Petfood Forum’s First for Forum program offers pet food professionals free access if they’ve never attended before, allowing newcomers a chance to experience the global pet food industry and giving them the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and do business with the industry’s leading pet food manufacturers and suppliers.
“First for Forum provides an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming pet food professionals to gain valuable industry insights from leading experts, network with established professionals and build lasting connections, and discover the latest trends and innovations shaping pet food,” said Lynzee Branstetter, marketing manager with WATT Global Media, which together with Petfood Industry magazine, organizes and hosts the event. This year’s Petfood Forum will run April 28-30, 2025, in Kansas City.
The First for Forum program, launched in 2023, returns for its third year. Designed for emerging pet food professionals who are new to the industry, the program’s nomination process will consider professionals working in pet food manufacturing, brand experts, private label/co-manufacturers, consultants and nutritionists.
First for Forum, however, isn’t just about giving new professionals a chance to experience Petfood Forum, Branstetter said. “It’s about creating a space where industry veterans and newcomers can connect and collaborate,” she said. “By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, we can ensure the pet food industry continues to thrive.”
Ambassadors gain insights, enrichment
Megan Jacober, nutrition and formulation manager, PCQI at Primal Pet Group, was a 2023 ambassador during First for Forum’s inaugural year.
“As a first-time Petfood Forum attendee, I was amazed at how robust the conference was,” she said. “There were exhibitors from all areas of the supply chain and dozens of educational sessions on a variety of topics.”
Jacober said Petfood Forum is a great opportunity for pet industry professionals to network and build partnerships, and learn about the latest consumer trends, sustainability, manufacturing technology and equipment and nutrition research.
“The most valuable experience for me at Petfood Forum was the education sessions, particularly the sessions on high-pressure processing, freeze drying, regulatory and alternative diet research,” she noted. “It was also very valuable connecting with exhibitors, such as ingredient suppliers, laboratories, and processing and technology equipment, and building new partnerships.”
Birjis Mukardamwala, sourcing analyst, CoMan Innovation with Mars Pet Nutrition North America, was a 2024 ambassador and found her first-time attending enriching.
“It was wonderful juxtaposition of vendor capability on display and graduate/undergraduate students being provided with a platform to showcase their research,” Mukardamwala explained. “There was knowledge being shared all around, and as a result, it was an enriching experience for me as a first-time attendee.”
Mukardamwala said her knowledge and technology advancement in the broader industry was the paramount purpose for attending Petfood Forum, and it was refreshing to see students and experts occupying the center spot on the floor.
“I am always on the lookout for novel and innovative ideas in the pet food space, and Petfood Forum turned out to be a great source of inspiration,” she said. “The innovative displays also gave me food for thought.”
Now accepting applications
The application process for First for Forum is open with nominations are being accepted through November 1.
“An applicant can nominate themselves or a colleague can nominate someone,” explained Branstetter. “It’s a short application, basically two questions. Through the nomination process, we select five winners to act as Ambassadors of the event. Those five winners receive a Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials combo pass.”
Selected individuals will receive access to all Petfood Forum & Petfood Essentials educational sessions, exhibit hall, Petfood Essentials mixer, Monday opening reception, Tuesday networking reception, breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks.
The nomination form can be found here. Visit First for Forum for more information.
Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials show dates are April 28-30, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.