STAMFORD, CONN. — On Aug. 9, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) detailed five promotions throughout its tradeshow operations and membership sales departments. The personnel will aid in the upcoming Global Pet Expo 2023, scheduled for March 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Kate Stewart has been promoted to vice president of tradeshow management. In her new role, Stewart will direct the trade show team, leading the team’s day-to-day operations and working closely with the show’s contractor. Since originally joining APPA in 2011, Stewart has received certification in Exhibition Management and recognition from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). She also serves on the New York IAEE Local Chapter Board and the IAEE National Young Professionals Committee.

Chris Bonifati has been promoted to senior director of tradeshow development. Bonifati originally joined APPA in 2015 and will now oversee tradeshow operations in his new role. With expertise in data analytics, he will facilitate attendee registration, help expand programming, and maintain Global Pet Expo’s brand while using a data-drive approach to help evolve the tradeshow. Bonifati has a certification in Exhibition Management and is a member of the IAEE National Young Professionals Committee.

Tracey Wilson has been promoted to senior director of tradeshow planning and operations. Wilson joined APPA in 2000 and will now be responsible for vendor and onsite staffing management for Global Pet Expo, as well as the trade show’s Global Learning Series, exhibitors and the New Products Showcase. She has certification in Exhibition Management and is a member of several organizations, including IAEE, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PMCA).

Karyn Bennitt has been promoted to director of booth and membership sales, in which she will lead APPA’s membership growth goals through acquisition and retention initiatives. Bennitt originally joined the association in 2008, aiding in the expansion of its education program and membership benefits.

Elizabeth Valencia has been promoted to manager of exhibitor and attendee services. She originally joined APPA in 2019 and helped advance the association’s trade show team. Valencia will now assist with recruitment and retention of buyers and exhibitors, as well as help with booth sales and assignments, and buyer and exhibitor services for Global Pet Expo.

“Congratulations to these professionals,” said Chuck Latham, chair of the board at APPA and founder of H&C Animal Health. “The board is also excited for Peter Scott to take the helm as the association’s new chief executive officer.”

APPA originally announced that Peter Scott would join the association as chief executive officer in June 2022. Scott is set to assume his role on Aug. 15.

“I continue to be impressed with what the entire APPA organization has accomplished in recent years,” Scott said. “I am eager to join the team and see what we will do together throughout the remainder of the year and into the future.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.