Today, Petfood Forum, organized and put on by Petfood Industry and WATT Global Media, is known as the pet food industry’s global conference and exhibition focused on technologies utilized in the processing of pet foods and pet treats. Located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, the 2017 show boasted 3,000 attendees and more than 320 exhibitors filling almost 450 booth spaces. Exhibitors included industry suppliers, co-packers and service providers, and attendees included professionals working in nutrition, ingredient and processing technologies, packaging, food science, R&D, product development, food safety, QA/QC, purchasing, import/export and regulatory compliance.

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 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.”

Why attend Petfood Forum?

Petfood Forum has become a prime opportunity for industry global networking and business, as well as for education on the latest research and trends in the pet food world.

“Networking and getting business done are why most people attend Petfood Forum, according to our attendee/exhibitor surveys,” says Akins. “Education and learning are second, and attendees are also able to view the industry’s only supplier exhibition for pet food and pet treat manufacturers.”

The show, of course, continues to grow as Petfood Forum expands to provide exhibitors and attendees with even more opportunities for networking and knowledge.

“New for 2018, we’ll have a VIP program for attendees; a Learning Center where our Student Program activities will take place; a New Product Showcase allowing selected companies to present their new technologies, products and services; and a Buyer’s Mission featuring international pet food buyers meeting with suppliers about how their services will improve their businesses,” says Akins.

Petfood Forum also includes the Petfood Innovation Workshop, which in 2018 will focus on the theme, “New Product Development Journey.” The workshop is a one-day event that takes place the day before Petfood Forum begins, at Kansas State University Olathe. Attendees will learn about new pet food or treat product development through a series of six topic-focused interactive stations:

1. Concept development
2. R&D
3. Process development
4. Consumer validation
5. Packaging
6. Product launch

An opening presentation will also be given addressing the latest pet food market data and trends.

How to register for Petfood Forum

Early-bird registration is currently open for both Petfood Forum and Workshop. For full details on both events, the latest show-related news, and to register for Petfood Forum and/or Workshop, go to www.petfoodforumevents.com. Discounts on group registration are also available.