Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Pet Summit is an annual conference dedicated to educating and connecting the pet business community. It’s designed to bring together professionals, experts, and innovators for three days of networking, learning, and growth.
This year, the event will feature curated Connector Rooms for focused discussions and high-impact conversations, enhancing the networking experience. Pet Summit takes place in Orlando, USA.
Venue: Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: March 2027 at Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, Orlando, Florida; confirm exact show days on thepetsummit.com before booking travel.
- 2Scale and Focus: 50+ educational sessions for 300+ pet professionals, organized by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), with programming built around pet retail, brand, and category education.
- 3Registration: Retailer All-Access Pass at USD 349; All-Access Pass at USD 749; All-Access Pass+ at USD 998. The audience is trade-only, so bring proof of pet industry affiliation.
- 4Who Should Attend: Pet specialty retailers, independent store owners, distributors, buying groups, brand teams, and suppliers planning the next category season.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights from expert speakers, participate in engaging sessions, and network with industry leaders. Dates and Venue: The Pet Summit takes place from March 15-18, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Buyer Authority: Attendees include pet business professionals, retailers, and industry experts looking to enhance their strategies.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of pet industry professionals. This is an opportunity to build brand awareness, generate leads, and establish valuable connections. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Pet food manufacturers showcasing new products, Pet accessory brands looking to expand their market, Pet service providers offering innovative solutions. Position your offer across pet food and treats, pet.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Pet business owners seeking to enhance their strategies
Retail buyers looking for the latest products
Pet industry marketers aiming to connect with peers
Veterinarians interested in industry trends
Pet product manufacturers showcasing innovations
Pet service providers looking to network
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Pet food manufacturers showcasing new products
Pet accessory brands looking to expand their market
Pet service providers offering innovative solutions
Retailers seeking to discover new suppliers
Pet technology companies demonstrating their latest offerings
Pet health and wellness brands connecting with professionals
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pet food and treats
Pet accessories and toys
Pet health and wellness products
Pet grooming supplies
Pet training and behavior products
Pet technology solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
9899 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Facilities
Parking
Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse in Orlando typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
All-Access Pass
749All-Access Pass+
998Retailer All-Access Pass
349
Who runs the show
Organisers
American Pet Products Association
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Orlando, USA
Why it matters
Attending Pet Summit on 2027-03-15 to 2027-03-18 in Orlando lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Orlando International
MCO is the primary commercial gateway for Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse. Use the designated rideshare pickup area or taxi rank; confirm live transfer options on arrival
approx. 24 km
to venue
20-30 min off-peak; allow 45-60 min in traffic
by car
Orlando Sanford International
SFB is a secondary Orlando gateway well north of the city. Compare the total transfer cost and journey time before choosing a lower fare into SFB
farther north than MCO; exact distance not captured
to venue
allow roughly 45-60 min or more depending traffic; confirm route
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Orlando
4-star
International Drive / South Concourseapprox. 290 m from South Concourse parking to venueClosest full-service option in the capture; breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are chargeable extras. Outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and spa are listed on site. Book early for March dates.
Marriott's Grande Vista
4-star
International Drive areaapprox. 3.3 km from South Concourse parking to venueCaptured at 34% below its usual rate. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking are chargeable; plan a short rideshare to South Concourse rather than walking.
Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Conv. Center/International Dr
2-star
International Driveapprox. 590 m from South Concourse parking to venueFree parking, breakfast, and outdoor pool are listed; it is the closest walking-distance budget option in the capture. Confirm room type and cancellation terms.
International Drive Hotel
3-star
International Drivenot stated in capture to venueCaptured at 40% below its usual rate. Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, pool, and business center are listed. Confirm the exact address and walk or rideshare options before booking.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOrlando International (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
MCO sits about 24 km from International Drive via FL-528. Allow 20-30 minutes outside rush hour and 45-60 minutes during traffic peaks.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOrlando Sanford International (SFB) to Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
SFB is a secondary gateway well north of Orlando, so the transfer can cost more than from MCO. Compare total trip cost before booking a lower airfare into SFB.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-15 for the short hop; many nearby properties are walkable
Best forInternational Drive hotels to Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
Days Inn and Hilton Orlando are within roughly 300-600 m of South Concourse parking; Marriott's Grande Vista is about 3.3 km away and better suited to a short rideshare.
