Petfood Forum 2027 opens registration, adds manufacturing seminar

Registration is now open for Petfood Forum 2027, taking place April 26-28 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. The 2027 event marks Petfood Forum's 35th anniversary.

The lowest registration rates are available through Nov. 30. Attendees can choose from registration options that provide access to the exhibition hall, educational sessions and the new pre-conference seminar.

"For 35 years, Petfood Forum has brought together the people and ideas that move the pet food industry forward," said Steve Akins, executive vice president of global pet food and events at WATT Global Media. "We're building on what attendees value most: relevant education, access to suppliers and the opportunity to have conversations that lead to new business."

Akins continued, "Petfood Forum 2027 will feature expert-led sessions covering nutrition and ingredients, market and marketing, processing and operations, and safety and regulatory topics. We're also planning an enhanced expo hall with expanded content areas and more places for attendees and exhibitors to connect.

"Whether someone comes to find a new ingredient, learn about a manufacturing approach or meet a potential partner, we want them to leave with ideas and relationships they can put to work," Akins said.

Petfood Forum 2027's expo hall will add space for startup suppliers, expanded engagement areas and more room for informal meetings.Paul Ward PhotographyExhibit floor enhancements

The expo hall will bring pet food manufacturers and brands together with suppliers of ingredients, equipment, packaging and services. Plans for 2027 include improved traffic flow, dedicated exhibitor space for startup suppliers, expanded content and engagement areas, and more opportunities for informal meetings. The Interzoo Pavilion will return, giving attendees another opportunity to connect with European suppliers.

The event will also feature two Tech Talk stages, Women in Petfood Leadership activities, networking receptions and the Future of Petfood Pavilion, which highlights student research.

Jack Bobo, executive director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, will deliver the opening keynote April 27 on why the future belongs to pet food. Concurrent sessions will cover pet food trends, nutrition, ingredients, regulatory developments and food safety. 

The event will conclude April 28 with a panel discussion examining lessons learned and progress made in the 20 years since the 2007 melamine-related pet food recalls.

Additional program details will be announced as plans are finalized.

New pre-conference seminar for plant teams

New for 2027, The Operational Edge: Optimizing Your Pet Food Manufacturing Pipeline will take place April 26. 

Designed for plant managers and the operators, engineers and supervisors on their teams, the one-day seminar will focus on making pet food safely, consistently and efficiently. 

Industry experts will cover processing technologies, preventive maintenance, changeovers, automation, ingredient sourcing, regulatory developments and ways to manage energy and production costs. 

Roundtable discussions and a closing panel will give participants opportunities to ask questions and discuss how to apply what they learn. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

First for Forum returns

Petfood Forum's First for Forum program returns in 2027, offering pet food professionals who have never attended the event a chance to attend for free. Nominations are now open and must be submitted by Nov. 2.

For more information or to register, visit PetfoodForumEvents.com.