A journey through 30 years of Petfood Forum

Petfood Forum celebrated 30 years of bringing the pet food industry together for networking, education and business on May 2-4, 2022, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo., USA.

“Petfood Forum has grown from an extremely small, niche tabletop show into what it is today – a place where thousands of global pet food professionals can collaborate, learn and build relationships. For 30 years, Petfood Forum has provided a gathering place, and we look forward to continuing to help the industry grow, evolve and connect.” – Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood and events, with WATT Global Media

The globally known conference and exhibition started on River Road in Des Plaines, Illinois, as a small event with only 100 people and 10 tabletop booths. The show eventually outgrew its Des Plaines venue and moved to the Hyatt in Rosemont, Illinois, right next to O’Hare International Airport. Still growing, the show then relocated to Schaumburg, Illinois, where it remained for several years. But by 2014, Petfood Forum had outgrown its space yet again. In 2015, Petfood Forum debuted at its new and current home, the Kansas City Convention Center.

In 2022, Petfood Forum attracted over 2,800 attendees and exhibitors from around the world.

The 2022 event featured an expanded exhibit hall floor where attendees engaged with 300+ supplier companies vital to global pet food manufacturers and brand owners. Additionally, the conference featured dozens of educational sessions, led by globally recognized experts focused on the latest pet food product innovations, consumer buying trends and the newest processing technologies.

Download the 30th Anniversary Yearbook PDF now for show details, insider interviews and anniversary celebrations.

Petfood Forum Alumni

• Pet Solutions Group CEO offers insight, advice about Petfood Forum –  Get to know Dr. George Collings >>
• MARS Petcare R&D professional reflects on Petfood Forum experiences – Get to know Dr. Gail Kuhlman >>
• Nutrition consultant discusses opportunities ahead of Petfood Forum – Get to know Dr. George Fahey >>
• Alltech global director reminisces on his Petfood Forum journey – Get to know Juan Gomez-Basauri, Ph.D. >>
• Kansas State University professor offers insight about Petfood Forum – Get to  know Dr. Greg Aldrich >>
• Summit Ridge Farms founder recalls Petfood Forum experiences – Get to know Mike Panasevich >>
• Animal nutrition consultant relies on Petfood Forum for education and networking – Get to know Randall Johnson, Ph.D. >>
• Ph.D. candidate makes pet food industry connections at Petfood Forum – Get to know Logan Kilburn >>
• Extru-Tech president counts on face-to-face interactions at Petfood Forum – Get to know Scott Krebs >>
• Freshpet R&D project leader leverages relationships built at Petfood Forum – Get to know Amanda Dainton >>
• NQV8 CEO reminisces on his Petfood Forum journey – Get to know John Kuenzi >>
• AAFCO executive director endorses Petfood Forum education and networking – Get to know Sue Hays >>
• Nulo Pet Food R&D Director finds product development inspiration at Petfood Forum – Get to know Heather Acuff, Ph.D. >>
• Pet food market research expert shares industry insights at Petfood Forum – Get to know David Sprinkle >>
• Pet Food Institute communications director relies on Petfood Forum to meet industry partners – Get to know Mary Emma Young >>

Thank you to these long-time exhibiting companies!

Save the dates for Petfood Forum 2023

Petfood Forum 2023 will provide numerous opportunities to network and have essential business dialogue with industry professionals from around the world, learn the latest in trends and innovations, discover new tools for success and share ideas. Make plans to attend on May 1-3, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.