated at, network and grow your contact list at! Get out there pet pros!]]>