Petfood Forum's exhibit hall features pet food ingredients, packaging, processing equipment, safety, quality and sanitation solutions, services and software, and testing equipment for the pet food space.
Paul Ward Photography
Petfood Forum, which will run April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri, hosts the largest pet food supplier trade show in the industry, with over 380 companies participating. But the expo floor isn't just about booths — it's a multifaceted experience. It's where you'll find the Future of Petfood Pavilion, Petfood Tech Talk Stage, and numerous networking opportunities during lunch, coffee breaks and Tuesday's evening reception.
With a little planning, you'll find time to see it all. For pre-planning purposes, the full agenda is published, with a day-by-day breakout of sessions and expo hall activities.
When it comes to networking at Petfood Forum, stay open to unexpected encounters and strike up conversations with people outside your planned interactions. You never know who you might meet.Paul Ward PhotographyMeet the suppliers
Find everything you need, from ingredients that cater to the latest nutritional trends to packaging that will make your brand stand out. In the exhibit hall, you'll see firsthand the most advanced resources for pet food ingredients, packaging, processing equipment, safety, quality and sanitation solutions, services and software, and testing available.
Expo Hall hours:
Tuesday, April 28 | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Start by making a list of which companies are a must-visit. Pro tip: Reach out to these companies ahead of Petfood Forum to introduce yourself and schedule a time to meet in their booth.
If you're not sure where to begin, start in the first aisle, Aisle 600, and walk your way across the show floor, finishing with Aisle 2900. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
See what products and capabilities will give your brand a competitive advantage at the Tech Talk Stage. Petfood Tech Talks are among the most well-attended sessions, with many presentations at standing-room only. In 2026, the program has expanded to add even more sessions, providing attendees with maximum opportunities to see what's next in pet food technologies.
Tech Talk Stage hours:
Tuesday, April 28 | 9:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:20 to 12:05 a.m.
There are 24 sessions to choose from covering a wide range of topics. Stay and see them all, or pick the ones most relevant to your job.
Future of Petfood Pavilion is a dedicated space on the show floor that hosts the Student Program, featuring academic pet food research conducted by graduate students from various universities.Paul Ward PhotographyFuture of Petfood Pavilion
Meet the industry's most promising young professionals in the Future of Petfood Pavilion. This dedicated space on the show floor hosts the Student Program, featuring academic pet food research conducted by graduate students from various universities, with studies focused on companion animal nutrition. Students will present non-commercial oral presentations and posters on relevant pet food-related research.
The student program is designed to give the industry a chance to see the latest in academic pet food research as well as gain access to those entering the industry in the next few years.
Future of Petfood Pavilion hours:
Tuesday, April 28 | 9:45 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
If your company is looking for future hires, the Student Program has several opportunities for networking. See the full schedule and find out what universities will be in attendance.
Take a break and refuel
There is a lot of walking, talking and learning that happens at Petfood Forum. Be sure to refuel. There will be several coffee breaks, lunch and networking receptions happening on the show floor. Grab a cup of coffee and strike up a conversation with other attendees.
Opportunities to network are everywhere at Petfood Forum — from casual chats in sessions to dedicated social events.Paul Ward PhotographyPro tips for building a connection
If you are new to the industry, trying to make connections might seem daunting — but Petfood Forum is designed to help you do just that.
From striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in a session to dedicated social events, opportunities to build relationships and make introductions are everywhere.
Embrace scheduled networking: Don't skip the receptions, lunches or breakfasts. These are built-in opportunities to meet fellow attendees. Resist the urge to go back to your room or a local restaurant — the halls will be packed with your peers.
Seek opportunities: Valuable connections can happen anywhere, anytime. Stay open to unexpected encounters and strike up conversations with people outside your planned interactions. You never know who you might meet.
Pre-event powerhouse: Before the event, leverage LinkedIn or email to reach out to existing contacts and schedule meetings. This is a great way to reconnect with vendors, clients and partners.
Follow up is key: Don't let the connection fizzle out after the event. Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages thanking new contacts for their time and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Remember, networking is a marathon, not a sprint — consistent communication fosters a strong professional community.
When it comes to networking at Petfood Forum, stay open to unexpected encounters and strike up conversations with people outside your planned interactions. You never know who you might meet.Paul Ward Photography
When it comes to networking at Petfood Forum, stay open to unexpected encounters and strike up conversations with people outside your planned interactions. You never know who you might meet.Paul Ward Photography
Future of Petfood Pavilion is a dedicated space on the show floor that hosts the Student Program, featuring academic pet food research conducted by graduate students from various universities.Paul Ward Photography
Opportunities to network are everywhere at Petfood Forum — from casual chats in sessions to dedicated social events.Paul Ward Photography
