ORLANDO, Fla. – (Mar. 16, 2020) The Global Pet Expo returned to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) for the 16^th year from Feb. 26-28, 2020. With more than 17,000 pet industry professionals in attendance, the show left a lasting impression on the Central Florida region, creating an estimated $43.6 million in economic impact and donating pet items and supplies to local organizations.              

With more than 360,000 net square feet of exhibit space, this event returns annually to the OCCC, promising a unique and dynamic experience for pet industry professionals from around the globe. 

Each year, Global Pet Expo supports the community beyond economic impact. Through sustainable waste diversion practices, exhibitors at the premier industry event generously donated approximately $25,000 worth of goods, in direct support of the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

“Our staff and volunteers look forward to the Global Pet Expo each year,” said Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Executive Director Stephen Bardy. “It is a great opportunity to meet with many of our industry vendors and partners to see all that is happening in the world of pet products. We are fortunate enough to be the recipient of cash and product donations, valuing more than $25,000, and a number of pet adoptions.”

While the OCCC is known for providing an economic boost to the Central Florida community, it has also become a major source of donations for several of the region’s charitable organizations.

“Last year, we proudly facilitated the donation of more than $2.3 million in funds, goods and services,” said OCCC’s Sustainability Coordinator, John Roberts. “Each year, the Global Pet Expo takes advantage of the charitable donations coordination services we offer to help community organizations that need it most.”

The Center of Hospitality values the relationship they have developed with the Global Pet Expo over the years, and looks forward to continuing to nurture the growth of the event at the OCCC. 

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About the Global Pet Expo

The pet industry’s largest annual trade show, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The 2019 Show featured 1,174 exhibitors, 3,604 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches. Additionally, 7,029 pet product buyers from around the world attended. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. The 2020 Show will take place February 26-28, in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. For more information, visit www.globalpetexpo.org.
 

About the Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention facility in North America and provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention Center has averaged nearly 200 meetings, conferences, banquets, conventions and tradeshows that attract more than 1.4 million attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.