NEWSLETTER - November '09 (issue 2)
Welcome to the ROYAL CANIN PET EXPO
newsletter. It’s been a busy year and we are pleased to report that the
return of Pet Expo to Christchurch in August was a “howling” success. A
huge amount of work went on behind the scenes, but it all paid off, with
a show that the public LOVED! Here are just a few email
comments we received from exhibitors after the show:
WOW what a weekend
we had. It can only be described as explosive. Sales were good,
many now know our unique product exists – best of all, we were asked to
consider exporting to the States.
We want to thank you for an excellent weekend. The Expo was well
planned, well organised and extremely well run. We appreciate how
much effort went into the PET EXPO. Thank You.
We look forward to the next one.
Bronwyn & Tony Bisset,
Little Paws Ltd
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Apart from the slightly frazzled feeling after the weekend, I thought
the Pet Expo went very, very well. Lots of positive feedback, and the
first enquiry came as we walked in the door on the Saturday!
I know
others felt it went well, as I ran into a couple of breeders who were
over in Australia at the same place as me last week, and they had
nothing but praise for the event. We were all very happy to see it
supported by NZ Kennel Club as well, which helps endorse registered
breeders.
Great job,
guys!
Karen Earl,
Sharic Stud
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I just wanted to thank you for the Pet Expo this
past weekend. We had a fantastic weekend and the response to our display
was huge. I would certainly do it again should you hold another one next
year. Just wanted to say thanks to you and the team as you probably only
ever hear the problems, not the good things. So, well done, and
hopefully there will be another one for us to attend.
Rachelle Friis,
Prowlers Bengals
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We have a long list of thank yous, and the first goes
to all the exhibitors who participated. We had 115 exhibition sites in
all, and because so many clubs and societies took part, we had at least
400 exhibitors. One thing that we noticed, in comparison with our
previous Pet Expos, was the much improved level of site displays. All
the sites looked fantastic and we were really proud of your efforts!
A big thanks to Marg Harris and Jo Millar of the Alpine Cat Club, who
organised the longhair and shorthair cat shows for both the Saturday and
Sunday. The public loved seeing such a huge range of cat breeds. This
was enhanced by the individual breeders / clubs in the Cat Hall, with
their breeds on display, giving the public the chance to get up-close to
the animals and to talk to their owners. The educational talks and demos
on the Iams Cat Stage were also very popular, and an excellent
opportunity for the public to learn more about the many different cat
breeds as well as the specialised care of our feline friends.
Likewise, the dogs were a major drawcard, and the interaction between
them and the public was one of the many highlights of the show. The
Royal Canin Dog Arena was packed out each day with show visitors who
were entertained with weight pulls; agility, flyball and obedience
displays; breed parades; sled dog racing and more. The Royal Canin Dog
Stage was also a big hit with the public, with educational talks
covering topics from “first aid for dogs” to “how to choose the right
puppy”. And the Pimp My Pet Fashion Parade was so popular that there was
standing room only. Many thanks to the doggie models and their owners.
Tracey and Craig Murray, who came over from Brisbane to host both the
dog stage and arena, were true professionals. Their experience with pet
shows and dog events in Australia, and their profound knowledge of all
things “dog”, kept all the activities and performances moving along in
an orderly but fun fashion (not an easy task!). A big thanks to them
both!
Many thanks for the tremendous efforts by the Totally Tanked Fish Club
and Turtle Rescue. It took a couple of days to set up the tanks and
ponds, but the results were fantastic. Likewise, the Christchurch Bird
Club, had a magnificent, purpose-built aviary that housed a big variety
of caged birds that the public could “coo” over.
The farmyard section was a noisy place, full of sheep, goats, miniature
ponies, llamas, chooks and a miniature donkey. Many thanks to Phid
Gordon for co-ordinating and organising this area.
Another popular section was the small animal area, where we had rabbits,
chinchillas, guinea pigs and rats. The Guinea Pig Olympics definitely
amused and delighted the crowds, and the children loved cuddling up to
all the different soft, furry critters.
Amongst the animal sites were the trade sites that offered every
conceivable pet accessory, food product, grooming supply, toy, or pet
service that an animal and its owner could ever wish for. Once again,
impressive displays by these companies, wowed the show visitors (and
organisers!).
And while all of this was going on inside the venue, outside on the
racetrack we had sled dog races and Kidz Kartz taking children for rides
on carts pulled by miniature ponies.
Last but not least, the Animal Magic Shows attracted huge audiences.
Nickleby the Magician had a disappearing rabbit, doves that appeared out
of nowhere, dancing ducks, a cheeky parrot, and even a raccoon, that
made the young and old clap and cheer.
It was a great show and we all deserve a pat on the back!
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For 2010, Pet Expo is being held in Hamilton at the
Claudelands Events Centre, on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August.
(This is our first time back there since 2001).
The show sponsor is Royal Canin. They did a wonderful job for the
Christchurch sponsorship, so we are delighted to have them as the over
all sponsor for Hamilton.
Claudelands is currently undergoing a major upgrade, which is scheduled
for completion by early March 2010. It is perfect for our needs – 2
huge, open span halls, where we can separate the cats and dogs into
opposite sections of the venue. The floor will be concrete, making it
easy care for animals and everything, including the carparks, will be
brand new. There is also ample grassed space outdoors for pony rides,
equestrian activities, dog demonstrations etc.
Participation in the show is open to all companion animal categories
including cats, dogs (except those breeds banned by NZKC), caged birds,
cavies, rabbits, small farm animals, horses, donkeys, tropical fish,
poultry and fancy pigeons, and more. Plus all those in the pet industry
who supply food lines, pet accessories, nutritional and health products,
pet publications and magazines, vaccinations and drugs, veterinary
services, dog obedience training etc.
Please note the plans (click
2010 Floor Plans pdf)
are not final and will change. Also
please note that if you want to choose the position of your site you
must advertise on the Feature Page that we will be publishing in the
Waikato Times, a few days prior to the show. It will be a full page in colour and will include editorial about the show and some of the
exhibitors, plus photos. Dunkleys will be placing a large advert on the
page plus a list of exhibitors, and a timetable of pet activities. When
you receive your Show Guidelines 5 weeks prior to the show, you will
also receive the plans and a reminder to choose your preferential site
position. All you need to do (besides placing an ad with The Waikato
Times) is to send us the accompanying order form with your site choices.
You will be contacted directly by a sales rep from the newspaper
regarding your advertisement. (Those who do not advertise will be placed
at random in the appropriate area in the show.)
Each day there will be a full timetable of activities including dog
breed parades, dog agility and obedience displays, cat breed talks, pony
rides, and sled pulling etc. For 2010 we are very pleased to be joined
by the Mid Island Shorthair Cat Club, who will be holding a 2 day
“Exhibition of Cats”.
We are delighted that Pet Expo has been such a huge hit with the public
of Christchurch and are looking forward to bringing it to Hamilton, for
more of the same. We hope that you can join us and be part of this
highly successful pet industry event.
If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas or comments, please don’t
hesitate to contact us.
Well that’s it for another year. We’re taking our usual summer break
over Christmas and will close up on Friday 18th December, re-opening
Monday 25th January. Over the break we will still be coming in to the
office to clear our emails, messages, faxes and post office box, so
please feel free to contact us during this time.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year from us all at Dunkleys Shows Ltd -
Fiona and Kim Dunkley, Deb Balloch, Tania McLachlan, Craig Wilson,
Colleen Roil and Glen Balloch.
in association with
- VISITING PUBLIC -
PLEASE DO
NOT
BRING YOUR OWN PETS
Copyright Dunkleys Shows Ltd