Petfood Forum recently spoke with Cally Toong, senior product development scientist, Target. Cally was selected as a First For Forum Ambassador for the 2024 event.
First For Forum is an initiative that offers pet food professionals who have never attended in the past a chance to attend the show at no cost. Through a nomination process, the First For Forum program received over 100 submissions.
We are pleased to welcome Cally to Petfood Forum on April 29-May 1, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri.
What are you looking forward to the most at Petfood Forum?
Cally: I’m excited to connect and learn from numerous leaders in the pet industry. There are several colleagues I’ve collaborated with over the past year who I haven’t met in person. The forum presents an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face and explore relevant topics.
What are you hoping to accomplish at Petfood Forum?
Cally: I am certain to leave with a comprehensive list things I have learned to share with my team. Above all, my goal is to make new connections and allies within the industry.
What part of the expo hall are you looking forward to?
Cally: I’m particularly excited to see the Petfood Forum Student Program research presentations. I anticipate that the work the students are engaged in will be truly inspiring and serve as a bridge between industry and academia while providing a glimpse into future topics of interest.
Which educational sessions are you looking forward to?
Cally: I’m looking forward to the sessions focused on processing innovations. With my background in food science and processing exposure in my current role, these educational sessions should be most informative and provide an opportunity to have questions answered. Having a deep understanding of processing is essential for product development, especially in the pet food world!
Are you planning to do anything fun while you’re in Kansas City?
Cally: I hope I can find some time to explore the city for the first time. Whenever I travel to a new city, I love finding a really good local bakery and walking around independent pet shops. It’s always to fun to see what makes a place special and I’ve heard the KC BBQ is excellent!
About Cally:
Cally Toong is a senior product development scientist, specializing in pet consumables, with one of the largest retailers in the US. With extensive expertise in food science, Cally’s work is characterized by a strong commitment to innovation, quality and food safety. She has over 12+ years in the scientific community, including progressive advancement as a senior scientist with General Mills, Inc. Cally is absolutely passionate about pets, fostering collaboration and continuous learning. She holds a Masters in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University, Canada.
Learn more about the other First For Forum Ambassadors
About Petfood Forum
The annual conference and exhibition provides numerous opportunities to network and conduct business with industry professionals from around the world, learn the latest in trends and innovations, discover new tools for success and share ideas. Petfood Forum 2024 is scheduled for April 29-May 1 in Kansas City, Mo., USA.
