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Innovation & Investment Pre-Day: Tuesday, 2 Dec, 202509:00am
Arrival & Welcome
Collect your credentials. It’s time to shape the future of pet business.
Summary:RegistrationSession Type:Registration10:10amLet’s Get Started
A welcome from our team to yours.
Speaker(s):
Poppy Howard-Wall
Event ProducerPet ConnectSession Type:General Session (Presentation)10:20amPet 101: Future-Proof Fast
A practical crash course on where the pet industry is headed — and how to play it, tailored for start-ups and investors ready to win.
Cut through the noise with key trends, quirks, risks, and opportunities shaping success in 2030 and ensure understanding of the environment you’re scaling in.
The essential guide for building or backing tomorrow’s pet businesses.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsInvestment OpportunitiesScaling SmarterSpeaker(s):Session Type:General Session (Presentation)10:40amBeyond Scarcity: Solving The Pet Funding Puzzle
A candid look at the pet industries funding gaps: why early-stage capital is scarce, where investors are placing bets, and how founders are getting creative with capital.
From tapping into angel investors and leveraging crowdfunding platforms to forging creative partnerships, this solutions-oriented session offers founders practical advice for navigating todays funding maze.
Session Topics:Investment OpportunitiesScaling SmarterSpeaker(s):Moderator
Natalie Marks
Chief Executive OfficerVANEDr. Natalie Marks is a small animal veterinarian with over twenty years of clinical experience. She owned the largest animal hospital in Chicago. More recently, she has been the founder and president of MarksDVMConsulting, an educational and strategy consulting firm working with companies of all stages nationally and internationally. She is also on the Executive Committee of VANE, the premier veterinary angel network investor group. VANE currently has 28 portfolio companies and provides direction, connection, and funding to start-ups in the animal health space.
Panelists
Dace Graham
Founder Managing Partner1731MGMTSession Type:General Session (Presentation)11:10amMeet the Investors Reverse Pitch
We’re flipping the script…. again! After 2024’s sold out success it’s the return of the reverse pitch!
40+ investors, each with a dynamic two-minute pitch detailing their investment criteria, category preferences, stage of interest and what they look for in potential partners.
Following this reverse pitch the meeting scheduler will open to pre-book the afternoons 1-2-1 meetings.
Taking the guess work out of meetings so you can connect smarter and faster. Get ready, get comfortable and let the pitching begin!
Session Topics:Investment OpportunitiesScaling SmarterSpeaker(s):
Andrew Poley
Vice PresidentSan Francisco Equity Partners
Anna Skya
Founder & CEO/PartnerBasePaws/Ani.VC
Buff Greebe
Executive DirectorSKU
Chuck Johnson
Angel InvestorVANEDace Graham
Founder Managing Partner1731MGMTNatalie Marks
Chief Executive OfficerVANEDr. Natalie Marks is a small animal veterinarian with over twenty years of clinical experience. She owned the largest animal hospital in Chicago. More recently, she has been the founder and president of MarksDVMConsulting, an educational and strategy consulting firm working with companies of all stages nationally and internationally. She is also on the Executive Committee of VANE, the premier veterinary angel network investor group. VANE currently has 28 portfolio companies and provides direction, connection, and funding to start-ups in the animal health space.
Robert Diamond
Limited PartnerVenrex Investment ManagementRobert is a successful entrepreneur with a track record of creating value from customer data.
Robert is the co-owner and CEO of identicare, the UK’s largest pet microchip registration and pet protection services provider. Identi offers recurring-revenue subscription services to over 4 Million pet owners. In Feb 2024 Robert bought out his joint venture partner (Animalcare PLC) with backing from Bridgepoint Group, one of the UK’s leading private asset investors, in a transaction valued at £30 Million.
At the same time Robert continues to oversee Fernbrook Partners, a private portfolio covering early-stage technology and lifestyle investments and commercial property acquisition, development and leasing.