I-Ride Trolley
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per ride; confirm current I-Ride fare
Best forInternational Drive corridor
Useful for moving between International Drive hotels and restaurants. It is not a direct airport transfer; check the route map before relying on it for the convention center.
LYNX bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per one-way local fare; confirm current LYNX fare
Best forInternational Drive and Orlando area local routes
LYNX bus service covers International Drive and connects to wider Orlando. Allow extra time and check the route timetable on the day.
Weather
Orlando in March is usually warm by day and cooler in the evening, with lower rainfall than the summer storm season but passing showers still possible. The convention center halls are heavily air-conditioned, so keep a light layer for session rooms and check the 10-day forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks require a compatible handset; international visitors often buy a prepaid U.S. SIM or eSIM at MCO or use a roaming pass. Wi-Fi is listed as a chargeable extra at several International Drive hotels in the captured search, including Hilton Orlando and Marriott's Grande Vista, so budget for a data plan. Confirm venue Wi-Fi access and cost with the Orange County Convention Center or APPA before relying on it for work.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is the norm at U.S. pet industry education events; retailers and brand teams often wear business casual with comfortable shoes for long convention-center days.
Trade-only tone
The Pet Summit is a trade event, not a consumer pet expo. Conversations center on retail margins, category performance, distribution, and store operations.
Tipping
Restaurant servers in Orlando typically expect a 15-20% tip; check whether a service charge is already included on the bill.
Convention campus
The Orange County Convention Center is a large campus. Allow 10-15 minutes to move between South Concourse halls and keep the show map handy.
Weather etiquette
March afternoons can be warm while session rooms are cool. A light layer is practical for both the convention center and evening meals on International Drive.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MCO
Book flights to MCO when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SFB only if fares are materially lower.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International (MCO): 20-30 min off-peak; allow 45-60 min in traffic; Orlando Sanford International (SFB): allow roughly 45-60 min or more depending traffic; confirm route. Allow road or rail time to Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse: International Drive / South Concourse: Hilton Orlando; International Drive area: Marriott's Grande Vista; International Drive: Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Conv. Center/International Dr.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft are widely available around Orlando International Airport, International Drive, and the Orange County Convention Center. Use the designated rideshare pickup zones at MCO and the convention center, and expect surge pricing during peak convention arrival and departure times. Approximate short hops along International Drive run USD 8-15, while MCO to the venue district is roughly USD 35-55; confirm the live quote in the app.
Public transit: LYNX bus service covers International Drive and wider Orlando, while the I-Ride Trolley runs along the International Drive corridor near many hotels and restaurants. These are practical for local meals and hotel-to-hotel movement, but they are not direct airport transfers. Confirm current routes, schedules, and per-ride fares with LYNX and I-Ride before relying on them for session start times.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse. Rates are set by the venue and are usually charged per entry; confirm the current daily rate and any event-specific traffic plan before driving. Arrive early on session mornings because South Concourse parking and nearby International Drive roads can be busy during large conventions.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 24-27 C (75-81 F); nighttime lows 13-16 C (55-61 F). Confirm the forecast closer to travel.
Seasonality: March falls in Orlando's drier shoulder season ahead of the summer afternoon storm pattern, but short showers are still possible. Check a 10-day forecast before packing and keep a compact umbrella or rain shell in your bag.
