Petfood Forum brings together more than 3,500 professionals from 40 countries. Over three days, attendees network, conduct business and learn from industry experts.
If this is your first time attending, it may be overwhelming trying to decide what to take advantage of. But it doesn’t have to be!
Network, network, network
Year after year, attendees and exhibitors tell us networking is the number one reason they attend.
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.
Organized networking times: Go to the receptions, go to lunch and go to breakfast. These built-in networking times are a great way to meet your peers. Resist the urge to go back to your room to work or order room service. Don’t miss out on the chance to make connections!
Look for opportunities: Some of the most valuable connections can happen unexpectedly. Stay open to chance encounters and be receptive to meeting people outside your pre-planned networking strategy. You never know where a spontaneous conversation might lead!
Pro tip: Network before you arrive: Reach out to your contacts on LinkedIn or email before Petfood Forum to arrange times to meet. Petfood Forum is a great way to connect with your established vendors, clients and partners face-to-face to continue building relationships.
We’ve even created a social media graphic to make it easy to share with your network that you’ll be there.
Follow up: After the event, make sure to follow up with the people you’ve connected with. Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages expressing your gratitude for the conversation and interest in staying in touch. Networking doesn’t end when the event does – nurturing relationships over time is key to building a strong professional community.
Soak in the knowledge of industry experts
Petfood Forum helps you expand your professional development. Over 30 globally recognized speakers will be presenting market trends, ingredients and nutrition, pet food safety and regulations, and processing technologies.
Plan ahead: Review the conference schedule in advance and identify sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Create a personalized agenda to maximize your time and ensure you don’t miss out on key presentations.
Be engaged: During sessions, actively participate by asking questions and engaging with speakers and fellow attendees. Don’t hesitate to share your insights and experiences – networking opportunities often arise from these interactions.
Take notes: Bring a notebook or use your device to take notes during sessions. Capture key takeaways, innovative ideas and actionable strategies that you can implement in your work.
Explore diverse topics: While it’s essential to attend sessions directly related to your expertise, don’t be afraid to explore topics outside your comfort zone. You might discover valuable insights and perspectives that can benefit your career.
Navigating the expo hall
The expo hall encompasses a lot. The industry’s top supplier companies are all in one place, helping you create quality pet food and treats.
Plus, the expo hall is where you will find the Tech Talk Stage, Future of Petfood Pavilion and pet charities. Lunch is also served in the expo hall and Tuesday night’s reception takes place there too.
Plan your route: With over 375 exhibiting companies, the expo hall can be overwhelming. Before entering, review the floor plan and identify booths you want to visit. Prioritize based on your interests and objectives.
Engage with exhibitors: Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with industry suppliers and service providers. Ask questions, learn about new products and technologies, and collect relevant information for future reference.
Stay open-minded: Keep an open mind while exploring the expo hall. You may stumble upon innovative solutions or emerging trends that could revolutionize your approach to pet food production or business operations.
Collect resources: Don’t forget to collect brochures, samples and business cards from exhibitors. These materials can serve as valuable resources and contacts for future collaborations or partnerships.
Final advice
Petfood Forum is a multifaceted event with a large tradeshow floor, a rich educational schedule and countless social opportunities.
Plan ahead but be flexible. Bring business cards. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. But most importantly, take it all in and welcome to the Petfood Forum community!
