Media Events Schedule

Tuesday, March 21

Global Pet Expo Influencer Happy Hour – Invite Only

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Location: Poolside Balcony at the Rosen Centre

Kick off Global Pet Expo 2023 with our very first Influencer Happy Hour! Registered influencers are invited to join us for refreshments and cocktails at the Poolside Balcony at the Rosen Centre Hotel to network with fellow creators and soak up the sunshine to celebrate the start of the show. 

Sponsored by: Coastal Pet Products, Booth 2819

Wednesday, March 22

Global Pet Expo Media Breakfast

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Location: Press Office, Room S210D 

Attend this media-exclusive event to kick off your week at Global Pet Expo! Pick up your press badge before the show floor opens and enjoy a complimentary breakfast with a welcome from APPA President and CEO Peter Scott and PIDA President Celeste Powers.

Opening Night Welcome Reception

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Location: South Terrace Green (between the Expo Hall & Hyatt)

Grab a drink with some eats and mix it up with your fellow pet industry professionals –  including exhibitors and buyers – at the free Networking Reception! No registration is required – just bring yourself and your badge to the event. 

Thursday, March 23

Press Conference & Luncheon

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Location: Press Office, Room S210D

As the official press conference for Global Pet Expo, this media-only event will provide you with an exclusive update from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) on pet industry expenditures from 2022 and the latest pet ownership data from the newly released 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey.

Purina Pet Care Innovation Awards Grand Prize Pitch Competition

Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Location: Spotlight Stage, New Products Showcase

Watch live as the Purina 2023 Pet Care Innovation Prize Winners pitch their innovative products to a panel of judges and compete for the grand cash prize of $25,000. Join us as the winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event!

New Products Showcase “Best in Show” Awards Presentation

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Location: Spotlight Stage, New Products Showcase

Don’t miss the 13th Annual New Products Showcase “Best in Show” Awards, hosted by influencers “Nathan the Cat Lady” Nathan Kehn and Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, announcing the winners of the latest and greatest pet products hitting the market this year across nine categories: Aquatic, Bird, Boutique, Cat, Dog, Small Animal, Reptile, Natural Pet and Point-of-Purchase. 

Private Media Reception Sponsored by Purina PetCare Company

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Location: Room S310E, South Concourse

Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at this media-exclusive event! Mingle with fellow members of the media after a full day at the trade show as we recognize this year’s recipient of the Annual Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award, Sterling “TrapKing” Davis. Reception attendees are asked to wear their media credentials to the event.

Sterling “TrapKing” Davis is a well-traveled, ex-military, music and cat enthusiast who has always loved entertaining and interacting with people. In 2017, he started his own nonprofit, Trapking Humane Cat Solutions, where he focuses on educating, assisting, and doing TNR and community cat management. Davis’ mission is to change the stereotypes of not only men in cat rescue but also bridge the gap in communication between Black communities and predominantly white animal welfare organizations. He lives and breathes his motto, you don’t lose cool points for compassion.

Today, Sterling travels the country in a recreational vehicle, teaching animal advocates in communities of all sizes how to care for their community cats. He is based in Asheville, N.C., and lives in his Trapking RV with his three cats, Damita Jo, Alanis Mewisette and Nipsey Cuddles.

Sponsored by: Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Booth 1826