In a dynamic move to merge two industries for the benefit of members, trade show exhibitors and attendees, World Wide Pet Supply Association has approved a plan to co-locate its trade show with those of the Southern Nursery Association and California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers.

During months of strategic meetings, executive directors of Southern Nursery Association (SNA), producers of SNA…The World's Showcase of Horticulture®, the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC), producers of the Western Expo , and World Wide Pet Supply Association (WWPSA), producers of SuperZoo®, their boards of directors and trade show committees have developed an innovative plan to present their trade shows in conjunction with one another, merging the two industries of garden and pet supplies. The associations have a shared vision that this partnership is a positive step toward growing the image and scope of their respective organizations. This exciting news comes on the heels of the traditional GLEE Show in England having merged with their pet supply industry with great success. In 2004, the Western Expo and SuperZoo West have tentative show dates of September 22 and 23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada. The two shows will be housed in the same exhibit hall with double the number of booths and more than doubling the attendance. This tentative agreement to merge the shows will be finalized this March upon Board of Director approval.

In September of 2005, SuperZoo West will once again be held in Las Vegas in combination with Western Expo. In August of that same year, SuperZoo East and SNA will be held in Atlanta.

Attendees to these trade shows will be delighted with a wider range of products to help make them more successful in the competitive marketplace.

"The nursery and pet industries have many similarities as both deal with living products. Pet stores are now carrying more garden products in both the pond and gift areas, and many garden centers have pet departments or are looking for additional revenue sources for the "off season." says Elaine Thompson, Executive Director of the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. "This is an exciting concept and one that we are looking forward to being a part of," Thompson continued.

"This cross-over marketing concept enables each association to share buyers, enhance buyer opportunities, and create new avenues for commerce and growth for both the garden and pet supply industries," said Doug Poindexter, Executive Vice President of World Wide Pet Supply Association, "It's a bold concept that WWPSA is proud to spearhead with these associations in the United States."

"This cooperative effort is another enterprising new step in enhancing buyer options. In addition to the similarities in our two industries' products, there are several other important parallels. Both industries' retailers have a similar mix between independent and mass merchandisers and when you study both industries' consumers, it gets even closer. The average gardening household can also be a strong customer of the pet industry. Likewise, the household who becomes a pet owner is a potential gardening consumer," said Danny Summers, SNA Executive Vice President.

For further information, please contact WWPSA at (800) 999-7295 or visit www.wwpsa.com, SNA at (770) 953-3311 or visit www.sna.org, or CANGC at (800) 748-6214 or visit www.westernexpo.com