Press Room

Luxury Pet Pavilion Spring ’08 Show a Howling Success

1,700+ Attendees and 80+ Exhibitors Representing 16 Countries Gather in Los Angeles

Kickoff Event Honors Dogs of the Silver Screen to Benefit Angel On a Leash

LUXURY PET PAVILION’s first standalone market has come to a close, marking a hugely successful launch for the enterprise, which travels next to Atlanta for their Fall ’08 show (August 2-3). Underscoring the success of the show, nearly 2,000 attendees gathered to view exhibits from 84 presenters in a 100% pet-friendly environment at Los Angeles’ Westin Bonaventure Hotel. Numerous foreign countries were represented at the show as well, with exhibitors and attendees flying in from as far away as Italy, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, the U.K., China, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Austria, Vanuatu and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“The attendance was more than we had imagined when we began planning this endeavor, and it is obvious we have struck an important chord within the pet industry,” said Stephanie Ellis who, along with partner Tammy Hansen, conceived and developed Luxury Pet Pavilion. “Our industry’s top merchandisers came with some of the most amazing products imaginable,” added Hansen. “We are grateful to everyone who supported the show and made it such a success.”

The show launched on Friday, February 22 with the establishment of the first-ever HOLLYWOOD DOG WALK OF FAME, at which nearly 40 vendors from the show were afforded the opportunity to feature products for attending press, including CNN International, TV Guide Channel and the Los Angeles Daily News. Actress Patrika Darbo (“Days of Our Lives,” “Charlie Wilson’s War”) revealed paw prints immortalizing seven pooches in the same way their human actor counterparts are remembered on Hollywood Blvd. The event marked the West Coast premiere of Angel On a Leash, the official charity of the Westminster Kennel Club. At the event, President David Frei spoke passionately about the work of Angel On A Leash, and the program’s strong impact. On behalf of the organization, Frei was also presented with a check for $2,500 by Luxury Pet Pavilion.

Saturday night included an awards event, in which trophies were presented for Best Booth, Best New Product and Best Dressed Dog. Live music was supplied by the band View From Everest, and the event was hosted by handsome television star Scott Elrod, from ABC’s “Men In Trees.” Press was there, including Megan Blake of “Animal Attractions,” for the Red Carpet entrances of dogs who turned out in their Sunday best for the “petworking” event.

Luxury Pet Pavilion is one of the nation’s premier shows for pet retailers – where “what’s in” for the pet industry is showcased and easily accessible. Created by Stephanie Ellis of Pawniquely Yours, Luxury Pet Pavilion is a traveling forum in which luxury pet manufacturers and purveyors of fine pet goods can conduct business with comfort and ease. The Fall ’08 show takes place August 2-3 at AmericasMart Atlanta, and will include education programs and other opportunities aimed at empowering pet professionals and bringing awareness to pets in need, thereby benefiting the entire pet industry. Luxury Pet Pavilion is the ultimate in industry pet shows. Complete information about the Fall ’08 Atlanta show can be found at www.luxurypetpavilion.com.

Sponsors for Luxury Pet Pavilion’s Spring ’08 show included Pet Style, the Pet Elite, Pet Business, Pet Product News International, Pet Style News, Pawniquely Yours, Paw Print, LA Tails Pet Magazine, Royal Hound Pet Products “The Throne,” and Carlson Wagonlit Travel.