Big Things Ahead for 2020!
2019 has been an eventful year for PIJAC Canada. Before we look ahead at the big things waiting in 2020, we wish to look back at the last year. Here is a brief look at the success we all enjoyed in 2019. We couldn’t have done it without your support!
2019 – A record breaking year
2019 was one of our biggest years yet, and we don’t doubt that 2020 will be just as spectacular. We want to share the success of 2019 with you one more time as you look at planning your year ahead. Whether you are considering how big your exhibit space will be, or booking time to visit these events, we want to remind you that PIJAC Canada trade shows belong to you. For over 30 years, with your support, we have been building Canada’s own unique network for pet businesses. We believe in your goals and what you work so hard to accomplish in the name of pet well-being.
Western Canadian Pet Industry Trade Show 2019
Held on April 14th and 15th at the Calgary Stampede venue, this Western Canadian Pet Industry Trade Show was the biggest one yet. The beautifully renovated 30,000 square foot space was an extra 3000 square feet bigger than previous years, which offered the 400 visitors and 80 exhibitors a platform to meet, make deals, and discover new products and brands. To celebrate the Canadian Pet Community Awards for the western region and to gather the industry, exhibitors and visitors alike gathered for a dinner. This evening was the perfect opportunity to gather pet industry experts from western Canada under one roof. Partygoers danced the evening away enjoying the cover band Two Bit Bandits, a Calgary favorite.
Expozoo 2019
This show just keeps getting bigger every year. Held in Drummondville, Quebec on August 25th and 26th, over 1200 visitors did business with over 90 companies spread out amongst 225 booths at the Centrexpo Cogeco Drummondville. Every year, Expozoo is an essential event for anyone wanting to understand and profit in the Quebec market.
National Pet Industry Trade Show 2019
This event closes the trade show season and as always, it did so with a bang. Visitors from across Canada came to Mississauga, Ontario from September 15th to 16th, to discover over 300 exhibiting companies. As a matter of fact, this show broke records in terms of not only number of booths sold, but also the amount of exhibiting companies and visitors on site. As our biggest event, the National Trade Show saw foot traffic of over 2000 people! Visitors and exhibitors gathered for a Disco Dinner and danced the night away, celebrating the industry and the Canadian Pet Community Award winners.
Membership
The broken records didn’t stop at our trade shows this year! Canadian pet industry businesses are increasingly seeing the value of their PIJAC Canada membership and hopping on board. The association is now composed of nearly 1500 members from coast to coast! We are proud to be able to offer services and give access to a large suite of benefits to our members. In 2019, added member benefits included: a free Canadian Federation of Independent Business membership, discounts with Motel 6, reduced fares with WestJet and Air Canada, and discounted rates with StreetDog marketing.
Being strategic in 2020
As you plan your business strategies for 2020, keep in mind how leveraging PIJAC Canada trade shows as business asset helps you grow your customer and vendor relations. Below are four of the numerous ways trade shows enhance your B2B game plan:
- Showcase: Use the PIJAC Canada New Products section to showcase your new and innovative products.
- Fresh eyes: Sometimes you make the best discoveries for your business when you are away from your business.
- Convenience: Profit from the largest gathering of major pet product manufacturers and distributors in your region.
- Face time: The best deals happen when you meet face to face.
Be there – 2020 Show dates
As you could see, all three Canadian shows have experienced tremendous growth in the recent years. Gone are the days where businesses attend a single show in their region. Instead, business owners travel all across the country to make discoveries for their stores. PIJAC Canada trade show visitors have been travelling from all across Canada and the world to attend all three Canadian shows, which is why their identity has changed! All three shows are now called the “National Pet Industry Show” with each corresponding city. Be a part of these nationals shows in 2020! Book your booth space today!
- National Pet Industry Show – Vancouver: April 26-27, Richmond Olympic Oval, Vancouver, BC
- National Pet Industry Show – Drummondville: August 30-31, Centrexpo Cogeco, Drummondville, QC
- National Pet Industry Show – Toronto: September 13-14, the International Centre, Hall 5, Mississauga, ON