From 2011 - 2017 Robert helped the acquisition, turnaround and successful sale of RAC, the world’s oldest motoring organisation. In his executive role as Managing Director Motoring Services, he oversaw the data assets of RAC’s 8.2 Million members and also ran six data / digital businesses. He was actively involved in the post-acquisition integration of RAC by Carlyle Private Equity and subsequent exit to GIC Singapore in 2014 and CVC Partners in 2015.
Prior to this, in 2001 Robert founded what became emnos - the leading provider of ‘customer centric’ services and decision-support tools. Clients included top retailers (Target, Walgreens, Morrisons, Waitrose, Boots, Co-operative Group) and their FMCG suppliers. The business was sold to Palamon Private Equity in 2007 and sold on to American Express in 2011.
Robert spent the previous 13 years in marketing and sales roles in the consumer and retail industries.
Robert is an elected member and former board director of the Young Presidents Organisation and regular media contributor (and TED talker) on the use of customer data. He lives in the UK with his wife and four children.
Max Pluss
PrincipalRhea Capital ManagementSession Type:General Session (Presentation)12:40pmBox Lunch & Pre-scheduled 1-2-1 Meetings
Agenda Track No.:Track 5Summary:LunchSession Type:Break / Networking01:30pmBreak-Out SessionsPitch Perfection: Building Winning Decks
Nail your pitch, protect your ideas, and win investor confidence.
This session breaks down what today’s investors want to see—from deck structure to storytelling flow—so you can command attention, communicate traction, and raise capital with clarity and conviction.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterSpeaker(s):
Mark Florence
CEO & FounderBrisbyAgenda Track No.:Track 1Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Target Smarter: ICPs, Influencers, and Decision-Managers
Are you marketing to a myth?
Designed to give founders a cheat sheet for defining their true customer and where revenue can truly be generated.
This session decodes emotional drivers, pinpoints effective influencer channels, and helps you leverage in-clinic advocates effectively.
Sharpen your positioning, validate product–market fit, and build traction that converts.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsSpeaker(s):
Steve Kirton
PresidentCirca HealthcareAgenda Track No.:Track 2Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Unleash Profit Potential: From Pilot to Partnership: Smart Scaling Strategies for a Winning Exit
A successful exit is built into business foundations from day one.
Discover how to optimize growth, strengthen your business fundamentals, and position your company to attract top buyers and maximize returns when it’s time to sell.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 3Session Type:General Session (Presentation)02:30pmPre-Scheduled 1-2-1 Meetings
All present on the pre-day will have the ability to book up to six 1-2-1 meetings with investors and/or innovators present following the reverse pitch.
• Pre-Day Meetings are 20 minutes in length
• Guests will use the Swapcard event app to schedule meetings with fellow attendees.
• Access to the app will be provided 2 weeks prior to the event for attendees and 3 weeks ahead for event partners.
2.30-2.50 – Meeting 1
2.55-3.15 – Meeting 2
3.20-3.40 – Meeting 3
3.45-4.05 – Meeting 4
4.10-4.30 – Meeting 5
4.35-4.55 – Meeting 6
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation)07:00pmPet Connect Next 25 Dinner - Invite Only
Selected by the insights team at Pet Connect the Next 25 is comprised of the start and scale up founders to know and watch as they begin to put their print on the pet industry.
This high-promise group poised to disrupt have that special something that breaks through the noise and gains commercial traction.
We celebrate them on the eve of the summit.
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation) -
Day One: Wed, December 3: Wednesday, 3 Dec, 202508:00am
Registration Opens
Session Type:General Session (Presentation)08:30amWelcome to Pet Connect 2025
Morning Plenary: Provoking Vision and Urgency
Structured for pet execs keen to anticipate the pet parent of tomorrow and recalibrate around next-gen expectations.
