The pet publications have been publishing studies on pets and their influence on the family unit. Most have seen a rise in the connection with a pet and children, baby boomers, and seniors. Pet owners view their companion animals as members of the family, so their spending is not changed by trendy or economic conditions. Anyway you look at it, there's a lot of growth.

Another positive benefit of pet ownership, which has not gone unnoticed by the pet industry, is that Pets accept us, whether we are happy or sad, and they're always happy to see us. A human can cry as much as they want to their pet. Their pet is never critical, never gets tired and never has anything else to do. Dogs and, pets in general, are therapeutic; people do well when they are around pets. Some studies actually prove medicinal and ther-apeutic benefits of having a pet while others have concluded that children need pets more as they have become increasingly more isolated from contact behavior due to the hours devoted to computers or video games. Something most parents can relate to.

The result of all this is that companies have decided to enter the pet business after noting similarities between pets and children and their relationships with their owners. The pet sector has favorable demographics for future growth. Hence, the pet industry appeals to investors. In consumer product categories, demographic trends are key and investors have recognized that there are great trends in pet products. The pet industry has positive demographic trends. It has a consistent rise in participation, pet ownership. It has a rise in household penetration that relates to the aging population and family formation trends.

 

What makes the pet industry strong is the statistics that they present and record. American Pet Products Manufacturers Association has substantial industry stats on pet ownership in house-holds. In addition to a growing number of pets, there exists some very key statistics regarding per capita spending on pets. There's been a steady rise. Owners are treating their companion animals like a members of the family, and that's driving tremendous long term growth. This is not only the family pet for the children, but as the population ages, there's more and more opportunity for senior citizens who are looking for companionship from their pets. And that's positive for the pet industry because it increases pet ownership, increases the number of companion animals and ulti-mately the number of consumers. As baby boomers send their kids off to college and into homes of their own, they're turning to pets as surrogate children. Boomers have the desire and financial means to pamper their pets as no other generation before them...

The pet industry is booming right now. It has the underlying demographic trends, spending trends and very visible success stories. It's attracting investors, crossover business types, young and old, and has strong demographics.

The following information will introduce you to the extensive sponsorship opportunities our Pet Expos offer. When putting this package together we focused on

1. How your sponsorship can increase your exposure and duration of exposure;
2. How our inventory will offer you additional messaging opportunities;
3. How our inventory will offer you image building;
4. How our inventory will achieve your marking objectives.

At each of our shows, we offer some very exciting sponsorship opportunities. Our pricing is appropriate and each sponsorship will be customized to suit your needs.

PET EXPO SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Section Sponsors: This gives you additional exposure and visibility at the various sectors of our show's floor plan. To be the exclusive sponsor of a particular section at the show there is one investment. To share your sponsorship with other companies there is an adjusted fee!

TITLE SPONSOR-  Be the main sponsor of the Pet Expo.  Your logo would be on all advertising, press releases, clickable logo on website which links viewers to your corporate website as well as signage in lobby and other areas of the show.

WORLD OF DOGS PROGRAM: Probably the most extensive presentation of the Dog World at any Pet Expo. Set in a large, carpeted arena-like setting this program is designed to entertain and educate the family on the many things you can do with your dog. Programs and entertainment includes obedience demonstrations, agility performances set to music, flyball, frisbee, a parade of breeds, drill team, match racing and much more. It's truly one of the highlights of the Pet Expo and attracts huge crowds with all family members enjoying the high energy performances.

RESCUES, SHELTERS, ADOPTION NETWORK: This area was specifically designed for all those organizations that cannot afford to participate but have a significant story to tell the pet owning public. In this area, all free space will be donated by "XYZ" Company. Your Company can adopt a specific organization or sponsor the whole area.

STAGE: The Stage or demonstration area includes our special attractions like Rainforest Reptiles, Elmwood Park Zoo, Bird Clubs, and other seminars and unique offerings at the show. The stage is used throughout the show with very little down time and the schedule can be amended to the sponsors needs for all shows.

