H.H. Backer Associates Inc. released a statement on its Facebook page announcing that its fall 2015 pet-industry trade show will be postponed and re-positioned to better service the changes that are taking place in the industry. The show was scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

The Facebook statement read:

“This was a very challenging decision, as the pet industry has been dear to my heart for practically my entire life,” said president Patty Backer. “But it is time for me to take a year off to explore other avenues of growth and creativity.”

Backer added that she would be part of “a new, exciting event for the industry” that is tentatively scheduled for 2016. “It’s truly a case of one door closing and another opening, and I’m really looking forward to this new venture,” she said.

Details on this new event will be publicized as they become available.

Companies that have already contracted for booth space for the 2015 show will receive a full refund.

February 19, 2015

Pet Business