Pet Retailers Find Business-Building Inspiration at SuperZoo University

Online, June 17, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Pet retailers have a fun-loving energy for their profession that simply can't be matched-which may explain their enthusiastic preference for SuperZoo, now one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the U.S. But when they gather in Las Vegas, September 11-13, for this year's version of their favorite trade event, they'll be mixing fun with some serious business-improving opportunities-not the least of which are those available from SuperZoo University.

SuperZoo U's comprehensive program is designed specifically to help pet retailers strengthen and grow their businesses. Three tracks (Business Development, Animal Wellness and Technology/Internet) offer a full curriculum of industry-focused sessions for pet retail owners, managers and staff. Seminars include Power Merchandising: Store Design & Lighting, Nutrition: A Discussion of the Options and Choices and How Best to Feed Our Pets and You Are Who You Hire to name a few. A complete grooming education program is also offered during SuperZoo, which includes demonstrations and hands-on instruction to help groomers perfect their skills and learn new techniques.

One of the featured topics at this year's conference is "the Destination Business," which will be presented by special guest instructor Jon Schallert of the Schallert Group. Schallert, the only consultant in the world teaching businesses how to reinvent themselves into "Consumer Destinations," brings his proprietary 14-step strategy to SuperZoo in two, 90-minute sessions that will show participants the business benefits of making the transformation from "store" to "experience." The workshops will examine the pitfalls, mistakes and opportunities that go along with reinventing one's store and projecting its uniqueness, and will include insights and case studies of top Destination Businesses that not only survived the worldwide recession, but came through it stronger and more profitable than before.

Jon Schallert adds his name to a roster of pet specialists and business experts, whose talents and expertise combine to give SuperZoo University its stellar reputation. "Giving our conference participants the very best educational programming is always the goal at SuperZoo," commented Debra Spaulding, World Pet Association (WPA) conference coordinator. "Thanks to our fine instructors and the cutting-edge content they present, we're pleased and proud to say that we've got another great conference lined up this year. Our SuperZoo U attendees can look forward to a top-quality program that's geared toward giving them practical tools and real inspiration to help them improve their retail businesses in meaningful, measurable ways." WPA hosts SuperZoo and develops the programming for the educational program.

Pet industry owners, key managers, buyers and merchandisers can also arrive a day early to attend the 2nd Annual Pet Industry Executive Summit (PIES), held September 10 at the SuperZoo venue in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The summit is designed to address the hot topics and important issues facing the industry today. More information is available at www.petindustryexecutivesummit.com.

A complete listing of seminar sessions is available at www.superzoo.org, along with video excerpts from 2011, to give those interested in attending an idea of what to expect. Seminars begin at $19 for WPA members and $29 for non-members. Classes fill up quickly, so participants are encouraged to register early online for sessions they want to attend.

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The World Pet Association (WPA) is the oldest industry organization promoting responsibly growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services. WPA works to inform and educate the general public in order to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA is the host of America's Family Pet Expo, the world's largest consumer pet and pet products expo, held annually in Costa Mesa, California and Puyallup, Washington. The organization also produces SuperZoo, an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars. SuperZoo 2012 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada September 11-13.