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.”
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.
Connect 6 Weeks Later
6 Weeks Later: What Actually Mattered at CONNECT
Six weeks removed from CONNECT, the pace has shifted. The show floor is gone, the booths are packed up, and the immediate buzz has faded. What hasn’t faded is what actually mattered.
For many retailers, the real impact of CONNECT didn’t happen during the event. It’s happening now in the follow-ups, the orders being placed, and the small changes being tested inside stores. Some products made the jump quickly. Simple, easy-to-merchandise ideas like those showcased through partners like Freedom Pet Supplies are already finding their way onto shelves. The appeal isn’t just novelty, it’s practicality. Low lift, strong sell-through potential, and easy integration into existing store layouts. Those are the wins that tend to stick.
Beyond the products, another layer is still playing out. The conversations and, more specifically, the education. The sessions at CONNECT don’t always hit their peak value in the room. Six weeks later is when they start to take shape. Ideas around merchandising, customer engagement, and store positioning are being revisited with a different lens, not as concepts, but as decisions.
What seemed like a good idea during a talk becomes a question back in-store: Should we try this? Can we make this work here? What would this look like for our customers? Some of those ideas move forward. Others stall. But the important part is that they don’t disappear.
That’s where CONNECT continues to separate itself. It’s not just about what gets seen, it’s about what gets applied. And six weeks later, that line becomes clear. The products that were easy to implement are already in motion. The ideas that required more thought are still being worked through. The conversations that mattered are still influencing decisions.
For those still connecting the dots, the show floor is still within reach. Retailers can revisit exhibitors, explore booths, and continue discovery through the CONNECT floorplan: https://connect2026.expofp.com/
2026 Exhibitors
