How do owners of pet stores know what’s new in pet products? Many of them attend an educational conference and trade show with the unforgettable name of “SuperZoo”.

As an event for pet retailers, SuperZoo has a history that goes back more than 50 years. The 2013 version at Mandalay Bay’s Convention Center, was on track to set another record for exhibitors and attendance. Approximately 1000 exhibitors participated in this year’s trade show, July 23-25, and show officials predicted that once the numbers are in, last year’s attendance of 12,000 should be exceeded as well.

This year’s SuperZoo also marked a change in show dates. The show had previously been held in September, but retailers requested an earlier date to take full advantage of the upcoming holiday shopping season.

SuperZoo was a sort of coming out party, my first trade show after two months of recovery from a broken ankle. Fortunately this show is a favorite, featuring lots of products for pets and plenty of live animals as well. I found my feet were in good enough shape to take two and a half hours of walking with few problems.

The educational sessions at this event are part of what is called “SuperZoo University”. The three educational tracks were Staff & Business Development, Animal Wellness and Technology/Internet. Grooming competitions and seminars included classes such as “The Schnauzer and the Lost Art of Hand Stripping.”

Though the accompanying video highlights a number of products for the well-heeled pet owner, all levels of pet goods for all kinds of pets were on display. Pet retailers had plenty to see.

Wednesday’s Daily Show Program was more than 150 pages long and the ads highlighted the variety of products available. In addition to ads for hundreds of nutritional products and toys for pets, one could read about first aid items for pets, a videophone that “lets you greet and treat your pet from anywhere”, stress relief tablets for pets frazzled by thunderstorms, pet dental products and even formal wear for the Boy Dog.

The trade show itself had seven sections: Nature’s Pathway — natural holistic products; Ingredients Row — health and nutrition ingredients; Rodeo Drive — fashion and accessories for the pampered pet; Critter Alley — products for birds, fish, reptiles, etc;, Concept Store — the focus was merchandising; Groomer’s Court — products for the groomer, and New Exhibitors Road.

Pet products are a $50 billion business. Attendees at SuperZoo 2013 were expected from the U.S. and 41 foreign countries.