Norwegian highlight

The ZooExpo trade show is not large by international standards, covering a mere 2,700 m² in total, of which some 1,600 m² is taken up by exhibition booths. However, ZooExpo is fairly unique in the importance it has acquired at national level. The venue is, for the third time in a row, the modern and highly professional Exporama trade fair centre just north of Oslo, close to Oslo's Gardermoen Airport.
The ZooExpo trade show is not large by international standards, with exhibition booths covering 1,600 m².
Nearly all the important importers and wholesalers that operate in the Norwegian market have been devoted supporters and exhibitors continuously since the start, and the vast majority of the pet trade retailers in the country visit the show. Most of the shops bring their staff along as well, so that they can get a direct introduction to the suppliers and their product ranges. For the retailers, ZooExpo has proved to be a practical means for educating and inspiring their staff, and for the suppliers it is a golden opportunity to address the people who deal directly with the end consumers. At ZooExpo 2003, owners and employees of no less than 163 Norwegian retail companies attended the show. This is quite impressive, considering that Norway is a country of no more than 4.5 million inhabitants and less than 250 pet shops.
In addition to the trade show, ZooExpo also offers the opportunity to listen to Norwegian and international speakers on varied topics. In order not to take the focus off the show, the talks are limited, but exclusive. Among this year's speakers is Dr. Jim Collins of the British Pet Care Trust, who will talk on what makes a species a good pet or companion animal. Another highlight of the ZooExpo has always been the festive banquet: on the Saturday evening, some 240 guests are expected once again to gather for good food, entertainment, dancing and informal talks with colleagues.
Two years ago owners and employees of no less than 163 Norwegian retail companies attended the show.
ZooExpo specifically aims to let Norwegian wholesalers present themselves to Norwegian retailers. Although any bona fide trade visitor is welcome, no efforts are made to draw either visitors or exhibitors from other countries, except for Swedish and Danish companies that already enjoy close links to the Norwegian market. Still, ZooExpo should be interesting for international visitors that want to get a true impression of the Norwegian market and its operators.
At a glance
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