PIGGYVILLA: Pigs and the Piggy people have created a one-of-a-kind section to educate the public about pot bellied pigs. It includes a designated area of piggy bed-rooms, large display and photo area, seminars and a piggy fashion show. This is unique to the Reading Show and actually brings a smile to everyone's face. Not just pig owners. At Long Island the LI Pot Bellied Pig Club sets up an educational area with interactive opportunities and the Pig Placement Network is at the Meadowlands and Philadelphia Pet Expos

PETTING ZOO: See animals of all kinds up close and personnel! Adults and Children can pet and feed the many animals including llamas, goats, miniature sheep, rabbits, baby chicks, chickens, turtles, hedgehog, pot-bellied pig and more! A popular exhibit for children and their parents! A nominal fee is currently charged for the Petting Zoo, sponsorship would enable us to offer free admission for all participants in the Petting Zoo.

Other Sponsorship Opportunities

Direct Mail and Targeted Mailings: Throughout the year we mail postcards and discount coupons to our extensive list of previous attendees. This mailing includes the logos of all the spon-sors of the show, but can also be a follow up mailing from a sponsor as an additional discount coupon offering. For these targeted mail-ings we also rent some of the pet publication mailing lists which can be used by you as a sponsor for various discount ticket or product marketing opportunities. Thanks to "XYZ" we are offering you the following discount at the Pet Expo.

Show Program: Sponsor opportunities in the show program would include a full color glossy cover wrap, inside and back covers, and banner recognition on internal pages of the program. This could also be partnered with signage and banners displayed at the show and possibly signage on program distribution tables at the show.

Family Nite: Friday evening or "Family Nite" has become a major success at the shows, we have had very good attendance numbers with all children 12 and under admitted "Free". It's a great way to kick off the show and a good opportunity for those large families on a budget to attend the show and enjoy the many activities and entertainment. In partnership with the Family Nite offering we send out postcards announcing this show kick-off evening at many local schools. The sponsor would also be mentioned on all pre-show mailings and have signage at the show.

Entrance Signs and Lawn Signs: We will be offering a limited number of Lawn signs to be displayed outside the facility with arrows leading to the show, and Welcome signs to be displayed in each entrance door and exit door.

Pet Photo Contest: A very popular addition to the show. Pet lovers of all ages can send in their photos or drop them off at the show office during the show. The photos are displayed in the lobby throughout the weekend for all to see. Following the show the photos are judged in various categories and prizes are awarded to the families who submitted the photos of their favorite pets. Generates a lot of public interest in the lobby.

Of course, we can tailor a sponsorship for your specific needs. This is a just a sample of the many opportunities our pet expos will offer the company with marketing needs.

INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR SPONSORSHIP!

INTERNET LINKS The Pet EXPO lists all sponsors and exhibitors on our website www.familypetexpo.org). We will be happy to display a clickable logo on our website which links viewers to your corporate website.

PRESS RELEASE Create a press release outlining your company's association with the Pet EXPO and your onsite plans. In addition to distributing this to media that cover your industry, provide it to us for distribution to our full media lists. This can prove effective in adding to the coverage generated by our publicity efforts.

SPONSOR GIFT BAG Gifts attract great interest from the media and as a result our sponsors receive increased impressions. If you would like to submit a small souvenir or sample, we would be glad to include it in a special gift box for the media.

NETWORK WITH US We are approached by numerous members of the media (TV, radio and print) each year. As a result, we always are looking for good story angles. If you can present us with possible ideas, we may be able to arrange interviews or offer information on your behalf to the Media.

HARVEST YOUR DATABASE MAILING LISTS We will send discount coupons to your list. Special pre-event and/or post-event mailings to your targeted mailing lists, selected for regional addresses.

MAKE YOUR "WHITE" SPACE WORK FOR EVERYONE You can drop in the Family Pet Expo"Official Sponsor" logo and a brief message about your sponsorship to your planned print campaign. Consider adding the logo to your advertising AND announcing your participation in all your advertisements.