Why Partner With KC Pet Fest?

If you’re looking to align your brand with a high-energy audience in the Midwest, KC Pet Fest is where your customers are gathering!

KC Pet Fest is a professionally produced pet festival built to connect brands with engaged pet owners in the Kansas City market and beyond.

We are creating a curated, experience-driven event that prioritizes quality exhibitors, strategic marketing, and strong event execution. Our audience attends to discover new products, meet trusted businesses, and invest in their pets’ health, wellness, and lifestyle.

For vendors and sponsors, that means:

  • A well-organized, professionally managed event

  • Targeted exposure to pet consumers

  • Thoughtful exhibitor mix to avoid oversaturation

  • Long-term partnership opportunities

Built with a strong focus on animal welfare, safety, and responsible pet interaction, KC Pet Fest prioritizes clear policies, professional operations, and animal-first messaging to ensure a positive experience for pets, people, and partners alike.

Move-In

Friday, October 30th, 2026, 9 am - 6 pm

Show Days

Saturday, October 31st, 2026, 10 am - 8 pm Sunday, November 1st, 2026, 10 am - 5 pm

Move-Out

Sunday, November 1st, 2026, 5:30 pm - 8 pm

Want to become an exhibitor?

We are looking for pet-focused and animal-related vendors and brands to join us to deliver a one of a kind event for the KC pet community!

Your Questions, Answered

    • Event advertising on TV, billboards, and social media that direct customers to come see you in-person and online

    • Around 5,000 in-person looks at your company over the course of the event

    • Thousands of website visits during the month of the event and in the prior months

    • Social media shoutouts available on our growing social networks

    • Ability to include your products in event giveaways.

    • Inclusion in our Vendor Visibility Program

    • Central location during the event between all major entrances and exits, so you’ll have traffic all the time

    • Opportunity to apply to be featured on KC Metro local news stations

    • Hotel room block discounts

  • To sign up, please register by pasting ____ into a new tab.

    To save your spot, please email valerie@rieroseevents.com.

  • 1. The Established Pet Household

    Primary Audience | Gen X | Upper-Middle Income | Homeowners

    This segment represents experienced, long-term pet owners with strong purchasing power and established routines.

    Profile Snapshot

    • Majority dog owners (typically 1–2 dogs, 25–50 lbs)

    • 10+ years of pet ownership experience

    • Many adopted or rescued their pets

    • Homeowners with fenced yards

    • Use core services: vet care, grooming, boarding

    • Purchase health products, supplements, dental care, flea/tick prevention

    • Research before buying and trust reviews

    Mindset
    Pets are family members. They invest in quality, safety, and longevity. They are willing to pay more for premium, functional, or customizable products but expect value and credibility.

    Opportunities for Vendors

    • Joint health & functional supplements

    • Orthopedic beds & large-dog products

    • Training & enrichment programs

    • Home-based pet upgrades (fencing, furniture, tech)

    • Veterinary, insurance, and wellness services

    • Cause-aligned brands (rescue, sustainability)

    2. The Modern Millennial Pet Parent

    Secondary Audience | Millennials | Experience-Driven | Socially Engaged

    This group views pets as “starter children” and integrates them into lifestyle and travel.

    Profile Snapshot

    • 1 dog or 1 cat household

    • Strong emotional attachment

    • Highly active on social media

    • Interested in pet-friendly travel & dining

    • Enjoy going places with their pet

    • Interested in sustainability and natural alternatives

    • Use apps, subscriptions, and digital tools

    • Budget-aware but still indulgent

    Mindset
    They prioritize experiences over products. They want to socialize with their pets and with other pet owners. They value brand storytelling, transparency, and community.

    Opportunities for Vendors

    • Travel-friendly products

    • Natural & eco-friendly supplies

    • Subscription services

    • Apparel & seasonal items

    • Interactive booths & shareable moments

    • Social clubs, training classes, workshops

    3. The Growing & New Pet Owner

    Emerging Segment | 1–3 Years Ownership | Learning-Oriented

    This segment is actively looking for guidance and education.

