(PRESS RELEASE) KANSAS CITY, MO — Petfood Forum, the industry’s leading event for pet food manufacturing and brand professionals, returns to Kansas City, Missouri, on April 27-29, 2026. This global gathering offers an array of scientific education, industry networking and business-making opportunities.
Registration is now open with kickoff rates available, providing attendees with over 20% discounts until December 1. These are the lowest registration fees offered to attend Petfood Forum and the pre-conference seminar, Petfood Essentials.
“The pet food market continues to experience several complex challenges, including volatility caused by high tariffs imposed on imported goods and services, and the need to streamline and control operational costs. Pet food innovation is more important than ever today so feeding pets healthy and nutritious diets remains affordable and easy to access,” said Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood and events, with WATT Global Media.
Akins continued, “Petfood Forum 2026 will present dozens of expert-led technical sessions focused on the latest pet food product innovations, consumer purchasing behavior, ingredient and nutrition research, and emerging processing technologies. These valuable educational sessions are designed to inspire product development, kickstart R&D ideas, identify best practices and spark marketing strategies.”
“Because Petfood Forum uniquely brings together over 400 top pet food suppliers to connect with leading pet food manufacturers and brands in one location, business takes place during receptions, meals and activities available on the show floor. The result of all these networking and education offerings throughout the show is an unmatched opportunity to take home actionable business strategies to implement,” Akins concluded.
Confirmed longtime exhibitors include Alltech, Balchem, Coperion, Extru-Tech Inc., handtmann, H&M Trucking, Kerry, Morris Packaging, Peel Plastic Products, Symrise, Trouw Nutrition, The Peterson Company, Wenger Manufacturing, and many others that comprise the only pet food supplier exhibition in the world.
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Full agenda and speaker details will be released in January 2026, with many planned activities including the popular Petfood Tech Talk stage, Women in Petfood Leadership programming, and pet charity organizations. Additionally, the Future of Petfood Pavilion will spotlight the industry’s only student program, presenting the latest companion animal research.
Petfood Essentials, an interactive educational pre-conference seminar on April 27, will take place the day before the commencement of Petfood Forum. During the one-day seminar, experts will provide practical tips and suggest tools and technologies, including AI, to control costs, streamline operations, optimize formulations and supply chains, and manufacture efficiently.
Returning in 2026, Petfood Forum has launched the First For Forum program, offering pet food professionals who have never attended Petfood Forum in the past a chance to attend for free. Nominations are now open and must be submitted by November 3.
Early registration is available now and allows attendees to save up to $500. For more information or to register, visit PetfoodForumEvents.com.
About Petfood Forum & Petfood Industry
Petfood Forum is organized and hosted by Petfood Industry. Both are owned by WATT Global Media. WATT Global Media has a proven track record of accelerating business growth for agrifood and pet food businesses for over 100 years. Our extensive portfolio of industry events and media brands provides access to market expertise, engaged audiences, and targeted strategies that drive successful connections in the poultry, feed, grain, and pet food industries. Contact us for custom marketing solutions served through innovative technologies and delivery channels.
