Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THIS OUR FIRST SHOW?
No. Not by any means.

Our first pet show was at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Fall 2010. However, we’ve been producing The Home ShowS since 1986.  Not to brag, but a show “producer” doesn’t last a quarter century without “producing.” 

And, contrary to some opinions, all our 1st year shows do well. This was proven with the success of our first Chicago Pet Show in St. Charles and, for that matter, all of our first year shows. A successful production depends upon the producer.

We’re now planning Chicago Pet Shows for other suburbs including Darien. After all, no matter what breed, adopted and fostered pets never complain when placed with loving, caring families . . . anywhere.  More shows means more opportunities to save more pets.

WHAT ATTENDANCE CAN WE ANTICIPATE?
Last year, we hoped for 2000 attendees over 2 days (Sat & Sun). We were pleasantly surprised to have three times that attendance.

However, we can make no promises since each show is different. The economy, weather and other factors determine attendance.  What we do know is without exhibiting there’s no exposure for YOUR organization. You have to ‘show’ to ‘sell.’  We’ll do everything possible to assure a successful event. That allows us to survive and expand.

HOW IS THE SHOW PROMOTED?
Direct mail postcards, display ads in newspapers and discount coupons are the primary advertising mix. We also send announcements to radio and TV stations to reinforce our advertising. All of this is an expense well worth it.

Some shows are produced by publishers who only promote through their own publication. They do little or no advertising elsewhere.  That severely limits show exposure and exhibitor productivity.

‘REVENUE SHARING’ – WHAT IS IT?
We share revenue with Rescues, Shelters and Humane Societies who distribute discount coupons for the show.  This is not a token donation. Charities receive half the proceeds (50/50) ~ $3.00 per paid admission.

Their help, announcing the show, helps all exhibitors: charities and commercial exhibits.
Commercial exhibitors are also asked to recommend charities and distribute coupons on their behalf. 

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EVENTS?
The Chicago Pet Show was founded upon promoting adoptions and foster care and sharing revenue with organizations that care for pets to save pets from extermination.  Promoting adoptions and fosters through shows is a way to free up available resources to save even more abandoned pets.
Revenue sharing produces a financial benefit for the charities for that exhibit, and that means stability.

Conversely, other shows are merely profit oriented.  They use pets as their ‘attraction,’ sharing none of their revenue with the organizations that bring the pets. They simply fail to understand our cooperative approach – between Rescues, Shelters and Humane Societies, commercial exhibitors and our focus on community of animal lovers.  By emphasizing profits, they don’t help pet adoption and foster care, only their bottom line.

ARE YOUR EVENTS WORTH THE RISK?
Everything involves risk — these days, more so than ever.

Having produced more than 150 shows over more than 25 years, our success is based upon developing and repeating successful behavior. To distill risk down to a Return On Investment, we know this:
Do more = receive more.  Do less = receive less.  Do nothing = receive nothing.

What it means to you as an exhibitor is, if you don’t exhibit, you should. It’s the most successful way to reach new people who’ll contribute to your success as a Rescue, Shelter or Humane Society, and the success of every commercial enterprise –  which obviously benefits by saving pets – the ultimate consumers of pet products and services.

In our opinion, YOUR success depends upon YOUR participation. That’s a risk you can’t miss.
            We’re doing all we can.
            How about you?