Interview with Ignasi Solana, Curator FORUM and General Secretary of AEDPAC

Iberzoo Propet is now established as an annual event that brings the entire sector together. What do you think is the secret of this consolidation?

Iberzoo Propet was created to be different to other leading European fairs, making it unique in the trade fair context. The formula is based on uniting the entire sector value chain under one roof: veterinarians, laboratories, manufacturers, distributors, food, products, equipment, accessories, and all types of services.

This fusion of actors and sectors, which raised some justified doubts in the early days, has been the key to its success. It has been proven to create synergies, optimise resources, and add value to the exhibitor and visitor experience, allowing attendees to make the most from their time and enabling exhibitors to connect with different audiences.

Do you think it might become an international fair?

It already is. It receives more international visitors and exhibitors every year. Although competition in Europe is fierce and deeply rooted in the commercial policies of Spanish companies that attend as exhibitors and visitors, the enormous progress that Iberzoo Propet has made in recent years is evident. It is now a benchmark in the international circuit of fairs in the sector. We are aware that increasingly, both international media and event and congress organisers from other countries are paying attention to what is happening here. Notably, the editor-in-chief of PETS Global/PETS International will be giving a presentation at the FORUM, in addition to providing media coverage of the event. This would have been unthinkable a few years ago. The transition to the internationalisation of a fair of this nature is complex and takes time, but we are on the right path; we have solid arguments to continue our efforts. The Madrid factor is one of them.

Do you think professional visitors fit this model?

Without a doubt. It is evident in the satisfaction scores awarded to IFEMA every year. The model works. Not only does it allow them to optimise their time, but it also reflects the reality of how the pet care market is structured in Spain, where the majority of clinics and veterinary health centres have a shop for products or services, and a significant portion of retail chains and pet shops offer veterinary services, among others. The model is gaining traction due to a combination of factors related to business profitability and the needs of clients themselves.

What are the main innovations or changes introduced in this edition compared to previous years?

Portugal is the guest country since Portuguese visitors are far more numerous and assiduous than those from other countries. It is important from a strategic standpoint to define the Iberzoo Propet brand in the territory. What’s more, the term Iberia is already accepted by much of the industry. The association between both countries gives muscle to the event because it consolidates the perception of its area of influence in southern Europe. It is also strengthened because it connects and hosts contents and products from the LATAM one. This makes the Iberzoo Propet proposal interesting and different for foreign visitors and exhibitors.

Do you think that it is important to provide content of interest to visitors as well as the trade fair?

It’s essential. A fair is, by definition, an experiential event involving physical contact and personal relationships, and also serving as a generator of knowledge and trends. It allows attendees to get first-hand information and data on site to understand where the market is heading, how the competition is moving, and how customer needs are evolving. This can only happen at an in-person fair. A digital or written platform just cannot replace it.

What activities is the association laying on this year?

In addition to its role as co-promoter of the fair alongside its colleagues at AMVAC, AEDPAC promotes the FORUM of the industry and commerce sector, which is celebrating its seventh edition this year.

We also participate in the awarding of the Antón Awards and directly promote awards for Business Career and Entrepreneur of the Year, which this year includes a new award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that we are presenting together with the Directorate-General for Animal Protection. 

This year, we are also collaborating with the Directorate-General for Animal Protection to bring an exhibition of photographs by photographers who won the “Amigos de Animales” contest promoted by the Directorate to the event. The exhibition was previously displayed at the ministry headquarters.

Holding the VetMadrid Congress to coincide with Iberzoo Propet also adds value.

VetMadrid is a real driving force for Iberzoo Propet. Due to its ability to attract the veterinary profession, the prestige of the participating speakers who, year after year, develop scientific and academic content that adds value and knowledge to the sector. The quality of their presentations is comparable to any top-tier international congress, and its organisation, overseen by the AMVAC team, is impeccable.

As the curator of the FORUM, what would you highlight about this seventh edition?

This edition is probably the most comprehensive in its history. The round table discussions will address very current topics. From analysing the new retail ecosystem in the pet care sector following the implementation of the Animal Welfare Law (LBA), the current establishment of a pet-friendly culture in Spanish society, the analysis of global trends that will shape the development of the international pet care market, to the myths and realities surrounding new diets in pet food, the importance of corporate social responsibility policies for brands to connect with pet parents, the perspective of public administration on animal welfare and protection in Spain in 2025, and the impact of the medication law on the veterinary sector. The programme will conclude with a round table discussion about the current and future state of the veterinary profession in our country.

It is worth highlighting the participation of entities and associations with which we share experiences in other areas, contributing value and knowledge in the selection of topics and speakers. ANFAAC, CEVE, AMVAC, and the Directorate-General of Animal Rights will present several talks and round table discussions of great interest to the entire sector.

It has become traditional for AMVAC and AEDPAC to present data reports on the sector during the sector's afternoon meeting on Thursday. What will be dealt with this year?

AEDPAC will present the first barometer of pet parents in Spain and Portugal, featuring a comprehensive and rigorous study conducted by HAMILTON. This will provide us with unprecedented and revealing data that will allow us to better understand the differences, profiles, and similarities in the habits and behaviours of pet parents in both countries.

Lastly, and on a personal note:

Do you have or have you ever had a pet? If so, what was it?

I've had two dogs. We adopted the first one from a shelter. We now have a Golden Retriever, Gala, which we acquired from a professional breeder and which is marvellous.

What does having her mean to your personal and family life?

I believe she contributes to creating harmony and family unity, as all members share the complicity and responsibility of caring for her. She goes everywhere with us. What’s more, the morning or late evening walk is an extremely relaxing moment.

How often do you take her to the vet?

Fortunately, rarely. We use a local, trusted veterinary clinic that has been operating in the neighbourhood for a long time.

Thank you!