Trade shows give pet retailers a chance to see what’s next for the industry — from new products and emerging brands to fresh ideas for merchandising and store operations. They’re also a great place to meet suppliers face-to-face, connect with other retailers, and explore modern retail platforms that bring things like POS, inventory, loyalty, and other store operations together in one system.
Whether you’re hunting for inspiration, checking out new tech, or just want to swap stories with fellow indie retailers, 2026 has plenty of events worth putting on your calendar.
Global Pet Expo is North America’s premier pet trade show, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and retailers under one roof. It’s the perfect place to discover new products, check out emerging trends, and explore technology solutions for your business.
Why attend:
Held alongside Global Pet Expo, The Pet Summit focuses on education and networking for store owners and industry leaders. Sessions cover marketing, customer experience, and business strategy.
Why attend:
SUPERZOO is one of North America’s largest pet retail shows. Mike Karsting, SVP of the World Pet Association, says it’s where:
“Retailers and suppliers come together to discover what’s next and build partnerships that fuel growth.”
This event combines product discovery, educational sessions, and networking opportunities — plus plenty of chances to check out new retail tech and tools.
Why attend:
Hosted by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, GroomExpo is one of the largest grooming-focused trade shows in the U.S. The event brings together professional groomers, pet service businesses, and vendors for several days of competitions, education, and product discovery. It’s a great opportunity for pet retailers that offer grooming or self-wash services to stay current on techniques, tools, and service trends.
Why attend:
Even if you focus on North America, it’s worth keeping an eye on international events:
These shows might be farther away, but they’re useful if you want to keep up with the global trends shaping the pet industry.
Trade shows can be overwhelming without a plan.
Before the event, review the exhibitor list, identify the booths you want to visit, and set a few clear goals. Scheduling meetings in advance can also help make sure important conversations actually happen.
During the show, focus on learning and exploring. Attend a few educational sessions, look for standout products, and take notes on trends you’re seeing across the show floor. Conversations with other retailers and vendors often lead to the most valuable insights — so don’t overlook networking events!
After the show, take time to follow up. Reach out to the people you met, review your notes, and decide which ideas or tools are worth exploring further once you’re back in your store.
We’re excited to be back on the show floor in 2026, and we’d love to see you at Booth #5390! This year, we’re showcasing PetStack, our all-in-one platform built for independent pet retailers.
Stop by to see how PetStack can help you:
We'll have both guided and self-use demos of our software along with plenty of free swag for everyone who stops by. It’s the perfect chance to see PetStack in action, explore how it can simplify your store operations, and get some fun goodies while you’re at it.
Come see why indie pet stores are considering PetStack — we can’t wait to meet you!
Book an appointment on our Global Pet Expo exhibitor profile.