Global Pet Expo 2026 Survival Guide: Dates, Floor Plan, App, and What to See

When Is Global Pet Expo 2026?

Global Pet Expo 2026 runs Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27, 2026. Educational sessions and networking events run throughout each day, with registration opening early morning. Check the official show schedule for daily registration, education, and event times.

Hosted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Global Pet Expo is the pet industry's premier annual event. Last year's show drew nearly 20,000 attendees from over 105 countries.

Where Is Global Pet Expo 2026?

Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

The OCCC is one of the largest convention centers in the U.S. and the permanent home of Global Pet Expo. If you've attended before, you know the layout. If not, plan for a lot of walking. The show floor alone spans hundreds of thousands of square feet.

Getting there and staying nearby:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 20 minutes away.
• Complimentary shuttle services are available for badge holders between the convention center and partner hotels.
• Book hotels early. Orlando fills up fast during the expo. Check the official hotel and travel page for recommended accommodations and shuttle routes.

Who Should Attend Global Pet Expo 2026?

Global Pet Expo is a B2B trade show. It is not open to the general public. Qualified attendees include:

• Independent pet retailers
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Mass-market buyers
• Manufacturers (APPA members)
• Suppliers and service providers (PIDA members)
• Credentialed media and pet industry influencers
• VC, finance, and investment professionals

Registration is open at globalpetexpo.org/attend. Register early and review badge options on the official attendance page.

How to Use the Global Pet Expo App and Show Planner

Global Pet Expo maps and directories are now digital-only, so downloading the official app before you arrive is one of the smartest things you can do. The app gives you access to the floor plan, exhibitor directory, networking tools, and your personal My Show Planner. Here's what it covers:

How to Navigate the Floor Plan

The expo is organized around 8 specialty sections: Tech Innovation, Start-Ups, New Products, Aquatics & Exotics, Modern Pet, Natural & Sustainable, International & Sourcing, and Suppliers. Here's what to expect in each:

View the full interactive floor plan to locate specific exhibitors by name or booth number.

What to Prioritize at the Show

Three days sounds like a lot until you're on the floor. Here's how experienced attendees get the most out of it:

Before the show:

• Register early at globalpetexpo.org/attend to skip on-site lines.
• Build your Show Planner with must-visit booths (start with the floor plan).
• Review the education sessions and add the ones relevant to your business.
• Book hotels through the official travel page for shuttle access.

What to pack:

• Comfortable shoes (you'll walk miles across the show floor).
• Portable phone charger (the app drains battery fast).
• Business cards or a digital contact-sharing method.
• Notebook or tablet for notes on products and contacts.
• Reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated. The floor is loud, warm, and long.

At the show:

• Arrive early. Opening hour is the least crowded and the best time to talk to exhibitors.
• Hit the New Products Showcase on Day 1 before it gets packed.
• Ask exhibitors about exclusive show deals. Many brands offer pricing you won't find after the expo.
• Attend the Global Learning Series sessions. They're included with your registration and cover retail strategy, sustainability, and nutrition trends.
• Use the app to track which booths you've visited and which contacts to follow up with.

After the show:

• Follow up within 48 hours. A quick email or LinkedIn message to new contacts goes a long way.
• Organize your notes and business cards by priority: place orders, request samples, schedule calls.
• Share your experience on social with #GlobalPetExpo and tag brands you visited.

Visit Natural Farm at Booth #1804

Natural Farm is exhibiting at Booth #1804 in the Natural & Sustainable section of the show floor. This year, we're showcasing the largest product lineup we've ever brought to a single event.

At the booth:

• See and touch our new Cold-Dried™ Bully Sticks: a new kind of bully stick built with proprietary low-temperature drying technology. 97% protein, 1% fat, denser and longer-lasting.
• Sample new freeze-dried food flavors and preview the kibble + air-dried mix.
• Talk to our team about our collagen-enriched dog food and what retailers are saying about it.
• Learn about new retail display solutions designed for easy in-store setup.
• Ask about exclusive show deals and distribution opportunities.

Can't make it to the show? Explore our products online:

For wholesale or distribution inquiries: sales@naturalfarmpet.com

Follow us on Instagram @naturalfarmpet or connect on LinkedIn at Natural Farm for live updates from the show floor.