WATT Global Media welcomes back the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) as the official Sustainability Partner of Petfood Forum 2026, reinforcing the event’s growing focus on sustainability across the global pet food industry. Petfood Forum 2026 will take place April 27–29, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
As sustainability continues to shape the future of pet food manufacturing and processing, Petfood Forum 2026 is expanding both new and ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the event. These efforts include high-impact recycling programs, sustainable materials sourcing, reduced paper usage, mobile app adoption, and food recovery donations to local shelters and food pantries.
Through its partnership with PSC, Petfood Forum is also integrating expert consultation to evaluate and improve the event’s sustainability footprint. PSC is collaborating with the event team to help establish best practices and elevate sustainability standards for business events across the pet industry.
“I believe sustainability is one cornerstone to the future of the pet food industry,” explained Steve Akins, executive VP of Global Petfood & Events at WATT Global Media. “We’re proud to welcome the PSC team as a supporting partner that offers high-value content and community engagement which helps move the industry in a more sustainable direction.”
Jim Lamancusa, CEO of PSC, agreed, adding one of the partnerships PSC is most proud of over the past two years is its deepened collaboration with WATT Global Media and Petfood Forum.
“Their genuine commitment to elevating sustainable business leadership through thoughtful media coverage and meaningful recognition at the tradeshow shows how seriously they take this work," said Lamancusa. "Just as inspiring is their dedication to reducing the environmental impact of their own events, which sets a powerful example for the entire industry. We are truly excited to continue strengthening this partnership in the years ahead.”
Beyond sustainability
Beyond its sustainability focus, Petfood Forum 2026 will deliver a multi-faceted experience for pet food professionals, including networking with top decision-makers, dozens of educational sessions led by globally recognized experts, and a robust exhibit hall featuring suppliers critical to the global pet food industry.
The event begins April 27 with Petfood Essentials: Efficiency unleashed — Optimizing your pet food business, an interactive seminar designed to help pet food and treat manufacturers operate more efficiently amid economic uncertainty. Experts will share practical tools and technologies, including AI, to control costs, streamline operations, optimize formulations and supply chains, and improve manufacturing efficiency. An interactive exercise will help participants apply insights and take actionable ideas back to their businesses.
PSC will also highlight its accredited member companies on the Petfood Forum 2026 show floor. Attendees can identify these companies by the PSC Accreditation logo on booth signage and special callouts on the official show floor map, recognizing organizations advancing measurable sustainability outcomes through PSC’s accreditation program.
Networking opportunities with PSC extend beyond the exhibit hall, including the return of the PSC Networking Axe Throwing Party on April 28 at Blade & Timber in Kansas City. The event offers a casual setting for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss sustainability initiatives.
The Pet Sustainability Coalition, founded in 2013, is a nonprofit organization that advances environmental and social responsibility through profitable business practices. Today, PSC supports more than 200 member companies across the pet industry as they set goals, measure progress, and report sustainability achievements.
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.
