Content Schedule
Day 1
Thursday, April 10, 2025
7:00am - 8:00am
Networking Breakfast
8:30am - 9:00am
Welcome Address
Gene O'Neill | CEO, NAVC
A short welcome from Compass leadership and an outline of what to expect from the event, and what is expected of you.
9:00am - 10:00am
Economic State of the Global Pet Health Industry
The opening plenary session will set the scene for industry leaders for where we are now, what we have seen in the last 10 years and a view into the needs of the next decade. This session will give into the economic realities of now, what the key indicators are telling us, the approaches from investors and how we, together, unlock the burgeoning potential of the animal health and pet care sector.
Session Focus: Investing & Entrepreneurship
10:00am - 11:00am
Personalized Petcare Technology That Will Blow Your Tiny Human Mind (written by AI)
Eric Pai | CBO, AI for Pet
Moderated by Ryan Leech | Speaker & Podcast Host
Written by AI.
People often call me crazy for talking to my dog. But what else am I supposed to do when she asks me something, ignore her? As wild as that might sound, groundbreaking technology is on the horizon that will revolutionize how we interact with our pets. From health monitoring and reporting to pet entertainment, behavioral analysis, and even communication, we’re here to give you a glimpse of the future-right now.
Session Focus: Technology and Development, Education & Scientific Research, Pet Healthcare Professionals and Medical Innovations
11:00am - 12:00pm
Bridging The Gap - The Future of One Health
Sponsored by

Moderated by Steve Feldman | President, HABRI
The health of humans, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected. In this dynamic conversation, a veterinarian and a human health doctor will explore the principles of One Health—how collaboration across medical disciplines leads to better outcomes for both people and animals. From zoonotic diseases to mental health benefits, they’ll discuss the science behind the human-animal bond and the growing body of research demonstrating the mutual health benefits of these relationships. Whether you’re a veterinary or human healthcare professional, this session will provide valuable insights into how cross-disciplinary partnerships can drive better health for all.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm
How Pet Public Policy Can Protect the Human-Animal Bond
Mark Cushing | Founder and CEO, Animal Policy Group
Chetana Mirle | PhD, Program Director at Spring Point Partners LLC (Life of Riley)
Moderated by Steve Feldman | President, HABRI
Pets integration into daily life is here to stay, and pets are increasingly recognized as essential to our health and wellbeing. Yet, despite our growing love for pets, laws and regulations are often stuck in the past. It’s high time that policy changes recognize the importance of the human-animal bond, keeping pets by our side where we live, work and play.
2:00pm - 2:45pm
A Spoonful of Sugar - Explore the Moonshots in Medicine on the Horizon
Julia Stephanus | Partner, Borealis Ventures
David Haworth | EVP, R&D, Embark Veterinary
We all hear about the latest and greatest drug developments. The FDA approvals, the investor dog and pony shows, and the big marketing campaigns. But that is what is happening now, but what’s next? This session brings together some of the leading scientific minds to discuss not only what they are working on, but to discuss the moonshot scientific endeavors they are targeting for the future.
Session Focus: Technology and Development, Education & Scientific Research, Pet Healthcare Professionals and Medical Innovations
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Vet Ventures - The Impact of Consolidation and Private Equity Investments in Animal Health & Pet Care
Charlie Tapp | Founder & Managing Partner, Vetted Capital
Ira Gordon | Veterinarian, Oncologist, Scientist, and Entrepreneur
Consolidation gets a bad rap, with private equity (PE) often cast as the big, bad wolf that’s supposedly gobbled up consumer choice, jacked up prices, and left veterinary professionals feeling more fried than a burnt-out lightbulb. The narrative goes that independent practices are what consumers really want, while only the corporate giants and their investor buddies are cashing in on consolidation.
These broad strokes paint a familiar picture, don’t they? Big companies are the villains, and investment organizations are the evil masterminds behind it all. Now, we’re not here to tell you it’s all sunshine and rainbows, but let’s not pretend it’s all doom and gloom either. In this session, we’re rolling up our sleeves to dig into the juicy details. We’ll hear from every corner of the debate, exploring the global saga of consolidation—what’s gone swimmingly, what’s belly-flopped, and what the real impacts are for consumers and investors alike.
Session Focus: Regulatory, Policy, and Legislative Developments, Investing and Entrepreneurship, Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior
3:30pm - 4:15pm
The Evolving Role of Vet Care - Is White Coat Approval As Important As Ever?
Dr. Rustin Moore | Dean of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University
Lenore Bacek | VP, Clinical Affairs, Bluepearl Veterinary Hospitals
The world of animal care is expanding far beyond the vet’s office! With a flood of information at everyone’s fingertips and AI-powered insights offering more details than ever before, pet owners are turning to a variety of sources for advice. Whether it’s the groomer’s tips, the dog sitter’s tricks, or the endless opinions swirling around on social media, people have more ways to learn about pet health - whether the info is spot-on or a bit off-track.
4:15pm - 5:00pm
Pet-Friendly Workplaces: How Leading Companies Are Embracing Animal Health to Attract and Retain Talent
As pets become an integral part of employees’ lives, forward-thinking companies are recognizing the value of pet-friendly benefits in fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee well-being. In this engaging panel discussion, Chief Human Resources Officers from leading corporations will share insights on how pet health and pet care benefits are evolving as key components of competitive benefits packages. From pet insurance to pet-friendly office policies, they’ll explore how companies can support employees as pet parents while boosting retention, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how prioritizing pets can lead to a happier, healthier, and more loyal workforce.
