Petfood Forum
Frequently Asked Questions
General Conference and Trade Show Questions
What is Petfood Forum?
Petfood Forum, organized and hosted by WATT Global Media and Petfood Industry, is the pet food industry’s global conference and exhibition focused on research and technologies utilized in the development, formulation and processing of pet food and treats.
Petfood Forum is the pet food industry’s must-attend event for global networking and business, as well as for education on the latest research and trends in pet food manufacturing. Learn more about the history of Petfood Forum.
Currently, Petfood Forum features a three-day agenda and commences with the Petfood Essentials and an opening reception on Monday. The trade show is open on Tuesday & Wednesday.
Where is Petfood Forum located?
Petfood Forum is located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor in Kansas City, Missouri, USA at the Kansas City Convention Center.
Kansas City Convention Center
301 West 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
What are future dates for Petfood Forum?
2027: April 26-28
2028: May 1-3
2029: April 30-May 2
What companies will be exhibiting at Petfood Forum?
Petfood Forum attracts exhibitors from the pet food industry’s largest collection of companies that supply brand and private-label manufacturers with ingredient, additive and formulation solutions, processing and packaging equipment, flexible packaging solutions, co-packing solutions and services, and consulting and additional services, all in one location.
View the entire list of 2026 exhibitors, search by exhibitor name or by product category. A list of 2027 exhibitors will be available in January 2027.
What can I expect from the conference agenda?
Petfood Forum includes dozens of educational sessions held throughout the trade show and conference each year. The educational sessions are focused primarily on market trends and data, nutrition, ingredients, packaging, and processing and food safety.
Petfood Forum 2026 featured dynamic keynotes, concurrent sessions, 24 tech talk presentations and multiple oral and poster presentations given by select undergraduate, graduated and Ph.D. students, as well as industry researchers.
Full 2026 agenda and speaker details
🔔 Early agenda details for Petfood Forum 2027 will be released starting in October 2027. The agenda will feature all-new insights on pet food nutrition, ingredients, safety, processing, packaging and market trends.
What is Petfood Essentials?
Petfood Essentials is a one-day pre-conference seminar that takes place the day prior (Monday) to the commencement of Petfood Forum.
Each year, the pre-conference seminar offers a new theme where experts share knowledge about the unique benefits and challenges of producing and marketing pet food or treats in key areas like nutrition, processing, packaging, distribution, retailing, safety and testing. Additionally, the pre-conference workshop provides unique networking opportunities. Learn more.
Does Petfood Forum qualify for ARPAS CEUs?
Yes, Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials are the only ARPAS-credentialed events for eligible professionals in pet food. ARPAS members received 14 credits for attending Petfood Forum 2026 and 8 credits for attending Petfood Essentials 2026. Learn more
Who attends Petfood Forum?
Attendees include professionals working in pet food nutrition, ingredient and processing technologies, packaging, food science, R&D, product development, food safety, QA/QC, purchasing, import/export and regulatory compliance.
In 2026, Petfood Forum attracted 3600 pet food professionals from 43 countries and 381 supplier companies. See a sample list of past attendees
Where can I purchase the attendee or exhibitor list?
Petfood Forum does not sell our attendee or exhibitor list. Any message making these claims is not affiliated with Petfood Forum, Petfood Industry or WATT Global Media, and does not contain information from Petfood Forum about its attendees and should be treated as spam.
What is Petfood Forum's approach to sustainability?
Petfood Forum is committed to sustainability! We’re dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of our event. Our mission is to contribute to a cleaner and healthier future for pets and our planet.
See how we are making a difference and view our sustainability mission
When did Petfood Forum events get their start?
In 1992, Petfood Forum started as a small, 100-person and 10-tabletop event in Des Plaines, Illinois. 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. The 2015 show debuted at its new and current home, in Kansas City, in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor.
Does Petfood Forum serve the global pet food industry?
Yes, Petfood Forum, hosted in Kansas City, provides show visitors from all over the world with opportunities to network with industry peers, learn from leading pet food experts, visit with suppliers and transact business with one another on a global level. The 2025 edition of Petfood Forum attracted attendance from 50 countries including Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and many others.
Petfood Forum’s international events include: Petfood Forum Asia, Petfood Forum Europe and our newest event, Petfood Forum Brasil.
How are Petfood Industry magazine and WATT Global Media affiliated with Petfood Forum?
Both are owned by WATT Global Media, a full-service publishing and media company founded in 1917 that provides exceptional business content and solutions to the agribusiness industry. As an industry innovator, WATT Global Media has connected buyers and sellers in the poultry, pig, animal feed and pet food industries through its media channels for more than 100 years.
Petfood Forum’s international events include: Petfood Forum Asia and Petfood Forum Europe.
Logistics
What is the headquarter hotel for the next Petfood Forum and how do I reserve a room?
The Kansas City Marriott Downtown is the host hotel for Petfood Forum, which is conveniently located 1 block away from the Kansas City Convention Center. Attendees receive special group discounts at the Marriott Downtown and Loews Kansas City Convention Center Hotel, based on availability.
Please refer to our Hotel and Travel section for more information on our suggested hotels and room block details and deadlines.
PLEASE BE AWARE: In order to appropriately and safely secure your hotel rooms, please only use the links provided on the Petfood Forum website to ensure you are booking within the official Petfood Forum room blocks. We do not affiliate with anyone that conducts telephone or email solicitations for booking hotels and do not recommend you arrange your hotel reservations with any of those groups.
