CHICAGO, Ill.—H.H. Backer Associates has rescheduled its 2011 Pet Industry Spring Trade Show for April 13-15, 2011, at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, N.J., based on buyer feedback in an Internet-based survey conducted by the company in May.

Retail buyers responding to a survey indicated that location is a critical factor when they are deciding which trade shows to attend. In addition, they identified Atlantic City as the preferred location for Backer’s Spring Trade Show. Approximately 80% of survey respondents travel by car to trade
shows, and most live in the densely populated states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

H.H. Backer’s decision to adopt a new midweek schedule ensures that attendees will be able to book hotel rooms at significantly lower rates than in previous years. In fact, most room rates will be under $100 a night, according to Colette Fairchild, trade show director for H.H. Backer Associates. “The decision to return to Atlantic City hinged first and foremost on what buyers wanted,” said Fairchild. “Buyers wanted a venue that’s easy to get to and more affordable overall, especially in light of the current economy.

“When we moved the Spring Trade Show to Baltimore in 2008, those issues weren’t as vital as they are today. We realize a change has to be made, and we’re confident that moving back to Atlantic City will draw more buyers and exhibitors alike, especially on the aquatic side,” she added.

Future dates for Backer’s Pet Industry Spring Trade Show are April 18-20, 2012, and April 10-
12, 2013, at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Backer’s Spring Trade Show will feature longer show hours to accommodate buyers’ varyingschedules. The exhibit hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15.

Exhibitor information on the 2011 show will be available in early August, while buyer information, including hotel and airline options, will be available at  on Dec. 15, 2010.

For more information, visit www.hhbacker.com.