    Profile Snapshot

    • New pet within the last 3 years

    • Often adopted or acquired through friends/family

    • Interested in becoming a “better pet parent”

    • Seeking training, health guidance, and product education

    • Open to insurance and proactive care

    • Motivated by tips and expert advice

    Mindset
    They are researching heavily and are influenced by trusted recommendations. They want to do things “right.”

    Opportunities for Vendors

    • Training programs

    • Pet insurance

    • Functional health products

    • Vet partnerships

    • Educational demos

    • First-time owner bundles

    4. The Pet-Positive Non-Owner

    25% Non-Pet Owners | Future & Gift Buyers

    A notable portion of attendees may not currently own pets but are pet-positive consumers.

    Profile Snapshot

    • Attend with family or friends

    • Purchase gifts & seasonal items

    • Engage with adoption organizations

    • Interested in experiences

    • May have recently lost a pet

    Opportunities

    • Merchandise & apparel

    • Adoption partnerships

    • Holiday promotions

    • Brand awareness campaigns

    • Pet loss counseling

    5. The Specialty & Exotic Pet Enthusiast

    Niche but High-Engagement | Reptiles, Birds, Fish, Small Mammals

    While KC Pet Fest primarily attracts dog and cat owners, a growing segment of attendees own or are interested in specialty pets.

    Profile Snapshot

    • Reptile, bird, fish, rabbit, or small mammal owners

    • Invest in habitat upgrades, heating, filtration, and enrichment

    • Seek specialized care guides and expert advice

    • Highly research-driven and community-oriented

    • Often Gen Z and younger millennial skew

    Mindset
    They value expertise and customization. Generic products don’t work for them.

    Opportunities for Vendors

    • Habitat consultations

    • Specialty nutrition

    • Heating & filtration systems

    • Exotic veterinary services

    • Educational workshops

  • To maintain the integrity, safety, and focus of KC Pet Fest, the following products, services, and organizations are not permitted to exhibit:

    1. Political or Religious Organizations

    2. Non–Pet-Related Products or Services (Exceptions may be made for approved sponsors with strategic alignment.)

    3. Puppy Mills & Irresponsible Breeding Operations (KC Pet Fest supports responsible breeding practices, ethical sourcing, and animal welfare.

    4. On-Site Animal Sales (Without Prior Approval)

    • Adoption organizations may participate if vetted and compliant with local regulations.

    5. Unsafe or Inhumane Products

    6. Cannabis, THC, or Controlled Substances (CBD or hemp-derived products must comply with all federal and state regulations and receive prior approval)

    7. Weapons of any kind

    8. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Businesses (No MLM or direct sales organizations unless pre-approved and category-exclusive)

    KC Pet Fest reserves the right to deny participation to any exhibitor whose products, conduct, or brand positioning conflicts with the event’s mission, safety standards, or community values.

  • KC Pet Fest is a curated, professionally produced event designed to maximize exhibitor visibility and attendee experience. Booth placement and category mix are intentionally managed to ensure strong traffic flow and meaningful engagement.

    Standard Booth Space (10’ x 10’)

    Each standard booth includes:

    • 10’ x 10’ exhibit space

    • Company listing on the KC Pet Fest website

    • Inclusion in the official vendor directory

    • Pre-event marketing toolkit

    • Pipe & drape, table & table cloth, and chairs

    • Plus the perks listed in “What perks do exhibitors get?”

    Pricing

    • Early Bird Rate (until July 31st): $550

    • Standard Rate (until September 1st): $650

    • Final Rate (if space remains): $750

    Early registration is strongly encouraged. Categories may be capped to prevent oversaturation and protect vendor ROI.

    Corner Booth Upgrade

    Corner booths offer premium visibility with dual-aisle exposure and enhanced attendee traffic.

    • Corner Upgrade: +20% of selected booth rate

    Corner booths are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to early registrants.

    Additional Booth Discounts

    Exhibitors expanding their footprint receive discounted rates on additional spaces.