Is my hotel stay included in the cost of registration?
All attendees are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, the cost of which is not included in your registration fees.
Please refer to our Hotel and Travel section for more information on our suggested hotels and room block details and deadlines.
In order to ensure the best possible rate and room availability, each room reservation requires a two-night, non-refundable deposit upon reservation.
How do I get to Petfood Forum?
Kansas City, Missouri is centrally located in the heart of America. It is easily accessible by interstates and highways. Additionally, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) makes flying in and out for the conference and exhibition easy. Learn more at flykci.com.
Taxi and car services are available throughout the city. Taxi stands are located at all major hotels, shopping and entertainment districts.
🔔 Petfood Forum takes place at the Kansas City Convention Center.
Kansas City Convention Center
301 West 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
How do I get to the show each day?
Some hotels, including the headquarter hotel the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and Loews, are within walking distance of the Kansas City Convention Center.
Kansas City Convention Center
301 West 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Is parking available at Petfood Forum?
The Convention Center main parking lot, Barney Allis Plaza Garage located between 12th & 13th and between Central & Wyandotte, is currently closed.
Alternate parking options are available. View the map
Is there an airport shuttle?
Taxis and ride share services including Uber and Lyft are available from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel and Kansas City Convention Center.
The average taxi fare to/from downtown Kansas City is $52, plus fees. Kansas City Marriott Downtown is 20 miles from the MCI (KCI) Airport.
5 Guys Transportation offers discounted rates for Petfood Forum 2026 attendees and exhibitors! Book a private non-shared service for 1 to 5 passengers for $73.85. Prices include all fees and gratuity. No wait time. Leave immediately after collecting bags.
Are there restaurants and entertainment within walking distance?
There are many dining and entertainment options just a few blocks away from the convention center and Marriott, including the popular Power & Light District.
Several area businesses offer Petfood Forum attendees’ special rates and discounts through Visit KC. View the deals
Registration
What is the cost to attend Petfood Forum?
Registration for Petfood Forum 2027 will open October 2026. For your convenience, multiple registration options will be available and group discounts for 3 or more people will be offered.
How do I register for educational programs?
Several options are available for attending the educational sessions at Petfood Forum. Registration will open in October 2026.
The Petfood Forum 2-Day & Petfood Essentials Combo pass: Full access to Petfood Essentials pre-conference workshop including breakfast, lunch and reception. Plus, a 2-day full conference pass to Petfood Forum with breakfast and lunch, plus multiple coffee breaks each day, opening night reception, Tuesday happy hour reception, access to all speakers, educational sessions and the Exhibit Hall.
The Petfood Forum Full Conference pass includes the complete Petfood Forum experience: 2-day full conference pass with breakfast and lunch, plus multiple coffee breaks each day, opening night reception, Tuesday happy hour reception, access to all speakers, educational sessions and the Exhibit Hall.
Petfood Forum Day Pass (purchased for Tuesday or Wednesday only): 1-day full conference pass with breakfast and lunch, plus coffee breaks and receptions with full access to educational sessions and Exhibit Hall
Are meals included in the cost of registration?
All meals shown on the Petfood Forum schedule of events are included in the cost of your registration, for the days that you are registered to attend. We encourage attendees to join us and continue to network during these times. View the 2026 full agenda
Early agenda details for Petfood Forum 2027 will be released starting in October 2027.
What is the refund policy?
An updated cancellation policy will be published when registration opens in October 2026.
You may cancel your participation at any time but please be aware of the event cancellation policy listed below. If you cancel by Feb. 28, 2026, you will be refunded your registration fee less a 15% processing fee. If you cancel on or after March 1, 2026, you will not be eligible for a refund, but may send someone in your place.
All name substitutions must be completed by April 1, 2026. Please email additions, changes and/or cancellation requests to: PFFevents@wattglobal.com. All fees must be paid by April 15, 2026.
How do I register without using social media?
Registering with social media is not required. Please look below the social buttons on the registration screen for the “Register with Email” button and proceed accordingly.
I am pre-registered; how will I receive my badge?
Your name badge, lanyard and program materials will be available at Petfood Forum registration located in the 2300 Lobby of the Kansas City Convention Center. To assist with making the registration process at the convention center quick and easy, a scan-and-go barcode will be sent via email to the email address entered on the registration prior to the show. Be sure to bring this barcode with you when you check in at Petfood Forum.
How can I print my receipt?
There are two ways to obtain your Petfood Forum receipt/invoice.
While registering: Once you’ve reached the “Confirmation Page” (last page), navigate over to the right-hand side of the screen, click the “Receipt/Invoice button.” You can then print or email your receipt.
After you have registered: Sign in to the registration site, using the email and password created when registering. Continue through to the “Confirmation Page,” navigate over to the right-hand side of the screen, click the “Receipt/Invoice button.” You can then print or email your receipt.
I lost my badge how do I get a new one?
A new badge can be printed at the registration desk for a fee of $50.
I am a member of the press; how do I register?
Press and media seeking admission into Petfood Forum must be approved by the event organizers. Organizers will provide press releases, and video footage taken by Petfood Forum staff upon request. Please contact Steve Akins at sakins@wattglobal.com for more information.
International
How do I obtain a VISA?
To obtain a visa to visit Petfood Forum, you will need to contact the embassy in your country.
How do I request a letter of invitation?
To request a VISA letter of invitation for Petfood Forum, please email debener@wattglobal.com.