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The Luxury Pet Pavilion, which made its debut last year during Pet Fashion Week in New York City, brought the red carpet event to Los Angeles in February.
To kick off the show, the organizers hosted “Celebri-Dog.” The event celebrated the new partnership between the Luxury Pet Pavilion and Angel on a Leash, a therapy dog program created by The Westminster Kennel Club. Through the partnership, the Luxury Pet Pavilion will donate a portion of booth costs from future trade shows to the organization. The event also marked the launch of Angel on a Leash in the Los Angeles area.
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Rosie Klepper of K9 Duds shows off her booth at Luxury Pet Pavilion.
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Charlotte Reed, director of marketing and media for Luxury Pet Pavilion, said she was very pleased with the overall outcome of the trade show and proud that they were able to be part of the community experience both behind the scenes and on the trade show floor.
“Our core philosophy is if you do well, we do well,” Reed said. “We have a vested interest in those who come to our show.”
Many companies used the show as a forum to announce new products and product lines. For example, Scooter’s Friends Couture showcased its new canine couture collection. The Spring 2008 Collection features three groups: the Nautical Group, the Uptown Group and the I Love Bones Group.
Also, Purrrfect Pet Products introduced its Doggy Sajer Mitt and Kitty Sajer Mitt, vibrating pet massage mitts, and Snooty Pets launched its Kevy K. Designs collection, a line of marble and onyx pet feeding bowls.
Many exhibitors liked the idea of a niche trade show where they could conduct business with comfort and ease.
“I like how the show is small and quaint and has high-end buyers,” said Stephanie Thomas of Snooty Pets. “It’s not overwhelming.”
Jamye Hickman of Pupcentric agreed. “My draw to the show was the intimacy.”
There were 95 exhibitors, including Bark Vineyards, Bullyware, Diamond Dogs, Dosha Dog, For Pets Only, Happytails Canine Spa Line, I See Spot, Jax & Bones, K9 Duds, Mario’s World, Oscar Newman, Pawniquely Yours, Poochey Shoos, PupCentric, Ruff Ruff Couture, Sittin Pretty, Snooty Pets and Urban Bone.
Seminars were also offered to give an inside look at what’s hot in pet business. Topics included tips of the trade, such as presentation skills to gather qualified leads, and trend spotting.
In addition, Luxury Pet Pavilion hosted the “Pawscars” awards, complete with live music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The Best Booth Award went to Hip Doggie, the Best Product Award went to Kitty High-Rise and the Best Dressed Pet Award went to For Pets Only.
The next Luxury Pet Pavilion, to be held Aug. 2-3 in Atlanta, will expand in size and product variety. As part of the expansion, the trade show will feature an eco-friendly section, “Go Green Pavilion,” and a grooming station.
The Luxury Pet Pavilion Los Angeles event was sponsored by Pet Style News, Pet Product News International and Pawniquely Yours, among others. |
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