PB & D Expo
November 10 - 13, 2014
Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, Hershey, PA
The 2014 Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo is so big that we needed a new location to accommodate the growing number of vendors, attendees and increased seminar space. This year the Expo will be held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, PA, taking place November 10th-13th.
Whether you’re just starting to think about opening a daycare or boarding facility, have been in the industry for a few years or simply want to learn some new tips on maintaining your facility that’s been around for a decade, there’s something for everyone at this year’s expo. With four different seminars taking place at all times, you’re sure to be going home with a notebook full of new ideas.
The Expo begins the evening of Monday November 10th with Keynote speaker, Mark Dunn, AKC’s Vice President of Registration and Customer Development. Mark has spent the last several years immersed in all things relating to the pet industry. He has a unique perspective on laws, pending legislation, trends and the overall perception of the industry. He will discuss how all of that can affect you as a business owner and as an animal welfare advocate. Mark will also explain the AKC’s role and their involvement with other pet industry advocate organizations.
On Monday night, following the Keynote speaker, will be a “Meet and Greet” Cocktail Party where you will get the chance to socialize with your fellow pet industry peers.
Educational seminars covering all aspects of the industry will begin Tuesday morning with two hour classes, followed by four hour classes Tuesday afternoon. One hour seminars will be going on all day Wednesday and Thursday. Some of the Tuesday classes will be repeated on Wednesday so you won’t miss out on an opportunity to attend the top seminars.
Interested in learning some new business strategies? Learn how to create a well-developed company culture that easily outperforms competitors with Andy Smit in ‘Building a winning Company Culture.’ And in the second half of this four hour Tuesday seminar, Garret Tadlock will present ‘Plan Strategically for Growth in 2014.’ Some other business seminars include Carol Boerio-Croft’s ‘Profile of Success’ where she will share her story of the Cozy Inn Pet Resort and Orchids Spa. Laura Laaman will be presenting ‘10 Steps to Increase Reservations’ and Joanne Morris will share her ‘Top Reasons Employees Leave.’ Also, learn Paula Mostellar’s ‘7 Secrets to Happy Clients.’
With many great facility design and maintenance seminars, you’re sure to find the right one for your situation. Representatives from BDA Architecture will fill you in on all of the ‘Market Leading Design Trends.’ Chris Quinlan will be presenting a four hour Tuesday class called ‘Sanitation Simplified,’ where you will learn how to create a healthy environment for your guests, while protecting your investment. Considering a new floor? You won’t want to miss Jeff Adney’s ‘Dream Floor.’ How about artificial grass? Ken Karmie’s ‘Considering Artificial Grass’ is a must see. There are also a few others on starting up a new facility and refurbishing your existing facility.
In your line of work it’s always important to know about the health and behavior of the animals you work with every day. In Annette Uda’s ‘Airborne Diseases’ seminar you will learn about the diseases and how to control them in your facility. Some other health related topics, presented by Dr. Lisa Aumiller, include ‘Vaccination Protocols’ and ‘Early Disease Recognition.’ You will also have the opportunity to get Red Cross certified in Pet First Aid & CPR.
Daycare is a growing industry so you’ll want to be sure that you and your staff are up on all the latest trends and techniques. You won’t want to miss the “Dog Gurus” Robin Bennett and Susan Briggs in their four hour presentation of ‘Safe and Fun Off-leash Play.’ They will also be presenting separately in two other seminars called ‘Reduce Injuries at Daycare’ and ‘End Staff Drama.’ Certified dog trainer, Lisa McDonald will explain “what the dogs are saying” in her class, ‘Daycare Communication.’
In addition to all of the great seminars, there is also a two day trade show that will be open all day Wednesday and Thursday. Many vendors will be set up offering ‘cash and carry.’ So be ready to do some shopping and get up close and personal with all of the new products and services you may need for your facility.
You won’t want to miss the biggest Pet Boarding & Daycare event of the year so mark your calendars for November 10th-13th, and join us in Hershey, PA for a two day trade show and educational seminars given by the top industry speakers!