Everything Aquatic – a return to the Global Pet Expo after a COVID-enforced hiatus.
In 2020, we attended the annual Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, just as the COVID-19 Pandemic was making its presence known. Vendors from China were not in attendance, but otherwise, people were still going about business as usual. It would only be a couple of weeks before life in the United States was completely disrupted, and the notion of trade shows and conventions seemed as if they’d never return.
For nearly two years, the population has struggled with the notion of in-person aquarium events. A few aquarium-related gatherings occurred in 2021, but many hopeful events ultimately were canceled. Now, with reliable vaccines in place and case rates slowing, 2022 holds out hope for a return to something akin to pre-pandemic normality.
With that, it seems only fitting that the 2022 Global Pet Expo, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, from March 23rd to 25th, would be the first event that we attended. What follows is a pictorial look at some of the aquatics-related highlights, as captured through the lens of AMAZONAS staff member Alex Rose.
Dr. Tim’s Aquatics, Aquarium Systems (ASF) and Reptile Systems came together to create a wide-ranging display of aquarium and herp products.Two elegant rimless freshwater aquascapes drew visitors into the Oase booth. Hikari showcased their full line of splendid, reliable aquarium feeds, and is all-in with Weird Waters to help attract young children to the freshwater aquarium hobby!Representatives of the newly rebranded Pet Advocacy Network, formerly the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), were on hand to discuss the current threats facing the pet trade and share strategies to overcome these challenges.Fluval had a truly massive presence at the 2022 Global Pet Expo.Planted aquariums are clearly a focus for Fluval’s marketing, with this display highlighting the Bio-Stratum and Stratum substrate offerings meant for planted aquariums and shrimp tanks.Fluval also highlighted their Premium Betta Aquarium Kit, offering LED lighting and pre-set heaters to give new betta keepers the best chances for a happy, healthy betta.A close-up look at Fluval’s Premium Betta Aquarium Kit in action.Fluval also showcased their Bug Bites line of aquarium fish foods.New Product Alert: Check out the new BIO-FX premium biological filter media from Fluval.Fluval continues to showcase modern takes on aquariums featuring sleek, attractive design.Fluval also showcased their more classic aesthetic with the Shaker Collection of aquarium furniture.Zoo Med returned to the Global Pet Expo with their expansive and engaging displays.New Product Alert! Zoo Med is introducing the new Terra Pump, intended to be used as an aquatic habitat drain pump to help facilitate water changes. No doubt aquarists will find a wide range of other uses for these interesting pumps.Axolotls are all the rage right now, somewhat bridging the gap between the aquarium and herp hobbies!We’ll close our coverage with two quick looks at the Global Pet Expo’s Aquatic Lounge, featuring ever-more attractive displays of fish produced and distributed from Florida’s burgeoning aquarium and aquaculture industry.Aquascaping and Reefkeeping are growing segments of the aquarium trade and two Florida companies are poised to serve these markets: WaterScapes Aquatic Plant Nursery and Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums (ORA), both of whom offered beautiful and impressive displays of the fishes, plants, and corals grown in Florida.
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