NEW YORK – Walking into New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, a sense of jubilation filled the air. There, on the main level, was the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon exhibit presented by New Balance, where runners gathered to pick up their running gear.
After an escalator ride, the mood was equally upbeat at New York Vet 2022, a two and a half day veterinary educational conferenceproduced by CloserStill Media, was in full swing. The number of participants was over 3,000, double that of 2021, and there were 204 exhibitors.
“We’ve tripled the number of attendees at this show, there are 50% more exhibitors, more floor space and more cinemas. There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm here. We’re focused on quality content because that’s one of the reasons attendees are here,” said Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media.
CloserStill Media is known for delivering premier events across the US, Europe and Asia. The company has seen substantial growth since entering the US market in 2019 with the launch of New York Vet, as well as the acquisition of FocusZone, an event dedicated to corporate learning and learning technology.
CloserStill Media plans to expand
Yancy Weinrich, President of CloserStill Media, North America, spoke with Trade Fair Manager during the show to talk about the future of the growing global events company. “We plan to double the size of our U.S. business in the next two to three years,” she said.
CloserStill Media, which started in London, is known for designing spaces that encourage attendees to interact with each other as well as exhibitors with a focus on education. This gathering was no different. There was a trade show, three clinical theatres, a business theatre, two veterinary technician theatres and sponsor-led practical workshops.
The New York Vet Show offers a comprehensive continuing education program and some of this year’s sessions were sold out. A new exhibit area welcomed smaller, newer companies that will have the opportunity to migrate to the main show area at a later date.
In addition to the excitement on site, a sales office at the show was extremely busy with exhibitors booking for upcoming shows. Lunch is served in the middle of the show floor by choice.
Related: For CloserStill Media US, face-to-face events are the way forward
Focus on CSR
Corporate social responsibility is an initiative of the Vet Show and at the show, bandanas were decorated and donated to the North Shore Animal League. Shelter animals looking for a home will receive these colorful accessories.
Jeff Corwin, a well-known biologist and wildlife advocate, as well as creator, executive producer and host of Wildlife Nation, has enjoyed enormous success and his stories of environmental stewardship, conservation and the plight of imperiled wildlife have been well-received.
After the keynote address, Corwin mingled with the group at the opening night party at the Hudson Mercantile, a few blocks from the Javits Center. Not only were the dogs at the show a hit, but so were the goats. One dog took on added significance: Wallace, the unofficial mascot of the New York Vet Show. Wallace is part of VIN, the veterinary information network that shares conference proceedings with attendees. He was available for photos and selfies, and his image was scattered around the show floor as part of a scavenger hunt. Those who answered the “Where’s Wallace?” question received a prize and were also entered for a chance to win a $250 gift card. Wallace is a cute and effective way to ensure that every area of the show gets visited. It also helps raise awareness on social media, as attendees were encouraged to post their selfies with Wallace using the tags #NewYorkVet and @USVetShows.
Contact Yancy Weinrich at y.weinrich@closerstillmedia.com
