H.H. Backer Gears Up for 2010 Christmas Show

H.H. Backer Associates Inc.'s 44th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference is set for Oct. 8 to 10 in Rosemont, Ill.

The Chicago-based company expects more than 8,000 pet store owners and managers, distributors, groomers and other pet business professionals to attend the event. More than 800 pet supply manufacturers and distributors will exhibit at the show, according to organizers.

Last year's show attracted more than 8,800 registered buyers from close to 2,600 firms and 728 exhibitors for a total of 1,338 booths.In addition to the product exhibition, the show features a wide variety of educational seminars. This year's free seminars include:

• "Power Promoting Ideas" and "Pricing Strategies for Profits Plus" by Tom Shay;
• "Improving Your Selling and Merchandising Skills" by Shawn Dooley;
• "Aquatics Industry Summit" featuring Patrick Donston, Joe Olenik and Bob Hames;
• "Knowledge Share: New Approaches for Retail Success" featuring Vicki Lynne Morgan, Ken Scott and Anthony Bennie;
• "Great Opportunities in a Challenging Economy" by Mort Brown;
• "Buy Better, Get Technology Help with NexPet's Retailer Co-Op" by Barry Berman; and
• "Grooming the Challenging Dog" and "Getting the Most Out of Your Grooming Tools and Equipment" by Suesan Watson.

Additional presentations that either require a fee or advance registration include "Pet Tech Pet First Aid and CPR," "Increase Your Profits with Internet Marketing and Social Media Campaigns," and "Going Green: What You Need to Know About Selling Natural and Organic Products."

New to the Christmas show this year is Backer's $10,000 Treasure Hunt contest. Each day, attendees will receive a set of questions—the answers to which will be hidden throughout the convention center. A daily winner will be drawn from the correct entries at the end of the day.

Qualified buyers and distributors will have a chance to win $2,500 on Friday, Oct. 8; $2,500 on Saturday, Oct. 9 and $5,000 on Sunday, Oct. 10.

Returning this year are the free "Ask the Expert" sessions with Vicki Lynne Morgan, owner of manufacturers' representative firm Animal Brands in Califon, N.J. The sessions allow retailers, distributors and manufacturers to consult privately with Morgan on business-related topics.

Also returning are the All-Natural Area, which features natural or green products, and the Celebration of Style grooming competition.

This year's all-industry party, scheduled for Oct. 9, features a movie theme. Cash prizes will be awarded in the best costume competition.

Trade show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 9; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 10.