NYC Pet Show

To request an invitation to The Retailer Summit, please contact CCK Events at 212.888.4646 or email us.

Bob Vetere has been with the American Pet Products Association (APPA) since 2002. Since then he’s made his mark in the pet industry as APPA’s chief spokesperson with guest columns in publications including Pet Business and Pet Product News and television appearances on such acclaimed shows as CNNFN, ABC’s World News Tonight, HGTV and CNBC. Vetere earned Juris Doctor from Seton Hall School of Law, and M.B.A and B.S. in Management from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association and New Jersey Bar Association and is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. Vetere and his wife, along with their golden retriever, Dakota, live in Connecticut.

Retailer Summit attendees will have the opportunity to learn even more about the consumer habits, demographics and traits of their best customers, pet owners. Bob Vetere, President of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) will present key findings from the recently released 2011-2010 National Pet Owners Survey, the most comprehensive consumer research providing insight on the demographics, buying habits and other traits of U.S. owners of dogs, cats, fish, birds, equine, reptiles and small animals. Vetere will also discuss the recently released increased pet industry spending figures, as well as general product sales predictions for 2011.

Alan Kerzner has created and revitalized businesses in the CPG, specialty retail and web-based areas during his 30-year career. He has had successful stints at P&G, J&J, start-ups and early stage firms. Alan has served as Corporate Vice President of Marketing for Hartz Mountain pet care and was President of Halo Purely for Pets from 2006 – 2009. Currently, Alan works on growth strategies with small companies and advises private equity firms interested in the pet and infant industries; additionally, he is Project Faculty in the Wharton’s School’s Graduate Division Global Consulting Practicum and Adjunct Professor at NYU.

Over the last 18 months, the distributor, retailer, manufacturer and branded marketer segments of the industry have been significantly impacted by the infusion of funds from investment companies. This level of external investment activity is not going to subside soon. Come to this session to learn: Why do private equity firms covet the pet industry? What are investors looking for in terms of target companies? What are the implications for independent retailers and small brand product companies? How does the little guy survive?

Lea-Ann Germinder, APR, Fellow PRSA is an award-winning marketing & PR professional who has worked with virtually every segment of pet products & services. She is a consultant and owner of Germinder & Associates, and publisher of Goodnewsforpets.com which features sponsored content, addresses issues in animal health & features pet products. To learn more go to www.germinder.com

“Stay True to Your Brand: Tweet, Poke & Post, But Don’t Forget the Basics”

Much of the focus in marketing & PR today is on social media. Each platform has its use, but retailers know their brand better than anyone else. Don’t let a deep dive into unknown techniques scare you off. Watch, listen and learn how you can grow your brand. This presentation will discuss basic techniques and questions to ask yourself as you continue to build your own brand, keep existing and gain new customers – your way.

Attending retailers have the opportunity to walk the slow floor and network with participating exhibitors before the show opens to the general public.

& Seth

Mendelson

Senior VP, Group Publisher & Corporate Editorial Director

In Pet Business; "State of the Retail Pet Industry Report," attending retailers will get a broad look at the current state of the pet products market. From the growing momentum of the natural movement in pet nutrition, as well as other points of innovation in the pet industry, to the increasing competition between grocery stores, mass merchants and pet specialty stores, hear about the latest trends affecting the pet products market and how retailers in a variety of channels are responding.

Leslie Yellin, Executive Vice President of Multipet International brings 30 years of experience within the Pet Industry. Leslie’s responsibilities have included managing all aspects of marketing, advertising, social media, product compliance, and maintaining sales to some of the largest retailers in the United States, and internationally. Multipet’s toys were selected by Oprah as her “dog’s favorite toy!”Prior to joining Multipet Leslie was the National Director of Marketing for Central Garden and Pet for ten years where she implemented their dealer shows and helped grow sales with manufacturers and dealers through various promotional programs. Leslie credits her early success in the pet industry under the mentorship of Dr. Marty and Robert Goldstein at their flagship retail store in Westport Connecticut. Leslie is a graduate of Jacksonville University. She has been featured in USA Today and various television appearances in representing the pet industry. Additionally, Leslie is credited for bringing a great deal of Breast Cancer Awareness to the pet industry by developing the first dog toy to support the cause.

Pet toys are the fastest growing segment within the Pet Industry-and the current US economy is helping boost sales! How do retailers compete when Mass market retailers are dedicating entire aisles to toys? Find out what the latest trends are for toys and how to keep your product selection fresh and exciting. Learn the new styles that pet designers are using for colors, fabrics, and textures that are appealing to both the consumer and their pets. Discover the price threshold for toys and what manufacturers are doing to make sure your products are safe and secure. You will also get a sneak peek at what will be some of the most asked for toys this holiday season.

Over the past few years, the focus on pet supplements and nutrition has grown immensely. As a result, conflicting information about their benefits and uses have become confusing for the consumer as well as the pet store owners. In this seminar, Susan Weiss will help you sift through the information so you are able to make informed and educated decisions for yourself and your customers

Susan Weiss, a former high school history teacher, is the founder and President of Ark Naturals Products for Pets. Founded in 1996, the company is a founding member of National supplement Animal Council and is one of is the most widely recognized brand of natural pet health products which is distributed nationwide thru natural product stores and independent pet stores. For information about Weiss and her Company, visit www.ArkNaturals.com

Attending retailers have the opportunity to walk the slow floor and network with participating exhibitors before the show opens to the general public.