Day 2
Friday, April 11, 2025
7:30am - 9:00am
Networking Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am
Main Keynote
A cannot-be-missed keynote to be announced soon.
10:00am - 11:00am
Come With Me, and You’ll Be, In a World of Pure Imagination! - The 3 Pathways to 2035
Sponsored by

James Evans | Founder and CEO, C.A.R.E
David Servididio | CEO, VetVerifi
It’s time for a serious conversation. The pet industry is booming, with unprecedented growth and countless opportunities for profit. Product ranges have never been more diverse. But what’s next? Join us for a workshop led by the American Pet Products Association, along with top industry researchers and experts, where we’ll explore - together - the key macro and micro impact areas. We’ll also discuss three potential directions the industry might take over the next decade.
Session Focus: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior, Industry Advocacy and Nonprofit Perspectives
11:00am - 12:00pm
Caring for Caregivers: Elevating Mental Health in the Workplace
Augusta O'Reilly | Veterinary Social Worker
As pet care professionals, the emotional demands of the work can be immense, from handling client relationships to caring for animals in distress, which has no signs of slowing down anytime soon. There is an urgent need to create and enhance mental health support systems, both through policy and regulation and through responsive workplace practices, specifically tailored for those in the pet care industry. Join us to collaborate, share ideas, and take meaningful steps toward creating these much needed industry standards.
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm
It’s All About the Money, Honey
Heidi Sirota | Pet Industry Strategic Growth Advisor
Patrick Keefe | National Sales Manager, Synchrony
John Keatley | CEO, ScratchPay
Money might be called the root of all evil, but let’s face it - having some can do a whole lot of good, especially when it comes to our furry friends! Financial solutions are like superheroes in the world of animal health and pet care, swooping in to save the day, especially in the face of unexpected emergency. From pet insurance to flexible payment plans and other cutting-edge fintech options, these tools help make sure our pets get the care they need without breaking the bank. Let’s talk about the pawsitive change money can deliver?
Session Focus: Regulatory, Policy, and Legislative Developments, Infrastructure and Environmental Design
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Feeding Frenzy! Functional Health and Continued Evolution of Animal Nutrition
Dana Brooks | CEO, Pet Food Institute
Nutrition is the secret sauce fueling about 30% of the booming global animal health and pet care market. Every day, fresh options hit the shelves, from celebrity-endorsed kibble to vet-approved, all-natural, sustainable, personalized, and functional diets. The buzzwords are endless, but one thing’s clear: top-notch nutrition is the cornerstone of our pets’ health and happiness. Ready to dive into the latest trends and what’s next for this dynamic and ever-evolving industry? Join the trailblazers and visionaries shaping the future of pet nutrition for a lively and eye-opening discussion you won’t want to miss!
Session Focus: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior, Technology and Development, Investing and Entrepreneurship
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Take Cover! Right-sizing Shelter Policies, Processes & Funding
Lisa LaFontaine | CEO, Human Rescue Alliance
Apryl Steele | President & CEO, Dumb Friends League
Animal shelter policy and legislation can be a complex puzzle, both in the US and around the world. Shelters are vital to our communities, offering essential support to current and future pet owners, and of course, to the animals themselves. Yet, too often, shelters are overlooked in the broader discussions about animal health and pet care. With pet ownership on the rise, it’s time for shelters to take a more prominent role in the conversation. While progress is happening in certain areas, the global potential remains vast.
Join the visionaries who are leading the charge in transforming shelters and advancing animal welfare. Explore best-in-class data-sharing initiatives between local shelters and veterinary practices, which are making a tangible impact on the lives of animals and pet parents alike. Uncover the significant opportunities that await the shelter sector as we look to the future.
Session Focus: Industry Advocacy and Nonprofit Perspectives, Regulatory, Policy, and Legislative Developments, Technology and Development
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Buy! Buy! Bye? View from the eShop
Mathé Mosny | CEO, Kismet
What’s happening in the pet retail and manufacturing world? Buckle up because it’s been one wild rollercoaster! Remember the pandemic pet boom? Everyone was adopting fur babies, and the industry was living the high life - shelves were empty, sales were soaring, and every pet was suddenly living the dream.
But then came the supply chain hiccups, inflation started gnawing at wallets, and things got a little, well, complicated. Did pet parents start cutting corners and going for cheaper options? Even when pinching pennies, pet owners aren’t letting their standards slip, because their pets deserve the best (and they know it).
As for retailers and manufacturers? They’re in overdrive, trying to keep up with these trends while navigating a landscape that’s changing faster than a cat can knock things off a table. They’re innovating, adapting, and basically doing whatever it takes to stay in the game. In short, the pet retail industry is still going strong - just with a few new twists that are keeping everyone on their toes!
Session Focus: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior (Supply Chain & Retail), Technology and Development
*As of February 26, 2025. Times, dates and topics are subject to change.
Registration is open!
Click below to secure your spot for Compass.
April 10-11, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
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