Related Articles
Petfood Forum, the industry’s leading event for pet food manufacturing and brand professionals, returns to Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27-29, 2026. This global gathering offers an array of scientific education, industry networking and business-making opportunities.
Registration is now open with kickoff rates available, providing attendees with over 20% discounts until December 1. These are the lowest registration fees offered to attend Petfood Forum and the pre-conference seminar, Petfood Essentials.
Multiple registration options are available to fit any budget. View the Petfood Forum 2025 registration packages.
“The pet food market continues to experience several complex challenges, including volatility caused by high tariffs imposed on imported goods and services, and the need to streamline and control operational costs. Pet food innovation is more important than ever today so feeding pets healthy and nutritious diets remains affordable and easy to access,” said Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood and events, with WATT Global Media.
Agenda and speakers
The conference presents dozens of expert-led sessions focused on the latest pet food product innovations, consumer purchasing behavior, ingredient research and emerging processing technologies. Full agenda and speaker details will be released in January 2026.
“These valuable educational sessions are designed to inspire product development, kickstart R&D ideas, identify best practices and spark marketing strategies,” added Akins.
Exhibit hall
The 2026 exhibition features a robust exhibit hall floor where attendees can engage with more than 400 global supplier companies vital to pet food manufacturers and brand owners. Confirmed longtime exhibitors include Alltech, Balchem, Coperion, Extru-Tech Inc., handtmann, H&M Trucking, Kerry, Morris Packaging, Peel Plastic Products, Symrise, Trouw Nutrition, The Peterson Company, Wenger Manufacturing, and many others.
The multifaceted show floor features the popular Petfood Tech Talk stage, Women in Petfood Leadership programming, and pet charity organizations. Additionally, the Future of Petfood Pavilion will spotlight the industry’s only student program, presenting the latest companion animal research.
Petfood Essentials
Petfood Essentials, an interactive educational pre-conference seminar on April 27, will take place the day before the commencement of Petfood Forum. During the one-day seminar, experts will provide practical tips and suggest tools and technologies, including AI, to control costs, streamline operations, optimize formulations and supply chains, and manufacture efficiently.
First For Forum
Returning in 2026, Petfood Forum has launched the First For Forum program, offering pet food professionals who have never attended Petfood Forum in the past a chance to attend for free. Nominations are now open and must be submitted by November 3.
Petfood Forum 2026: The must-attend event for the global pet food industry
Petfood Forum provides 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. Register by December 1 to save up to $500.