AFIA Pet Food Conference to Focus on Industry Trends, Innovation

'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.
  
  

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• 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. 

ABOUT IPPE

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).  

ABOUT AFIA 

Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization's membership is comprised of more than 650 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry—manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA's members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-whole grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

ABOUT the Meat Institute 

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute's hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit MeatInstitute.org.
 

ABOUT USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

Source: AFIA