PET Food Processing - December 2019 - 71

FEATURE EVENT

LUCKY13th
Pet Food Conference reaches its

The 13th annual AFIA Pet Food Conference will highlight
student research, present a new award and discuss a
variety of challenges faced by the industry today.
By Jordan Tyler | jtyler@sosland.com

A

Another year for the International Production and
Processing Expo (IPPE) means another Pet Food
Conference hosted by the American Feed Industry
Association (AFIA), a crucial opportunity for pet
food and treat manufacturers to network with
vendors and learn about the latest industry trends.
The annual conference will feature eight speakers
and several students to share valuable insights on key
industry topics.
As the pet food and treat industry faces both ageold and more modern challenges, this annual conference is designed to increase awareness and understanding of opportunities, threats and best practices
available for mitigating pet food formulation and marketing issues. The agenda will address global trends,
nutritional challenges associated with senior pets, the
influences of ingredient quality and a close look at the
canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) issue.
A handful of new elements will be included in the
2020 Pet Food Conference, such as the Friend of Pet
Food Award, which will recognize two professionals
"who go above and beyond for the pet food industry," as AFIA describes. Nominations for the award
were submitted from all areas of the industry, from
ingredient suppliers to members of the academic

community, then reviewed by AFIA's Pet Food
Committee and other leaders within the organization.
Also for the first time, three graduate students
will present their research during the Pet Food
Conference, giving them the opportunity to educate
the industry on groundbreaking findings and network with potential employers. Additionally, a small
group of undergraduate students have the opportunity to present their own research or discuss a relevant
topic at a poster session during the conference.
The 2020 Pet Food Conference will take a deep
dive into a variety of topics, including global pet food
trends; international trade issues impacting the pet
food market; a panel discussion on DCM; new methods for measuring the oxidation of pet food ingredients; a pet food-focused update from the Association of
American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO); an analysis
of pet food production and ingredients; and, to wrap
up the day, an update from FDA on FSMA and the alleged correlation between DCM with grain-free diets.
The 2020 Pet Food Conference will take place during
IPPE at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta,
Georgia, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For
more details and registration information about the conference, visit www.petfoodconference.com.
PFP

For the first time
at the conference,
graduate and
undergraduate
students with plans
to enter the pet food
business will present
research and topics
to gain exposure
and network with
potential employers.
American Feed Industry Association

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PET Food Processing - December 2019

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