First for Forum offers free access to newcomers

Five pet food professionals will receive free passes to Petfood Forum 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S., through the First for Forum program designed for industry newcomers.

Lisa Cleaver

October 13, 2025

Last year's First For Forum Ambassadors (left to right): Aneesa Bahman with Blue Buffalo; Brianne Dowdall with Ollie Pets; Leah Scott with Earth Animal Ventures; and Quentin Jensen with Targeted Pet Treats.

Paul Ward Photography

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 27-29, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.

The First for Forum program, launched in 2023, returns for its fourth 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."

Now accepting applications

The application process for First for Forum is open with nominations being accepted through November 3, 2025.

"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, valued at $1,895."

Applicants must be first-time attendees or have not attended since 2019. Executives may nominate no more than two individuals from their respective organization.

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. Travel and hotel expenses are the responsibility of the selected candidates.

The nomination form can be found here. Visit First for Forum for more information.

Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials show dates are April 27-29, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.

Past ambassadors gain insights, enrichment

Past First for Forum ambassadors note Petfood Forum offers a unique opportunity for people new to the industry to build partnerships as well as learn about the latest market trends, processing technologies, nutrition research and ingredient innovations.

“My first impression attending Forum was how well it brought together people from all areas of the pet food industry," said Bri Dowdall, packaging engineer, Ollie Pets, and 2025 First for Forum ambassador. "It was an amazing opportunity to connect with ingredient suppliers, packaging partners, co-manufacturers and brands, as well as to sit in on sessions covering industry trends and AI.”

Dowdall said her biggest takeaway was attending the preconference Petfood Essentials event, where participants did a deep dive into sustainability.

"My biggest takeaway from Essentials was that sustainability is a journey, not a destination," she explained. "It starts with a clear strategy, organizational buy-in, and a roadmap to guide progress. We discussed how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) supports better decision-making, how Scope 3 emissions require strong supplier partnerships and data transparency, and how packaging innovation plays a key role in balancing function with sustainability. Overall, the message was clear -- focus on progress over perfection and keep testing, adapting and collaborating."

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.

Being selected for First for Forum in 2025 was an opportunity to see parts of the pet world that she had never been introduced to, said Leah Scott, senior manager of food safety and quality, Earth Animal Ventures, who came from the human side of the food world. “The industry is so expansive and still expanding,” she said. “At this event, you get to see every part of it from machinery to ingredients to innovation. I’m excited about the future of it.”