Post-Show Success Tips for Connect Attendees

Congratulations! You made the most of your time at Connect...Canada’s Pet Trade Expo. The energy of the show floor, the excitement of discovering new products, and the buzz of meeting like-minded pet industry professionals all add up to an incredible experience. But the real ROI happens after the show.

Here’s how to turn all that inspiration, and those stacks of business cards, into meaningful action that moves your business forward.

1. Organize Your Contacts

Before the excitement fades, gather up the business cards, brochures, and notes you collected during the show. Take the time to sort through everything and add important contacts to your CRM or email lists. Label each contact with helpful notes about how you met, what you discussed, and any follow-up needed. A little organization now saves a lot of confusion later.

2. Follow Up Promptly

Timing is everything. Reach out to new suppliers, manufacturers, partners, or industry friends while the connection is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Send a quick thank-you email or LinkedIn connection request. Personalize your message with a reminder of your conversation, it shows you’re serious about building a relationship.

3. Review the Exhibitor List

Even the best-planned show visit can leave a few missed opportunities. Revisit the official Connect exhibitor list or floor plan here to make sure you didn’t overlook a supplier or service that could benefit your business. If you missed someone, don’t be shy, reach out now and introduce yourself.

https://connectniagara2025.expofp.com/

4. Evaluate Samples & Show Specials

Chances are you brought home a few product samples and special offers. Don’t let them gather dust! Test out the samples, share them with your team or customers for feedback, and review any deals or discounts you picked up. Making decisions while these are top of mind helps you lock in savings and fresh stock before your competitors do.

5. Share Key Takeaways

If you attended Connect with your team, set aside time for a quick debrief session. Share what you learned, trends you noticed, and ideas that sparked your interest. This is a great way to align everyone on new opportunities, supplier leads, and fresh marketing ideas, plus, it keeps the excitement alive!

6. Update Your Strategy

Take a step back and ask: How can what I discovered at Connect help my business grow? Maybe you saw an innovative product display that could inspire your store layout, or you learned about a new trend in pet nutrition that your customers will love. Capture these insights and add them to your marketing, purchasing, or merchandising plans while they’re still fresh.

7. Plan Ahead for 2026

The best way to maximize your trade show success is to make it an annual priority. Mark your calendar now for Connect...Canada's Pet Trade Expo, March 4 & 5, 2026, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Planning ahead means you’ll have the budget, time, and team buy-in to make your next visit even more impactful.

8. Stay Connected

Your Connect experience doesn’t end when you leave the show floor. Stay in the loop by following Connect on social media and signing up for the newsletter. You’ll get updates, industry insights, and early-bird opportunities for future shows, so you’re always ahead of the curve.

Keep the Momentum Going

Attending a trade show is a big investment of your time and money, but the real payoff is how you use what you learned afterward. Follow these tips to build lasting connections, make smarter buying decisions, and grow your business all year long.

See you at Connect 2026! 🐾