The 30th China International Pet Show CIPS 2026 will be held from November 12-15, 2026 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou.

Since its establishment in 2017 by CIPS in partnership with the PETS International, CIPS Innovation Award has become a benchmark for innovation in the global pet and aquarium industry. Rooted in industry needs, it has evolved from a product-focused award platform into a comprehensive innovation exchange hub that brings together global achievements, technological breakthroughs, consumer insights, and international perspectives.

Since this year, CIPS Innovation Award is now operating independently, with a more professional evaluation system and fairer judging criteria, creating a dedicated spotlight stage for global innovative forces.

The 2026 CIPS Innovation Award professional judging panel is officially unveiled today! This year's panel brings together leaders from domestic and international industry associations, global buyer representatives, authoritative Chinese and foreign industry media, and diverse industry platforms, offering comprehensive professional perspectives and international evaluation standards to identify the year's innovation benchmarks.

 (The following are listed by area of expertise, in no particular order.)

DOGS & CATS CATEGORY

Michael Lou
He is the first and youngest Asian-American to serve as President of the World Pet Association (WPA). As the organizer of Superzoo, the largest pet industry trade event in the United States, the WPA under Michael's leadership is dedicated to building a thriving international pet industry community. Beyond his industry association achievements, Michael is also the founder of Patchwork Pet, with 16 years of experience in manufacturing, import/export, and distribution.

Angela Chan
Ms. Angela Chan currently serves as President of the Hong Kong Pet Trade Association (HKPTA), promoting healthy industry development, safeguarding member rights, and consolidating the association's role as a key platform for industry collaboration and policy advocacy. She also serves on Hong Kong SAR government's Animal Welfare Advisory Group and the Advisory Committee on Endangered Species, participating in policy recommendations that balance industry development with animal conservation. Through her industry leadership and policy influence, she continues to drive prosperity in Hong Kong's pet economy while upholding animal welfare.

Lei Wang

Founder of the CPCRA Pet Industry Development Conference, Founder of the "Pharmacy + Pet" Cross-Industry Integration Forum, Founder of the Asian Pet Health & Multi-Channel Conference, and Executive Vice President and General Secretary of the Guangdong Pet Association.

Christopher Smith
He is a highly accomplished business leader with extensive international experience in retail, strategy, innovation, and brand development. Currently with Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo, he has built a strong reputation for driving growth, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and delivering customer-centric solutions across global markets. Having lived and worked in both Europe and Asia and now based in Hong Kong, Christopher brings a unique international perspective to evaluating creativity, commercial potential, and executional excellence. His expertise is further strengthened by a strong focus on strategic planning, innovation, and organizational leadership.

Jian Ni
General Secretary of the Chongdao Forum.

Sarah Daubert
She was born in Braunschweig (northern Germany). She has many years’ professional experience as an editor and has previously worked for various specialist magazines. She has been part of the team at pet and PET worldwide since 2024. Her responsibilities include writing articles on innovations in pet products, as well as developments in the pet industry and the pet retail sector. Sarah closely monitors the German and international markets for pet supplies. 

Xiaoxia Liu
Editor-in-Chief of the China Pet Industry White Paper, Founder of the Petdu Platform; Industry Consultant for the governments of Shenzhen Luohu District, Tianjin Jinghai District, Anshan City, Liaoning Province, and others.

SMALL PETS & EXOTIC PETS CATEGORY

Svein A. Fosså
A biologist and long-time advocate for the international pet industry. After gaining practical experience in the pet trade, he has focused since 1992 on industry advocacy through domestic and international industry associations, safeguarding industry interests with a particular emphasis on ethical issues in breeding, husbandry, and trade.

He has published over 600 articles, reports, and books, and is frequently invited to speak at international conferences. His research focuses on how changing societal perceptions of animals, nature, and sustainable resource use impact lifestyles and the future of pet ownership.

In addition to serving as President of the European Pet Organization (EPO) since 2008, he is also Vice President of the Ornamental Fish International (OFI),  Secretary General & Chairman of the Board of the Norwegian Pet Trade Association (NZB), President of the Scandinavian Pet Trade Union (SPTU), Editor-in-Chief of the pet trade magazine PetScandinavia.

Summer Xia
With decades of dedicated research into pet (dogs, cats, small pets & amphibians/reptiles) living systems, Summer has deep knowledge of pets' dietary needs, nutritional requirements, and behavior. In 2019, she successfully introduced Korean pet higher education to China through collaboration with Korean universities. She currently serves as a Chinese Lecturer in the Pet Department at Korea Joongbu University, a Researcher for the Chinese curriculum program at the Korea Companion Animal Education Institute, and a promoter of Sino-Korean small animal academic exchanges, joint curriculum initiatives, and industry study tours.

She specializes in comprehensive brand building for pet categories, product direction, online promotion, sales integration, and brand design. She focuses on product selection, R&D, market user research, sales system development, and multi-media brand promotion and expansion into overseas markets.

She also excels in organizing study tours, training programs, and children's educational activities. She has organized hundreds of children's pet-related educational activities, been invited to teach at international schools, organized numerous offline training sessions and forums, and led Sino-Korean study delegations visiting Korean universities and pet businesses.

