Pet industry gathers in Sydney for AusPet Industry Expo 2026

With over 1,400 registered attendees and 115 exhibitors, the 2026 AusPet Industry Expo was two days of wheeling, dealing, and networking for the pet industry.

The two-day trade event, held on 2 and 3 September at the Horden Pavilion in Sydney, brought together groomers, breeders, retailers, veterinary professionals, aquatics experts, manufacturers and suppliers from across the pet and aquaria industry.

The event gave attendees direct access to new and existing suppliers, with exhibitors showcasing emerging trends and product innovations alongside established pet care brands.

Anthony Ramsey, CEO of the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA), said the responses was overwhelmingly positive.

“Attendees valued the opportunity to discover new products, speak directly with suppliers and reconnect with colleagues from across the industry. Exhibitors also commented on the quality of the conversations and the strong level of engagement from trade visitors.

“There was a real sense of energy across the two days, with businesses actively building relationships, sharing ideas and exploring new commercial opportunities.

“We also introduced initiatives designed to generate stronger engagement and greater value for exhibitors, including the Passport to Profit activation, digital lead capture and an expanded New Product Showcase. These helped create more reasons for attendees to explore the entire event and have meaningful conversations with exhibitors.”

Esther Goh, Marketing and Memberships Manager at PIAA, said events like this are incredibly important for the industry.

“While businesses can communicate online, there is no substitute for meeting face-to-face, seeing products firsthand and building genuine professional relationships.

“AusPet Industry Expo gives the industry a place to come together, exchange knowledge, identify opportunities and discuss the challenges affecting pet businesses. It also provides emerging brands with industry exposure and gives established businesses an opportunity to strengthen their relationships with customers and partners.”

Day one closed with a networking and drinks function that doubled as the PIAA Achievement Awards, recognising businesses and individuals the association said were “driving Australia’s pet industry forward through innovation, leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to excellence”.

Industry awards

Dr Josiah Pit of Aquarium Industries received the Pioneer Evio Contenati Award, recognising more than two decades spent professionalising Australia’s aquatics sector through science, operations and education.

The Kevin Pakes Perpetual Achievement Award went to Anna Harch of iGroomHub and iGroomSchool, who developed a new behaviour-informed grooming course over the past year while advancing a national education pathway.

Chris Alogdellis, 25, of Allfish2u won the Young Entrepreneur Excellence Award after transforming a Western Sydney aquarium shop into a destination retailer, doubling both sales and store footprint.

Robert Thompson of Claws N Paws Pet Supplies took the Retail Excellence Award, having opened a larger store in Montrose after years in temporary premises while retaining its free six-point health check.

Phillip Kerr of Minibeasts Enterprises won the Fastest Growing Business Award, with the company lifting revenue more than 30 per cent and earnings 40 per cent over twelve months.

Darren Forner of Aus Organic Feeds claimed the Best Newcomer Award, growing the business into a $2 million supplier with 23 products across three categories in its first year.

Sophie Gower of Lunabelles Grooming won the Grooming Excellence Award, reaching Masters level in three years and drawing eight nominations, seven of them submitted independently by peers and clients.

Kelly Mcleish of Janarlee Lodge took the Boarding and Pet Services Excellence Award, also recognised through eight nominations from across the industry.

Davy Kong of Kong’s Australia won the Supplier and Manufacturer Excellence Award for launching new ranges alongside regular store visits, training and education support for retailers.

Ben Brayford of Living Oceans Aquariums received the Aquatics Excellence Award after raising more than $1 million in the business’s first commercial year and bringing an all-inclusive living-ecosystem aquarium platform to market.

Best Fur Forward took out the top prize for its Matcha Plant-Based Clumping Cat Litter, made entirely from plant-based material and packaging.

Best new product showcase awards

As the second day came to a close, the winners of the New Product Showcase were announced by Anthony Ramsey, CEO of the PIAA. Below is the list of companies that picked up awards for their products:

Reptile – Pet Pacific

Aquatic – Living Oceans

Dog – Petsafe Brands

Cat – Petsafe Brands

Grooming – Heiniger Progroom

Bird /  Small Animal – Pet One

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