Core Session Overview

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.

Not literally, we wouldn’t condone that of course. Come and hear from, and talk with, key legislators and regulators who have put a stake in the ground on pets. This is the place to be to be heard, discuss how legislation and regulation can grease the wheels of progress, create better outcomes for animals and consumers.

The animal health and pet care sectors are thriving, well beyond the pandemic boom. As family dynamics evolve and technology advances, new and exciting ways to enhance pet lives and interactions are emerging. For investors, the opportunities are vast—let’s dive into the best bets and where to place them.

More pets? Absolutely! Delaying kids? Yep! Skipping the kids altogether? You bet! Taking your furry friend on vacation? Of course! Bringing them to the office? Why not! All of these trends are not just passing fads - they’re here to stay. Pets have officially graduated to the status of full-fledged family members, with budgets to match. The human-animal bond is stronger than ever, and the impact of our four-legged friends on our happiness and well-being is becoming one of the hottest topics around.

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, not 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.

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!

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).

Now, let’s talk about the rise of the petfluencers - yes, those four-legged social media stars who have more followers than most humans. These furry influencers are now the ultimate trendsetters, making brands rethink everything. And with the likes of Temu and Alibaba stepping into the ring, it’s becoming a jungle out there.

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!

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.

Founders need focus. Founders are the cornerstone of improving the health, care and lives of animals. A panel of experts will take us on a journey exploring the art of the possible and the scale of the opportunity, highlighting the areas where founder expertise should focus, to deliver transformative change for the animals, themselves and investors.

Find out directly from the changemakers. Compass welcomes the First Gentleman of the great State of Colorado, Marlon Reis, to outline the State’s approach to driving legislation that enacted genuine change for pet parents.

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?

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.

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.

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.

So, what does this mean for veterinarians? How does their role shift as this sea of knowledge (and sometimes misinformation) keeps growing? The way vets navigate their place in the world of animal health is definitely evolving, and how do they ensure their expertise remains the anchor in ensuring our furry, feathered, and scaly friends get the care they truly need.

Join us for a journey into the world of pet-friendly urban design! As more people consider their furry friends part of the family, cities and housing developments are stepping up to create environments that cater to both humans and their four-legged companions. In this session, we’ll explore how innovative local leaders, urban planners, architects, and developers are turning cities into pet paradises, well beyond the poorly maintained dog parks we have come to know.

Discover the latest trends in pet-friendly housing and in-home consumer pet tech, learn about the most pawsome neighborhoods around the globe, and get insights into how cities are adapting to meet the needs of pet-loving residents. Whether you’re a city planner, real estate professional, or investor, this session will give you a view of the huge shift towards pet-first lifestyle thinking and opportunities.

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.