Urban Expositions Launches New Trade Show for Pet Industry

July 14, 2015

Filling the gap after Total Pet Expo closed its doors in Chicago, Urban Expositions will launch a new pet industry show - P3 | Progressive Pet Products.

The show will be held Aug. 24-26, 2016, at Chicago’s Navy Pier.

"We have a long history in the B2B space and plan to create a whole new trade show experience for Midwest pet industry professionals," said Courtney Muller, executive vice president, Urban Expositions.

She added, "By curating a product selection defined by new, emerging companies, showcasing it in Chicago's premier lakefront Navy Pier setting, and backing it with a festive, idea-inspiring show environment, we will offer an event where business is done - and everyone has fun doing it." 

In order to ensure that the new, annual exhibition effectively responds to the changes taking place in today's pet marketplace, as well as the specialized needs of the region's retailers, Urban Expositions said plans to work closely with leading pet industry veterans.

In addition, the show’s team will call upon relationships and alliances it has built through its strong portfolio of shows in the gift, souvenir and Halloween industries to provide access to a new base of retailers for pet industry vendors, according to Urban Expositions’ officials.

"It is so gratifying to watch the plans unfold for the exciting new P3 show," said Patty Backer, president, H.H. Backer Associates, which ran Total Pet Expo.

She added, "The pet industry has been - and continues to be - such an important part of my life. Urban Expositions is the right team, and the Midwest is the right place, to reinvent a show that responds to the ever-evolving nature of our business. Urban's signature hands-on management style, customer service commitment and enthusiasm for the pet industry, point to a bright future for P3."

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.