See You in Toronto
March 30 - April 1, 2027
Grow. Innovate. Connect.
Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026
Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.
Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.
CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.
Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
Paul Ford
"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.
Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."
Craig MacIntyre
"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."
Codie Bonner
"Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions".
Jennifer Murray
“One of the qualities that makes Connect stand out is its accessibility. The show operates without membership fees, making it easier for new entrepreneurs and emerging brands to enter the market and present their ideas alongside more established companies. This open structure encourages innovation and provides smaller businesses with a platform to introduce new concepts to retailers.”
Riley Card
"Connect Pet Expo was a great experience for us, especially being a newer business. It was really well organized, and we were able to make some strong connections with retailers that actually made sense for us. Overall, it felt like a show that delivered real value and helped us keep building momentum."
Connect:
A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.
Big Country Raw in Smithville launching $8.9M expansion plan
Big Country Raw in Smithville launching $8.9M expansion plan with help from province
Published: November 27, 2024 at 1:57 PM
(From Left to Right): Albert Witteveen, Councillor, Regional Municipality of Niagara; Marika Swain, Senior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Cheryl Ganann, Mayor, Township of West Lincoln; Sarah Ripley, Director of Marketing, Big Country Raw; Adam Warrack, Director of Operations, Big Country Raw; Geraldine Brouwer, Co-Founder and Vice-President, Big Country Raw; Rob Brouwer, Co-Founder and President, Big Country Raw; Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West; Brian Teichgraf, Director of Finance, Big Country Raw, and Melanie Denis, Director of Human Resources, Big Country Raw.Sam Oosterhoff
A Smithville company, that produces dog and cat food, is expanding with help from the provincial government.
Big Country Raw will be receiving a loan of $1.3 million from the province to help fund a $8.9 million dollar expansion plan to boost local manufacturing and create over 16 new jobs in West Lincoln.
"This expansion project marks a transformative milestone for our business," said Geraldine Brouwer, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Big Country Raw.
"With our new 29,000 square foot facility, we are doubling our footprint, enhancing cold chain distribution, implementing advanced automation and raising food safety standards," said Rob Brouwer, Co-Founder and President of Big Country Raw.
The funding was announced today by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"Our government is building a strong Ontario and creating the conditions for a strong economy by supporting key investments in our community," said MPP Oosterhoff.
"This investment by Big Country Raw will boost the local manufacturing sector and create new jobs for workers and families in Niagara."
Big Country Raw specializes in frozen raw pet food products.
The company plans to expand their current facility in Smithville, and buy new equipment to automate the processing and packaging to increase production.
Thank You 2026 Exhibitors
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