The Petfood Forum 2026 content advisory board is seeking academic research abstracts for presentation at the event, scheduled for April 27–29 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. The submission deadline is January 31, 2026.
Selected abstracts will be published, and research will be presented on the trade show floor as part of the regular Petfood Forum schedule. The student program aims to connect academic research with industry professionals while providing students exposure to pet food manufacturing and processing sectors.
"The Student Program's research presentations at Petfood Forum provide students with the opportunity to present their data to the industry in a low-stress environment," said Lindsay Beaton, coordinator for the Student Program and editor of Petfood Industry magazine. "I sort of pride myself on creating an atmosphere for presenting students that allows them to get their research out there to all the right people in an openly receptive setting of their peers as well as industry experts. It's led to everything from requests for additional research to industry relationships that led to job opportunities, so the formula must be working!"
What to submit
Potential student speakers are invited to submit academic research abstracts on topics including:
- New research on companion animal nutrition;
- Novel ingredients and their potential applications in pet food or treat formulations;
- New information, techniques or processes for product development in pet food;
- New research, technology or processes for pet food production;
- New research, technology or other information on pet food packaging;
- New, specific information on one focused aspect of pet food safety (no general overviews of regulations or pet food safety programs)
- Reviews or compilations of the above topics.
Relevance of topic and the presence of new or innovative information, concepts or research are key to a positive evaluation. It is crucial that the paper/presentation does not come across as a sales pitch, seeking to promote a specific organization or product(s). No abstract will be considered if it seems commercial. Previously published or presented research IS acceptable.
How to submit
Please visit the Petfood Forum Student Program abstract submissions site and follow the instructions to create a new account and submit an abstract.
Abstracts must be received no later than January 31, 2026. After this deadline, the abstract submission system will no longer accept submissions. Any requests for late submissions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Students presenting research will have access to all educational sessions and the exhibit hall, offering networking opportunities with potential employers and industry representatives. Presentations will be evaluated by attendees across several criteria, with cash prizes awarded to top presenters.
The student program features research from graduate students studying companion animal nutrition and related fields, including poultry science, ingredient technologies, food technologies, process engineering, manufacturing engineering and packaging technology. Past participating institutions include Kansas State University, São Paulo State University, University of Arkansas, University of British Columbia, University of Guelph, University of Illinois and Wageningen University.
Research presentations will be hosted in the Future of Pet Food Pavilion in Aisle 1400 on the show floor. A "meet and greet" event on the opening evening of Petfood Forum will provide additional networking opportunities between students and industry professionals.
"Even if students are at the show as non-presenting attendees, they still have access to the entirety of Petfood Forum," said Beaton. "Whether they're looking to learn more about the industry through our educational sessions or want to network on the show floor, there's something for everyone. I've specifically curated the Student Program to maximize opportunities for direct connection with the industry."
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Beaton at [email protected].
Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials show dates are April 27-29, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. To register or stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.
