Networking is, arguably, the most important aspect of any trade show or conference, and Petfood Forum is no different. Each year, thousands of people come from all over the world to exhibit at or attend Forum, and nearly all of them have one thing in common (besides pet food, of course): they are there to network.
Pro tips for building a connection
If you are new to the industry, trying to make connections might seem daunting but Petfood Forum is designed to help you do just that.
From striking up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in a session to dedicated social events – opportunities to build relationships and make introductions are everywhere.
Embrace scheduled networking: Don’t skip the receptions, lunches or breakfasts! These are built-in opportunities to meet fellow attendees. Resist the urge to go back to your room or to a local restaurant – the halls will be packed with your peers.
View the agenda to see the schedule networking times.
Seek opportunities: Valuable connections can happen anywhere, anytime. Stay open to unexpected encounters and strike up conversations with people outside your planned interactions. You never know who you might meet!
Pre-event powerhouse: Before the event, leverage LinkedIn or email to reach out to existing contacts and schedule meetings. This is a great way to reconnect with vendors, clients and partners.
Spread the Word (and network!): Share this social media graphic (we’ve got you covered!) to let your network know you’ll be attending. This sparks pre-event connections and gets the ball rolling.
Follow up is key: Don’t let the connection fizzle out after the event! Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages thanking new contacts for their time and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Remember, networking is a marathon, not a sprint – consistent communication fosters a strong professional community.
Schedule highlights: Networking at Petfood Forum
APRIL 29:
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials opening reception, Kansas City Power & Light District
APRIL 30:
7:00 am – 8:00 am: Breakfast, Room 2215 A-C
9:00 am – 6:00 pm: Exhibit hall open
9:15 am – 9:45 am: Coffee break, Exhibit Hall D-E
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch, Exhibit Hall D-E
2:25 pm – 3:00 pm: Coffee break, Exhibit Hall D-E,
4:10 pm – 6:00pm: Exhibit hall networking reception, Exhibit Hall D-E,
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm: Student and industry research poster meet-and-greet, Future of Pet Food Pavilion, Aisle 2100
MAY 1
7:15 am – 8:15 am: Breakfast, Room 2215 A-C
9:00 am – 6:00 pm: Exhibit hall open
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Coffee break, Exhibit Hall D-E
11:45 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch, Exhibit Hall D-E
12:00 pm – 1 pm: Women in Petfood Leadership networking event (separate RSVP required & currently sold out), Future of Pet Food Pavilion, Aisle 2100
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm: Farewell social, Exhibit Hall D-E
BONUS NETWORKING: Petfood Essentials is an interactive, informal educational pre-conference seminar, held the day before the opening of Petfood Forum. It’s filled with small-group networking and education.
A separate registration is required. Purchase the Petfood Forum 2-Day & Petfood Essentials Combo pass for the best value and the full educational package.
