Petfood Forum is the premier global conference and exhibition focused on technologies utilized in the processing of pet foods and pet treats. Professionals from the entire pet food supply chain gather for three days to network, share knowledge, and discuss the latest trends, innovations and challenges in the industry.
“Being new to the industry, Petfood Forum was a great way to make needed new connections and also get a good understanding of what all goes into the production of pet food.” – Joe Mosley, Hank and Roy Pet Treats
Collaboration and Networking
The top reason attendees return year after year is to network and collaborate. From informal discussions over coffee to structured networking events, attendees have countless opportunities to connect with peers, forge partnerships, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the event.
“Being able to meet people one-to-one at Petfood Forum to re-establish those relationships and network with new people, is one of the value-adds of being here.” – Dana Brooks, Pet Food Institute
“Being able to meet people one-to-one at Petfood Forum to re-establish those relationships and network with new people, is one of the value-adds of being here.” – Dana Brooks, Pet Food Institute
A Focus on Education
Petfood Forum features many opportunities for industry professionals to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skill sets. The conference features 20+ speakers discussing the latest in pet food manufacturing, market trends, ingredient sourcing, nutrition, packaging, regulatory issues, safety and more.
The Petfood Tech Talk Stage showcases new products and capabilities from suppliers and innovators assisting pet food companies worldwide.
The Future of Petfood Pavilion includes a student program featuring academic pet food research conducted by graduate students from universities with studies focused on companion animal nutrition.
Petfood Essentials takes education to the next level. The pre-conference seminar dives deep into industry hot topics and takes place the day before Petfood Forum. In 2024, Petfood Essentials is focused on what’s new and what’s next with pet treats. Learn more about Petfood Essentials
“Petfood Forum provides basic to in-depth knowledge necessary to be in the pet food business, all packed in an accessible and friendly environment. Overall, a great experience worth repeating.” – Nicole Esposito, Italian Paws
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the industry, there’s something for everyone to learn and explore.
Connecting Manufacturers with Suppliers
The industry’s top supplier companies are all in one place at Petfood Forum, helping you create quality pet food and treats. View the floor plan
Petfood Forum: A brief history
The internationally known show actually has humble roots, in an Illinois suburb outside of Chicago.
“Petfood Forum started in 1993 on River Road in Des Plaines, Illinois, as a small, 100 people/10 table top event,” says Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood & events for WATT Global Media. 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, the Kansas City Convention Center.
“The move to Kansas City doubled our attendance in 2015 and allowed many in the industry to actually drive to the event and get there much more easily,” says Akins. “Petfood Forum has grown as the industry has grown (largely due to humanization of pets as family members) — consumer desire to spend more on their companion animals which are now treated as more of a family member, as well as the number of new food and treat products introduced every year, has continued to grow, answering consumer demand.”
