• 10/07/2026
  • Interview

Organizer of the USA Partnership Pavilion at Interzoo 2026 reports positive results

At Interzoo 2026, the USA Partnership Pavilion provided 68 US exhibitors with a platform to showcase their companies and products. It was the first time the pavilion was organized by Kallmann Worldwide Inc. In this interview, Tom Kallmann, the company's President & CEO, looks back on his first Interzoo.

Written by Monika Seidendorf

A man giving a presentation on a stage.
Tom Kallmann, President & CEO of Kallmann Worldwide Inc., at the opening of the USA Partnership Pavilion

1. How would you evaluate Interzoo overall, and why was it such an important event for you?

Our U.S. companies are well-versed in the “art” of pet industry trade shows as we have some excellent events here in the States.  That said, when we (and they) entered Interzoo Nuremberg we came face to face with a whole new level of excellence and professional content.  The manner by which German shows conduct themselves sets the highest standard in the industry - that is a fancy way of saying, “we are blown away(!)” by the depth, breadth, and professionalism of the event AND the town that proudly hosts it.  For Kallman Worldwide, as this was our first time organizing the USA Partnership Pavilion at Interzoo, we also brought our “A” game with a top-notch Pavilion Meeting Point, a FORUM (Theater) that hosted some amazing presentations and hot meals for all our exhibitors every day!

Kallman’s success at Interzoo (and all shows) is mostly measured by the positive feedback we receive from our clients.  Our clients had nothing but positive news to share about the operations, logistics, or quality of the leads they obtained from the show.  Count on us, Kallman Worldwide, and count on an even larger U.S. presence in 2028!  Bravo to Team Interzoo!

 

2. Were there any particular highlights during the exhibition?

One of our most meaningful highlights was officially opening the USA Partnership Pavilion alongside Gordon Bonnet. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the strong U.S. industry presence at Interzoo and welcome our exhibitors to the show.

We were also honored to present a donation to Tierhilfe Franken, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for dogs in need. Supporting the communities where we conduct business is an important part of Kallman Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Kallman Worldwide, and it was especially meaningful to contribute to an organization working to improve the lives of animals in the region.

The session on the U.S. pet industry, held in our pavilion’s FORUM together with Dr Rowena Arzt from Interzoo organizer WZF, was another highlight. The session provided a valuable opportunity to spotlight the U.S. pet industry and share insights with an international audience.

Last but not least, our collaboration with leading industry associations such as the World Pet Association (WPA) and the American Pet Product Association (APPA) was a key factor in the success of our pavilion and the FORUM stage. It was instrumental in establishing the pavilion as a hub for business networking and professional exchange, and highlighted the influence of U.S. companies on the development of the international pet industry.

 

3. Do you plan to participate again with a Country Pavilion at the next Interzoo?

Absolutely. We are excited to return to Interzoo in 2028 with the USA Partnership Pavilion and are already actively recruiting U.S. companies to participate.

In August we joined the Interzoo team at SUPERZOO in Las Vegas to promote the event and encourage American companies to explore the international opportunities available through Interzoo. We look forward to building an even stronger U.S. presence in 2028 and welcoming both returning and first-time exhibitors to the pavilion.

 

4. If you had to describe Interzoo 2026 in three words, what would they be—and why?

Engaging. From the colorful and creative exhibits to the high-quality business meetings taking place throughout the halls, Interzoo consistently encouraged visitors to stop, explore, and connect. Our exhibitors were especially pleased with the quality of the leads and conversations generated during the show.

Joyful. It is difficult not to feel positive when surrounded by companies and professionals whose shared purpose is to enrich the lives of pets and the people who care for them. The many four-legged visitors roaming the halls added an especially memorable and uplifting energy to the event.

Global. Interzoo truly is the international marketplace for the pet industry. It brings together companies, ideas, products, and decisionmakers from around the world, creating an unmatched platform for building relationships and exploring new markets.

Thank you, Tom Kallmann, for the interview.

Author

Portrait Monika Seidendorf
Monika Seidendorf
Press & Public Relations Officer, Interzoo WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services