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Petfood Forum opens registration and continues its 35-year tradition of connecting the pet food industry
Registration is open for Petfood Forum 2027, taking place April 26-28 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The event’s 35th anniversary will bring pet food professionals together for three days of education, supplier connections and industry networking, with new experiences planned for 2027.
Kickoff rates are available through November 30, 2026. Register for Petfood Forum 2027 to secure the lowest rates offered for this year’s event.
“For 35 years, Petfood Forum has brought together the people and ideas that move the pet food industry forward,” said Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood and events, with WATT Global Media. “We’re building on what attendees value most: relevant education, access to suppliers and the opportunity to have conversations that lead to new business.”
More to experience in the expo hall
The Petfood Forum exhibition hall will be the largest in the show’s history. The show floor is being designed with improved traffic flow, dedicated exhibitor space for startup suppliers, expanded content and engagement areas, and more places for attendees and exhibitors to meet and talk.
The exhibition hall is more than a place to visit supplier booths. Attendees can explore ingredients, equipment, packaging and technologies; hear presentations on two Tech Talk stages; and connect with peers during meals and receptions. The Interzoo Pavilion will also return, bringing international pet food suppliers to Kansas City.
Attendees can also participate in Women in Petfood Leadership activities, hear student research in the Future of Petfood Pavilion and visit with pet charities (and meet the puppies!) in the expo hall.
Introducing The Operational Edge on Monday, April 26
New for 2027, The Operational Edge: Optimizing Your Pet Food Manufacturing Pipeline will take place Monday, April 26.
Designed for plant managers and the operators, engineers and supervisors on their teams, this one-day pre-conference seminar will focus on making pet food safely, consistently and efficiently.
Industry experts will cover:
- Processing technologies.
- Preventive maintenance.
- Changeover efficiency.
- Automation.
- Ingredient sourcing.
- Regulatory developments.
- Ways to manage energy and production costs.
Roundtable discussions and a closing panel will give participants opportunities to ask questions and discuss how to apply what they learn. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Educational content to grow your skills
Jack Bobo, executive director of UCLA’s Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, will deliver the opening keynote on Tuesday, April 27, exploring why the future belongs to pet food.
Expert-led sessions will address nutrition and ingredients, market and marketing, processing and operations, and safety and regulatory topics.
The event will conclude on Wednesday, April 28, with a panel discussion examining lessons learned and progress made in the 20 years since the 2007 melamine-related pet food recalls.
Additional program details will be announced as plans are finalized.
First For Forum offers a chance to attend for free
The First For Forum program returns for 2027, offering pet food professionals who have never attended Petfood Forum a chance to attend for free.
Nominations are now open and must be submitted by November 6, 2026
Petfood Forum 2027 registration is now open
“Whether someone comes to find a new ingredient, learn about a manufacturing approach or meet a potential partner, we want them to leave with ideas and relationships they can put to work,” Akins concluded.
Make plans to connect with the pet food industry in Kansas City, April 26-28, 2027. Review the registration options to choose the expo hall, educational sessions and pre-conference programming that fit your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Petfood Forum 2027?
Petfood Forum 2027 will take place April 26-28 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. The Operational Edge pre-conference seminar and opening reception take place Monday, April 26, followed by the Petfood Forum conference and exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday.
When do the lowest registration rates end?
The lowest registration rates for Petfood Forum 2027 are available through November 30, 2026. Visit the registration page to review ticket options and prices.
Tickets include access to the expo hall with the option to add-on access to educational sessions and the Monday pre-conference seminar.
What is new at Petfood Forum 2027?
New programming includes The Operational Edge, a one-day seminar for pet food operations and manufacturing professionals. Expo hall plans include dedicated space for startup suppliers, improved traffic flow, expanded content and engagement areas, and more opportunities for informal meetings. The event will also feature two Tech Talk stages.
Who is the opening keynote speaker?
Jack Bobo, executive director of UCLA’s Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, will deliver the opening keynote on Tuesday, April 27. His presentation will explore why the future belongs to pet food.
About the author
Lynzee Branstetter
Marketing Manager for Petfood Forum and WATT Global Media
Lynzee develops and leads marketing strategy across Petfood Forum and WATT Global Media’s pet food industry events portfolio, focusing on audience growth, brand strategy, and connecting pet food manufacturing professionals with educational and networking opportunities. She has worked in the pet food and animal ag industries for 15+ years.