Highlights in Chicago

More than 8 000 pet store owners, managers, distributors, boarding kennel operators, grooming professionals, mail order catalogue companies and specialty gift store owners are expected to attend the 44th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, 8-10 October in Rosemont (Chicago). More than 700 pet supply manufacturers and distributors will display. Returning to Backer's Christmas Show will be Vicki Lynne Morgan's free "Ask the Expert" business consulting sessions. These one-on-one sessions will allow retailers, distributors and manufacturers to get expert advice on a variety of business-related topics at no charge. New to the Christmas Show this year is H.H. Backer's $ 10 000 Treasure Hunt contest: here qualified buyers and distributors will have a chance to win $2 500 on Friday, $ 2 500 on Saturday and $ 5 000 on Sunday. Each day, attendees will get a set of questions - the answers to which will be hidden throughout the convention centre. A daily winner will be drawn from the correct entries at the end of the day.