    • First Booth: Full rate

    • Second Booth: 10% off

    • Third Booth and Beyond: 15% off each additional booth

    Optional Add-Ons & Additional Expenses

    The following items are available at an additional cost through the official event decorator or venue:

    • Electricity access

    • Booth carpeting or upgraded flooring

    • Additional tables

    • Additional chairs

    • Linen rentals

    • Pipe and drape upgrades

    • Internet / Wi-Fi access

    • Water access

    • Drain access

    • Refrigeration or ice service

    • Material handling / freight services

    • Early move-in or extended load-out time

    All add-ons must be ordered in advance through the official exhibitor services provider. Pricing and ordering deadlines will be outlined in the Exhibitor Service Kit.

    Final Requirements

    Exhibitors are responsible for securing any required permits, insurance certificates, and health department approvals (if applicable to food or live animal services).

  • Bulk space is designed for brands creating larger-scale activations, immersive environments, product demonstrations, or expanded retail footprints beyond standard 10’ x 10’ booths.

    Minimum bulk purchase: 400 square feet.

    Bulk Space Pricing (Per Square Foot)

    • Early Bird Rate (until July 31st): $5.00 per sq ft

    • Standard Rate (until September 1st): $6 per sq ft

    • Final Rate (if space remains): $7.00 per sq ft

    Premium placement near entrances, feature areas, or headline attractions may carry adjusted pricing.

    All bulk layouts must be submitted for approval to ensure proper traffic flow, safety compliance, and overall event experience.

  • Yes! We have a variety of sponsorships available to all sorts of companies.

    I. Sponsorship Model

    1. Headlining Sponsor (1 Available)

    Includes:

    • “Presented By” naming rights

    • Logo on all marketing materials

    • Top website placement

    • Main stage mentions

    • Largest booth footprint (premium placement)

    • Email feature

    • Press inclusion

    • Social media integration

    • On-site signage dominance

    2. Experiential Sponsors (Category-Based)

    Examples:

    • Zen Zone Sponsor

    • Photo Experience Sponsors (3–4 available)

    • Education Stage Sponsor

    • Adoption Area Sponsor

    • Welcome Bag Sponsor

    Each includes:

    • Naming rights to the area

    • Branded signage

    • Website listing

    • Social media mention(s)

    • Email inclusion

    • On-site recognition

    These are perfect for:

    • Pet-adjacent businesses

    • Lifestyle brands wanting “pet-friendly” positioning

    3. Community Sponsor (Non-Pet Related)

    For companies that want pet-friendly association but no booth.

    Includes:

    • Logo on website

    • Logo on sponsor board

    • Social media thank you

  • Working with KC Pet Fest means working with a founder who is building intentionally, not casually.

    Valerie approaches events with both vision and structure. She thinks long-term, values professionalism, and is focused on creating something that grows year over year and helps industries and communities thrive.

    Partners can expect:

    • Clear, frequent communication and organized execution

    • Thoughtful vendor curation (no overcrowded, oversaturated, or chaotic floor plans)

    • Strong brand standards and presentation

    • Strategic marketing support

    • A collaborative but decisive leadership style

    KC Pet Fest is not positioned as a flea-market-style vendor show. It is a curated, experience-driven event designed to elevate pet culture in the Kansas City market.

    Valerie values:

    • Quality over clutter

    • Alignment over volume

    • Long-term relationships over one-time transactions

    For vendors and sponsors, that means you’re stepping into an event that is being built with care, credibility, and growth in mind.

  • For Vendors...

    The KC Pet Fest delivers access to a large, motivated audience that is emotionally connected to their pets and ready to discover products and services that improve their lives. Interactive booths, product demonstrations, testing opportunities, and direct engagement allow brands to build trust, generate leads, and drive real sales—not just impressions.

  • For Community Partners & Nonprofits...

    The KC Pet Fest provides a platform to advocate for adoption, education, animal welfare, and responsible ownership while connecting with thousands of attendees who care deeply about animals and want to get involved.

  • For Sponsors...

    The KC Pet Fest offers high-visibility brand integration in an emotionally resonant environment where people are engaged, present, and open to connection. Sponsorship opportunities range from experiential activations and naming rights to education stages, competitions, and pet-centric experiences.

Contact us

Interested in working together, but still have some questions? Please fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!