AFIA Pet Food Conference to Explore Market Trends, Artificial Intelligence and Regulatory Landscape

Key Points:

• Registration is now open for AFIA's Pet Food Conference, happening Jan. 26, 2027, in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, Ga.
• The agenda will explore global pet food market trends, emerging uses of artificial intelligence, evolving regulatory and policy issues, animal supplements and the latest industry research. Student researchers are also invited to apply to showcase their work at the conference.
• AFIA's Friend of Pet Food award will be presented during the conference.

Registration is now open for the American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) annual Pet Food Conference (PFC), taking place Jan. 26, 2027, in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga. The daylong conference brings together more than 500 pet food professionals to explore the market, regulatory and business trends shaping the future of the industry.

"The pet food industry continues to evolve rapidly, from changing consumer expectations and new technologies to shifts in the regulatory and policy environment," said Meghan Dicks, AFIA's director of regulatory affairs. "This year's Pet Food Conference will bring together experts from across the industry to help attendees better understand these developments and consider how they may impact their businesses in the years ahead."

The conference will feature presentations and discussions on a range of issues impacting pet food and pet treat manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and other industry stakeholders. Topics will include the latest global pet food market trends, opportunities for using artificial intelligence, developments in testing and regulatory compliance, the evolving animal supplements industry and key policy issues affecting the sector. Attendees will also hear the latest legislative activities in Washington and developments from the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

The program will spotlight the next generation of pet food industry leaders, with three graduate students invited to present research on emerging issues facing the industry and undergraduate students showcasing their work during a poster session. Student applications are due Nov. 6.

During the conference, the AFIA will also present its Friend of Pet Food Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to supporting the growth of the pet food industry.

PFC will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET in the Georgia Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center. Registration is $150 through Jan. 8 and $199 thereafter. To attend PFC, add the conference during IPPE registration.

For more information, including the full agenda, visit afia.org/events/pfc.