Pet Industry Articles & Pet Owner Trends | American Pet Products Association Blog

The Seven Tracks at The Pet Summit 2026

Written by Samantha Hudak | Feb 20, 2026 2:44:10 PM

The Pet Summit will take place from March 23-26, 2026, alongside the Global Pet Expo. This event offers valuable education and networking opportunities to support pet business growth, featuring seven distinct educational tracks. Attendees will benefit from insights shared by experienced speakers and the chance to connect with innovative pet professionals during meals, sessions, and special events. 

The summit will highlight new industry data, sustainability, and go-to-market strategies, ensuring a rich experience through powerful keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking events, and more. 

With more tracks than ever before, we look forward to sharing an overview of each one with you.

Our seven tracks this year include:

1. Brand Storytelling & Digital Influence

Discover what's next in marketing tactics for your business. This track explores strategies to elevate pet brands through storytelling, digital engagement, influencer partnerships, and more.

Featured Session:
Retail-Ready: What You Need Before Hitting the Shelf—Physical and Digital
Candise Goodwin, Outlier Advisors
Julie Nelson, JNelson Consulting LLC

2. Community Partnerships and Collaborations

Discover how to use local partnerships to boost brand loyalty and growth. Explore practical strategies for collaborating with shelters, veterinarians, influencers, and community organizations for meaningful engagement and measurable impact.

Featured Session:
Giving Back: The Heart of Your Pet Business
Kristen Schmitt-Dykes, Detroit Ave. Consulting

3. Data & Insights

Access exclusive datasets, forecasts, and benchmarking tools in the pet industry to identify market gaps and refine strategies for confident action. Utilize intelligence for impactful decision-making.

Featured Session:
Paws and Effect: What Dual-Species Owners Reveal About the Future of Pet Shopping
Gina Logan, Kantar

4. Financial & Investment Perspectives

Explore the financial dynamics of the pet industry, focusing on trends in consumer spending, market consolidation, and innovation. You will benefit from expert panels, workshops, and networking opportunities to connect with founders, investors, and decision-makers.

Featured Session:
Private Credit 101: Tailored Debt Financing for Strategic Growth
Erika Shepherd, Proterra Investment Partners
Justin Conlin, Proterra Investment Partners

5. Pet Sustainability

Sponsored by Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), this track explores how packaging, ingredients, emissions, and corporate responsibility in the pet industry can drive profitable and positive impacts for business, the environment, and communities.

Featured Session:
Organic Pet Food: Evidence, Safety, and Traceable Sourcing From Farm to Bowl 
Beatriz Daim, Tradin Organic

6. Tech & Innovation: Accelerating the Future of Pet

Targeting pet industry decision-makers seeking innovation for growth and efficiency. Discover how to use AI, automation, and digital tools to tackle challenges like labor shortages, speed to shelf, personalization, and sustainability through practical applications and tech.

Featured Session:
From Idea to Aisle: How Smart Manufacturing is Powering the Next Generation of Pet Brands
Fritz Goodnow, Rondo Food America
Oisin Hanrahan, Keychain

7. Pet Sustainability

Aimed at pet retailers, brand representatives, and solution providers, this track showcases how to turn innovative ideas into practical strategies to enhance foot traffic, conversion, and customer loyalty.

Featured Session:
Retail 2030: Reimagining the Pet Store Experience
Andrea Binder, NielsenIQ

Advanced Pricing is available now through Feb. 23, 2026, when you register at The Pet Summit website. Register Now!