STAMFORD, CONN. — The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announced Aug. 5 details of its Global Learning Series, a free new educational program to be offered during Global Pet Expo 2021.

The Global Learning Series is geared toward retailers, distributors and manufacturers in the pet industry and will provide four different educational programs in several key areas: leadership, customer experience, public relations and marketing, human resources, profitability and growth, and other key industry topics.

The Retailer Success Series, formerly known as Global Pet Expo Academy in previous years, will include virtual pre-show sessions, in-person sessions during the trade show, and virtual post-show sessions. This series will be presented by pet industry retail experts on a variety of topics.

“While the 2020 Global Pet Expo Academy was a huge success with more than 2,000 participants, the highest attendance in show history, we’re always looking for new ways to expand and enhance offerings at the show,” said Celeste Powers, president of PIDA. “The Global Learning Series encompasses the many educational opportunities available at Global Pet Expo and will serve all show attendees. There’s truly something for everyone in this program.” 

APPA and PIDA are currently accepting applications for Retail Success Series speakers. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15.

The second series, Paws2Learn, will include shorter, on-the-go sessions inside the Global Pet Expo New Products Showcase. Topics include “hot topics” in the industry and “Paws2Grow Wellness Breaks.”

The third program, APPA Learning Experiences, will include a retail tour, interest group meetings and “other experiential activities,” APPA and PIDA shared. This session will also include virtual pre- and post-show resources, as well as in-person meetings throughout the trade show.

The final session, Market Research Sessions, will be open to all attendees to provide the latest data on various industry metrics, including profitability and pet ownership.

Full agendas for the Global Learning Series will be announced by APPA and PIDA later this year.

“The Global Learning Series is an exciting evolution of Global Pet Expo’s educational offerings featuring relevant, trending topics and valuable events,” said Steve King, chief executive officer of APPA. “In addition to retailer education, this new program brings APPA’s market research and learning experiences into the mix. We’re thrilled to have such a solid line up for all attendees, and more options and content than ever for manufacturers as well.”

Global Pet Expo is scheduled for March 24 to 26, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla.

“This will be THE opportunity of the year to learn from many of pet retailing’s best-known authorities on a wide array of business-building topics, as well as top-notch market research and a variety of experiential activities,” Powers added. “We’re proud to offer FREE access to these first-class educational programs.”

In June, APPA and PIDA announced exhibitors would be offered extended applications, cancellation periods and payment flexibilities for Global Pet Expo 2021 to minimize the financial burden of COVID-19 on pet industry companies.

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.