Packing: Pack light layers and breathable fabrics; Orlando in March mixes warm afternoons with cooler evenings and occasional showers, so a compact umbrella or rain shell is useful. Comfortable walking shoes matter for the long hall distances at the Orange County Convention Center, and a light sweater helps in heavily air-conditioned session rooms.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Pet Summit usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration tier
T-2
Book or confirm flights into MCO
T-3
Reserve an International Drive hotel
T-4
Map your hotel to South Concourse
T-5
Shortlist sessions
T-6
Watch for organiser updates
T-7
Prepare proof of industry affiliation
T-8
Plan airport transfer
T-9
Check the Orlando forecast
T-10
Save registration and hotel documents
T-11
Plan evening meals
T-12
Confirm local transport or parking
T-13
Pack for the show floor
T-14
Check flight status and leave buffer
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Pet Summit registration concourse
Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · All-Access Pass
USD 749 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · All-Access Pass+
USD 998 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · Retailer All-Access Pass
USD 349 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | All-Access Pass | USD 749 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | All-Access Pass+ | USD 998 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Retailer All-Access Pass | USD 349 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Pet Summit fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, in relation to Orlando International Airport?
MCO is the closest major gateway, roughly 24 km from the South Concourse via FL-528 and International Drive. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) is a secondary option further north; compare total transfer cost before choosing a cheaper SFB fare.
Which hotels are within walking distance of the South Concourse?
The captured hotel search lists Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Conv. Center/International Dr about 590 m from South Concourse parking and Hilton Orlando about 290 m, both on the International Drive corridor. Larger 4-star resorts such as Marriott's Grande Vista sit around 3.3 km away.
What is the weather like in Orlando in March?
March is warm and largely dry in central Florida, with mild evenings and occasional short showers. Pack layers and a light rain shell, and expect strong air conditioning in the convention center session rooms.
How do I get from an International Drive hotel to the South Concourse halls?
Properties within a few hundred metres of the South Concourse are walkable. For hotels further down International Drive, a short rideshare or taxi hop is the practical option; the captured directions confirm the driving route from MCO.
Do I need a visa to attend as a business visitor from outside the US?
The capture pack returned no official visa text for this event, so confirm the current US business visitor rules with the US Department of State before booking. If your employer or embassy requires an invitation letter, request one from the organiser once registration opens.
Glossary
- APPA
- American Pet Products Association, the U.S. pet industry trade association that organizes The Pet Summit.
- All-Access Pass
- A full conference registration tier at The Pet Summit, listed at USD 749; check the organiser site for exactly which sessions and functions are included.
- Retailer All-Access Pass
- A reduced USD 349 registration tier for qualified pet retailers; be ready to show proof of retail affiliation at badge pickup.
- Pet specialty retail
- Independent and chain pet stores selling food, treats, litter, hardgoods, aquatics, and small-animal supplies; a core buyer segment for The Pet Summit.
- Independent retailer
- Owner-operated pet stores that buy through distributors and brand reps; often the audience for retail operations and category education at APPA events.
- Distributor
- A wholesale intermediary that stocks pet brands and supplies independent retailers; a key channel for brands exhibiting or attending The Pet Summit.
- Buying group
- A cooperative of retailers that negotiates collective terms with brands and distributors; relevant when planning meetings around The Pet Summit.
- Category management
- The retail discipline of managing assortments by pet category, such as food, treats, litter, hardgoods, aquatics, and small animal.
- Hardgoods
- Non-food pet products such as leashes, crates, bowls, toys, beds, and habitat equipment; a common merchandise group for pet specialty buyers.
- Educational track
- A themed series of sessions at The Pet Summit, typically grouped around retail operations, marketing, leadership, or category growth.
- Trade-only
- Event access limited to pet industry professionals rather than the general public; registration and badge pickup may require business verification.
- APPA member
- A company belonging to the American Pet Products Association, which may receive member updates and event resources from the organiser.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Pet Summit
- Pet Summit 2027
- Pet Summit Orlando
- Pet Summit Orlando 2027
- Orlando USA
- Pet Industry Conference Orlando 2027
- Pet Industry Conference Conference Orlando
- Pet food and treats
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.