Bin Sun
General Secretary of the SINO RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION (SRBA), promoting the popularization of small pet culture and the conservation of native breeds in China. He has led the organization of high-level events such as international breed rabbit and guinea pig championships and actively introduced international judging teams from the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), helping native Chinese breeds like the "Chinese White Rabbit" gain international recognition. Upholding the philosophy of "promoting scientific pet care through competition," he continuously builds professional and internationalized industry platforms.

Guy Toremans
With over 20 years of industry experience, Guy Toremans is a passionate and visionary leader in the pet product sector. As CEO of Flamingo Pet Products, he is dedicated to providing high-quality products and services to clients, placing a high value on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Under his leadership, the team actively fosters a diverse and inclusive culture.

He is currently responsible for the overall strategic planning and operations of Flamingo Pet Products, an internationally renowned supplier of pet accessories and treats.

Peng Yu
General Secretary and Vice President of the Shifang Forum; Deputy Secretary-General of the Xi'an Small Animal Veterinary Association. With nearly 20 years of experience in the pet retail service sector, he has accumulated extensive industry experience and a broad network. During this time, he has founded and led several influential brands and projects, and is a co-founder of the Shifang Forum, driving innovation and development within the industry.

Philippe Vanderhoydonck
He is the General Manager of GlobalPETS and PETS International, the leading media publication for the pet industry. A marketing expert and consultant, he has a keen eye for identifying promising products.

Zhuo Leng
With 5 years of deep involvement in the self-media industry, Leng is the manager of several accounts with millions of followers, with personal content creations accumulating over 1 billion views.

Rayon Yu
Head of Live Pets at ID Jingxi, Rayon focuses on the full-chain operations of small and exotic pets, establishing quality control and supply chain standards for exotic live animals. He is deeply involved in the innovative development of the exotic pet industry, continuously supporting the standardization and upgrading of this niche pet sector.

AQUATICS CATEGORY

Shane Willis
With nearly 30 years of experience in the aquarium industry, covering commercial farming, import/export, wholesale, and retail, Shane holds a Master's degree in Aquaculture. He has lectured at two Australian universities and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Shanghai Ocean University. He also runs a training and consulting company specializing in aquaculture and the aquarium industry. He joined the Ornamental Fish International (OFI) in 2006 and has served as its President since 2016.

Liming Luo
President of the Guangdong Aquarium Association, and a member of the 16th Guangzhou Liwan District Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

After starting his own business in 2011, Luo became President of the E-commerce Branch of the Guangdong Aquarium Association in May 2015. In March 2021, he was elected President of the Guangdong Aquarium Association, which now has over 500 member enterprises. The association has developed into a social organization integrating seed breeding, live animal farming, education, equipment R&D, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and international exhibitions, boasting leading comprehensive strength, appeal, and influence in the international ornamental fish industry. Fish selected by the association have won numerous international awards, significantly contributing to the advancement of China's aquarium industry status.

Serafín Clemente Almenara-Roldán

Mexican Marine Biologist with a specialty in National Marine Parks Management. An aquarium hobbyist for 55 years and a professional in the sector since 1988. He has served as an international judge at Aquarama Singapore on four occasions, evaluating categories such as guppies, marine aquascaping, planted aquariums, and American cichlids. Member of the Board of Advisors of Ornamental Fish International (1994–1998). General Director of AZOO Mexico since 2001. Scientific evaluator and official specialist in ornamental aquatic organisms registered with the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), the CITES authority in Mexico. Mexico's representative at the International Workshop on CITES Implementation for Seahorse Conservation and Trade (2004). He has written and published articles in both Mexican and international aquarium hobbyist magazines.

Danilo Ronchi
He is the founder and editor-in-chief of DaniReef.com, one of Italy’s leading media platforms dedicated to marine aquariums, freshwater aquariums, and the international aquatics industry. Since 2007, he has reported on major exhibitions, technical innovations, and market developments through articles, reviews, interviews, and video reports, with part of his editorial work also published in English. He is the author of a book on aquariums and collaborates with American, German, and British media outlets. Through his long-standing commitment to the industry, Danilo brings to the judging panel editorial experience, international vision, and a deep appreciation for innovation and excellence in aquatics.

Eugene
Chief Operating Officer of China Tropica Aquarium (CTA), one of the most influential aquarium media in China; Moderator of the Product Testing section; Editor-in-Chief of the CTA official WeChat account; and Head of the CTA Real Evaluation Studio. He enjoys researching various equipment and ecosystem setups and is committed to sharing and popularizing aquarium knowledge among all aquarium enthusiasts.

Will
Head of Pet & Aquarium category,Taobao and Tmall Group, overseeing the full category's operations. With years of deep involvement in the pet e-commerce sector, he manages platform category growth, brand incubation, and merchant ecosystem development. Leveraging the platform's leading industry advantages, he continuously explores new trends in aquarium consumption, supports the online expansion of domestic and international pet brands, and promotes the standardization of the online aquarium pet industry.

The 2026 CIPS Innovation Awards are still open for entries: New categories, professional judging, and winners get direct access to the NEWⁿ New Product Zone. The next industry benchmark is waiting for you to define it.

Scan the QR code to register now!