Interzoo 2020: the place to meet and network

Global survey

We know that Interzoo is interesting because of its international character, the number of different exhibitors and the unique product launches that take place there. Visitor numbers and the square metres of exhibition space rise with each edition. But what makes Interzoo such a special exhibition to attend? And what will make this year’s trade show a success for visitors and exhibitors?

Why attend Interzoo 2020?

The results of the survey show that visitors mainly attend because they want to see new products and services (22%). A second reason is to strengthen and broaden their network (19%), while exhibitors’ main reason to attend is to find new clients (22%) and to present their new products and services (20%).

Why visit an exhibition in general?

We asked the respondents how an exhibition differs in general from other information sources they use. The outcome shows that, overall, what both visitors (37%) and exhibitors (46%) are the most enthusiastic about, is the possibility to meet their contacts face-to-face. On top of that, 15% of the visitors surveyed like to actually feel and touch the products on offer, which is more than exhibitors (8%). There is also a noticeable difference between female and male visitors. Female visitors seem to prefer exhibitions to other information sources because it is possible to touch products (21%) and see new product launches (20%), while male visitors seem to be more interested in gaining new thoughts on business (23%) and having face-to-face contact (40%). For exhibitors, there seems to be no differences based on gender.

When is Interzoo a success?

For visitors, Interzoo 2020 will have been successful if they find inspiration for future business (35%) or find new business partners (35%).

For exhibitors, Interzoo will have been particularly successful if they find new business partners (43%). Placing new orders (8%) or receiving them (10%) were chosen significantly less than other options. In other words, it is the opportunity to network and have a good look at products that will make Interzoo 2020 a success.
Why are people not attending?
We asked respondents who said they were not attending why this was the case. Out of five possible answers, more than half of the non-attendees said they would not be going because they expected it to be too expensive. And half of all US respondents said they will not be attending.

What are the most relevant topics?

The respondents were asked about the most relevant topics for their business. Of seven possible answers, many of them chose innovation (31%). Staying on top of innovation is, of course, vital for all business success. Expanding an international network (20%) was in second place. Interestingly, understanding today’s customer was a close third (17%). Finally, sustainability accounted for 15% of the answers.

PETS International also analysed the general differences between answers from female and male respondents, and noticed several differences in their preferences. Sustainability was far more interesting for female visitors (22%) than for male visitors (13%). Yet male visitors (18%) are more interested than female visitors (10%) in understanding today’s customer. For exhibitors, there were no noteworthy gender differences. As for countries, there were no differences in topic rankings.

Conclusion

It looks like Interzoo 2020 is an attractive event for the pet industry, mainly for the network opportunities it is expected to provide. In all categories of the survey, whether the respondents were male or female, American or German, visitor or exhibitor, all answers point to the fact that attendees are eager to meet each other and look for opportunities to collaborate.

Survey facts and figures

Clients from 57 different countries

• Top five responding countries account for 47%
• of all answers (the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, the US and Italy)
• 40% of the respondents are visitors
• 42% of the respondents are exhibitors
• 18% will not be attending