AFIA Pet Food Conference to Focus on Industry Trends, Innovation

Registration is now open for the American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) annual Pet Food Conference (PFC), happening Jan. 28, 2025, in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga. This event brings together hundreds of professionals working in the pet nutrition industry, offering insights into emerging trends, regulatory updates and the latest research.

"We are thrilled to bring together a dynamic lineup of speakers for this year's Pet Food Conference," said Louise Calderwood, AFIA's director of regulatory affairs. "The diverse agenda will provide attendees with insights on topics ranging from innovative marketing trends to important regulatory updates, ensuring everyone will gain valuable knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving pet food landscape."

This daylong conference will feature presentations and discussions on key topics impacting the industry. Highlights from the agenda include:

• Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy at BSM Partners, will discuss current marketing trends in pet food.
• Rich Kelleman, CEO of Bond Pet Foods Inc., will comment on the use of brewed proteins in pet food.
• Erin Perry, Ph.D., professor at Southern Illinois University, will address gaps in working dog nutrition and the related industry opportunities and challenges.
• Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), will provide the latest data on U.S. pet food consumption.

In addition to these sessions, the PFC will also feature regulatory updates from the Food and Drug Administration and the Association of American Feed Control Officials, as well as the presentation of the Friend of Pet Food award.

The AFIA is also currently seeking current undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students to showcase their research at PFC. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 4, and more information can be found at afia.org/PFC2025/students.

For more information, visit petfoodconference.com. To register for PFC, add the event during IPPE registration.

Key Points:

• Registration is now open for AFIA's upcoming Pet Food Conference, happening Jan. 28, 2025, in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, Ga.
• The agenda features the latest on pet nutrition, including marketing trends, innovative protein sources, new research and regulatory updates.
• Students are invited to apply to showcase their research during the conference.
• AFIA's Friend of Pet Food award will be presented during the conference.