(PRESS RELEASE) KANSAS CITY, MO — As sustainability continues to shape the future of the pet food industry, WATT Global Media is proud to welcome back the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) as the official Sustainability Partner of Petfood Forum 2026, taking place in Kansas City from April 27-29.
In 2026, Petfood Forum is deepening its commitment to sustainability through a range of new and continued initiatives designed to reduce 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. Learn more about Petfood Forum’s sustainability commitments here.
Through its partnership with the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Petfood Forum is also enhancing its efforts by integrating expert consultation to evaluate and improve the event’s sustainability footprint. PSC is collaborating with the event team to help set a new standard for sustainable business events in the pet industry.
“I believe sustainability is one cornerstone to the future of the pet food industry,” explains 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.”
“One of the partnerships I am most proud of over the past two years is our significantly deepened collaboration with WATT Global Media and Petfood Forum,” says Jim Lamancusa, CEO of PSC. “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. 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 the sustainability efforts, Petfood Forum is a multi-faceted event which includes unique networking opportunities with top decision-makers and dozens of educational sessions, led by globally recognized experts focused on the latest pet food developments and research. Petfood Forum 2026 also features a robust exhibit hall floor where attendees will engage with supplier companies crucial to the global pet food industry.
Efficiency unleashed: Optimizing your pet food business at Petfood Essentials – April 27
Amid economic uncertainty or turmoil, many pet food and treat companies are looking to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. On April 28, Petfood Essentials, an interactive 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, whether on your own or through a co-manufacturer.
An interactive exercise will help participants learn how to apply these insights and take actionable ideas back to their own businesses.
Petfood Essentials sets the foundation for the entire Petfood Forum experience with more education and more networking, in an informal setting happening the day before the opening of Petfood Forum.
Get full access with the Petfood Forum 2-Day & Essentials Combo Pass: Register Here
PSC Accredited Members on the Show Floor
PSC is proud to support accredited member companies as they showcase their progress and innovation at Petfood Forum 2026. Attendees can look for the PSC Accreditation logo displayed on booth signage as well as a special call out on the official show floor map to identify companies that are actively advancing measurable sustainability outcomes through PSC’s rigorous accreditation program.
Axe Throwing + Networking with PSC – Apr 28
PSC’s Networking Axe Throwing Party returns to Blade & Timber, offering a fun, relaxed space to connect with peers, share ideas, and talk sustainability in a casual setting. Whether you’re new to the conversation or leading bold initiatives, this is your chance to meet changemakers who care about impact. April 28, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Blade and Timber, Kansas City. RSVP here
Visit PSC at Booth #1034
Have questions about how to reduce your company’s environmental impact? Stop by PSC’s booth during the Petfood Forum expo to meet the team and explore how to align your brand with evolving stakeholder and consumer expectations.
About WATT Global Media
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.
About the Pet Sustainability Coalition
The Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that advances business through profitable environmental and social business practices. Founded in 2013 by eight companies, PSC now serves more than 200 member companies across the pet industry, helping them to progress on their sustainability practices, set and strive for ambitious goals, and report on their achievements. Additionally, PSC leads retailers, distributors, manufacturers, brands, and suppliers in pursuing collaborative solutions to some of the largest industry-wide issues, such as sustainable packaging and protein sourcing. Connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Learn more at www.petsustainability.org.