Connect - Where the Industry Shows Up

Why CONNECT Continues to Be a Business-First Event

Trade shows can take on a lot of different forms, but at its core, CONNECT remains focused on one thing: helping pet businesses move forward.

Over the past year, we took the time to listen closely to our attendees, gathering feedback on how they operate, what they’re looking for, and what brings them to the show floor. What came through clearly is that CONNECT is not a passive experience.

When attendees walk the floor, they’re not just browsing. They’re actively looking for new vendors, discovering new products, building relationships, and taking advantage of show-specific opportunities. The intent is clear, and it shows in how people engage.

That focus is also reflected in the makeup of the audience. With a strong base of independent businesses and a growing mix of franchise and corporate attendees, CONNECT creates an environment where both agility and scale are represented. It’s a space where ideas can be explored, but also where decisions can be made.

At the same time, the industry itself is evolving. With nearly half of attendees already selling online and the other half still exploring that transition, CONNECT sits right at the intersection of where the pet industry is heading.

With half the audience already selling online and half still building toward it, the opportunity for growth is significant. CONNECT creates an environment where businesses can explore that next step, connect with the right partners, and move forward with confidence.

The result is an event that isn’t just about being present, it’s about being productive.

CONNECT continues to deliver a space where real conversations happen, relationships are built, and business gets done.