Katie and I want to share a little about our latest adventure with you all – our trip to the Global Pet Expo in sunny Orlando! We had an absolute blast catching up with clients, checking out the coolest new products, and made some amazing new connections.

We are entrenched in the UK's pet industry recruitment scene and attending events like the Global Pet Expo isn't just about shaking hands and swapping business cards. It's about diving headfirst into the ever-evolving world of pet care and witnessing firsthand the exciting changes happening in the industry.

Let me tell you, this year's expo was awesome! With over 1,100 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest and greatest in pet, it was something else! It was held  at the orange county convention centre in a space that span across the size of SIX football fields! According to the stats from the expo's website, attendance records were smashed, with thousands of industry pros flocking to Orlando to soak up the innovation. The innovation on display was so interesting and inspiring.

The new product showcase was such a highlight for me. From toys, food and treats to board games for dogs the showcase had it all. Reptile to small animal, cat and dog - there was a product for every pet and owner to enjoy. There was said to be 1,000 new products over 13 categories to be exact! The innovation that many of these brands are bringing to the table with their products is incredible.I have returned from the show feeling even more connected and in love with what I do more than ever.

It was brilliant to reconnect with our friends from across the pond, like the great people from Happy Pet Products and Multipet (huge thanks for the nostalgic Lamp Chop toy – brought back fond memories of one of my childhood TV favourites!) and the always lovely Bugalugs. We were also able to catch up with our US and Canada based clients and see their latest products and teams in person.

Amidst the bustling aisles, one brand that really caught our eye was 'Animals Like Us,' hailing all the way from New Zealand, making waves with their innovative food and treats in the US market. They had a really impressive stand with pet influencers and a cool dinner party set up too. Nulo had us intrigued with their array of new launches, from cold-pressed foods to gently cooked meals. Both stands were super busy.

The trend for freeze-dried raw foods was unmistakable, and collagen seemed to be the buzzword of the expo. It was fascinating to see how every nutritional brand had ventured into the realm of supplements, adding a new dimension to their offerings.

I couldn't help but be impressed by the cat food brands from Made by Nacho and our friends at Whitebridge, it was great to see so much product for cats at the show. There was even an amazing bengal cat (@surfercatmav on instagram) who has appeared on Netflix shows doing tricks for passers by in the aisles!

The sheer diversity of toy brands was astounding too. However, I must admit, I was disappointed not to spot my favourite harness and accessory brand, Zee.Dog – maybe next time!

There's just so much to rave about from the show floor; I could spend hours recounting the impressive lineup of brands. Each one brought something unique and exciting to the table, making the Global Pet Expo an unforgettable experience.

But you know what truly made this trip unforgettable? The people. We had the pleasure of catching up with both old and new clients, chatting about exciting opportunities, and witnessing firsthand the success stories of brands expanding into new territories. It was inspiring, to say the least.

To everyone who showed us love and support at the expo, we can't thank you enough. Your trust and belief in what we do mean the world to us. And to our American friends, your hospitality and warmth made us feel right at home – you sure know how to treat your guests!

As we look back on our time in the US, we're already counting down the days until our next adventure. With several meetings lined up and our spirits soaring from the success of the expo, we're ready to dive headfirst into whatever comes our way. So, if you're in the American or Canadian pet industry and thinking about expanding your team into the UK, look no further – we've got your back!

In closing, our trip to the Global Pet Expo was nothing short of amazing. I am proud to be a part of the pet industry. The trip added another layer to my knowledge and enabled me to make more connections with the talented people that this industry has to offer. From the innovative products to the invaluable connections, it's an experience I'll never forget.