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In an effort to foster a dynamic and diverse pet food industry community, Petfood Forum proudly launched the First For Forum program in 2023. This new initiative granted emerging pet food professionals, who have never attended the annual conference and exhibition in the past a chance to join at no cost.
The program received an overwhelming response, with over 100 nominations. Four ambassadors were selected and given the opportunity to participate in Petfood Forum 2023 held in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 1-3.
Petfood Forum provides the ideal place for pet food professionals to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and learn about new trends and innovations in the industry. The program also provides an invaluable platform for industry experts of all levels to get involved and collaborate.
The First For Forum program will return in 2024 with nominations launching October 2, 2023.
Meet the 2023 First For Forum Ambassadors
Ripan Goswami is the SQF/HACCP manager at Muenster Milling Co. She is very passionate about taking every opportunity to develop, improve and maintain high-quality food products and beverages. Goswami earned two Masters of Science degrees in dairy microbiology and the other in food science & technology. She has worked simultaneously in quality assurance, food safety & food science research for about 10 years now. When asked about her career, Ripan said, “I have always been fascinated about food science applied research studies and its strength for the food scientists to deliver not only detailed knowledge about the food but also the power to innovate wholesome healthy appealing foods. Although I’m always profited by working in the food industry, I believe my knowledge, technical skills, and the ability to understand the perfect blend of research (concept) and production rubrics (commercialization) has helped me become an enthusiastic & successful food science professional.”
With a strong passion for pet nutrition, Megan Jacober has spent the last seven years with Primal Pet Foods in a variety of roles to encourage more people to add raw and fresh food to their pet’s bowls. She was recently promoted to nutrition & formulation manager and is responsible for managing nutritional testing and data as well as the company’s formulation software. Prior to her current role, Jacober was a project manager for new product development, supporting the cross-functional team that brought exciting innovations such as Gently Cooked Sous Vide and Freeze-Dried Raw Pronto to market, and was a territory sales manager, educating retailers about the benefits of species appropriate diets for dogs and cats. Before joining Primal, Megan was introduced to the pet food industry while working at a Nature’s Pet Market in her neighborhood. She has also volunteered with wildlife rescue organizations where she cared for birds of prey, tigers, cougars and small wildlife animals. Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences from Oregon State University.
Madyson Lamb is a product development scientist with BARK. Previously, Lamb worked for Simmons Pet Foods for 2 1/2 years, where she began her career working in thermal processing and later moved into R&D. During her time in the industry, Lamb has focused on private label wet pet food, innovation initiatives and palatability for both dogs and cats.
Adam Sherden is an R&D technical specialist for Freshpet. He attended North Dakota State University and earned a degree in food science with a minor in food safety. For 6 years, Sherden worked in research and development at a small co-manufacturing plant in produced a variety of meat products. In May of 2022, he moved to Mansfield, Texas after accepting a position as a R&D technical specialist at the brand new Freshpet facility in Ennis, Texas.
Petfood Forum 2024
The 2024 edition of Petfood Forum is scheduled for April 29-May 1 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Petfood Forum 2024 includes an all-new agenda packed with opportunities to network and collaborate with industry professionals, learn the latest in pet food innovation and discover new tools for business success.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]