What We Learned on the Ground at Aviation Festival Americas

From countless cuddles to crucial conversations — our time at Aviation Festival Americas was nothing short of pawsome.

As a pet travel startup, stepping into an aviation-focused space filled with tech-heavy solutions (and not a single other pet company in sight) could’ve been a wildcard. But it turned out to be a strategic win, not just for visibility, but for real-time learning.

Here are a few key takeaways from our time on the ground in Miami:

1. Location, Location, Location

Being front and center really mattered. Booth placement gave us prime visibility, and foot traffic was noticeably higher because of it. For future events, we'll be advocating for high-traffic spots — it’s worth the investment.

2. Signage That Speaks (and Woofs)

Our booth signage featuring Peru — our Head of Barketing — was a total crowd magnet. A cute dog on a professional board? Irresistible. It reminded us that professional doesn’t have to mean boring, and a bit of personality can go a long way.

3. Stand Out by Standing Alone

In a sea of startups offering variations of the same solutions, being the only company focused on pets gave us an edge. We weren’t just different, we were memorable. Attending a high-value conference that wasn’t crowded with pet-focused competitors proved to be a smart move for deeper conversations and strategic networking.

4. Peru Wasn’t Essential — But He Was Everything

Did we need our office dog Peru at the booth? Technically, no. But did he open the door to some of our best conversations? Absolutely. While some visitors just stopped by for a hug (and who could blame them?), his presence made us more approachable. Meanwhile, being able to offer on-the-spot demos of our app helped keep the focus on what we do and turned interest into real curiosity.

5. Swap Cards… Kinda Meh

We learned that conference app swap cards don’t guarantee connection. Most people didn’t reply. But they did see us and that alone puts us on their radar. For high-value targets, it’s one more breadcrumb in a bigger trail of awareness.

6. First Impressions Happen Fast

The window to make an impact is short. Traffic dipped after 3 PM on Day 1 and stayed slow most of Day 2 except for the steady stream of Peru fans. We’re now thinking more intentionally about time-blocked outreach and booth activity early on, when people are most engaged.

7. Everyone Loves a Freebie

Who doesn’t love swag? A fun idea for the future: a Peru-inspired plush dog toy with a QR code linking to our platform or contact details. Functional, memorable, and 100% on brand.

Aviation Festival Americas gave us far more than booth time. It gave us insight. Into how people connect. Into how we stand out. And into just how powerful it is to show up: authentically, playfully, and purposefully.

We’re building a future where pet travel is stress-free, safe, and globally accessible. And this was one giant paw-step forward!

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