Speaker(s):Poppy Howard-Wall
Event ProducerPet ConnectSession Type:General Session (Presentation)08:40amFrom Category to Culture Pet Business in 2045
Kicking off, a strategic look at the next 20 years of pet business evolution. Not crystal-ball futurism, a data-backed vision of pet care as lifestyle.
As wellness, tech, and retail merge into emotional ecosystems, discover how future brands will shape how pet parents live, feel, and connect. Unlock key growth vectors—and why today’s choices matter.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsUnleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesTime:08:40amAgenda Track No.:Track 4Summary:KeynoteSession Type:Keynote9:00amRethinking Customer Ownership in the AI Era
In a world of smart feeders, personalized health plans, and AI-driven recommendations—who really owns the pet parent relationship?
This panel explores the shifting balance of trust, data, and influence between clinics, platforms, and brands—and what it takes to stay essential in an AI-shaped pet care ecosystem.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsUnleashing Profit PotentialSpeaker(s):
Dr Christie Long
Chief Medical OfficerModern Animal
Terry James
CEO & Founding PartnerOffleash’d
Cal Lai
CEOAsk.VetTime:09:00amSession Type:Panel9:30am52/48 Retail: Designing Pet Retail for a Split-Channel Future
With 52% of pet products bought online and 48% in-store, the future isn’t digital or physical—it’s both.
In this fireside chat, discover how leaders are redesigning the pet retail experience to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsUnleashing Profit PotentialSpeaker(s):Moderator
Candise Goodwin
FounderOutlier AdvisorsCandise Goodwin is a recognized leader in the pet industry, with over 15 years of experience helping companies navigate market complexity, scale solutions, and deliver measurable impact. Her background spans pivotal roles at industry leaders including Merck Animal Health, Vets First Choice, VIP Petcare/PETIQ, and Petco, where she led major digital transformations and launched numerous high-profile, industry-changing growth initiatives.
Candise has dedicated her career to understanding the challenges and opportunities within the pet industry. She has worked closely with retailers, veterinary groups, pet technology companies, product and service providers, and pharmacies - developing a holistic, customer-centric viewpoint of the industry's unique ecosystem along the way.
Today, Candise extends her expertise to clients seeking to navigate the complexities of the market. Her firm, Outlier Advisors, provides strategic consulting services that reflect her distinctive blend of innovative thinking, deep industry knowledge, and ability to spot emerging trends. Outlier Advisors partners with industry leaders, investors, and startups to develop actionable strategies that meet the demands of an evolving pet landscape.
Candise is also a sought-after speaker, advisor, author, and mentor, known for sharing rare and multifaceted insights and practical strategies with fellow Outliers.
Katy Briggs
Managing DirectorWilloughby DesignIn her role as Managing Director, Katy is focused on guiding brand strategy and uncovering consumer insights that lead to big ideas. Katy's career has been driven by developing a keen understanding of the human behavior that drives purchasing decisions. She has worked with world-class brands like Hallmark, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Helzberg Diamonds and Kohl’s. At her core, Katy is a problem solver and a storyteller. As a strong collaborator and thoughtful writer, Katy leads teams through the strategic process to simplify the complex and deliver succinct brand systems.
Time:09:30amSession Type:General Session (Presentation)10:00amMorning Break // Pop-Up Shop Opens
Coffee in one hand, discovery in the other. The Pet Connect Pop-Up Shop is open—your first look at the freshest ideas in pet care. From smart tech to bold treats see what everyone will be talking about before it hits the shelves.
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesSession Type:Break / Networking10:30amThe Nutrition Playbook: Winning on Claims, Trust & Scale
Nutrition remains top priority for pet parents. As attention has increased, so to have expectations. In a market crowded with premium promises and functional claims, leaders face rising pressure to scale trust, margin, and scientific credibility.
Explore what truly drives differentiation on packed shelves and leave with actionable strategies to future-proof portfolios, validate claims, and lead in this high-growth, high-stakes landscape.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterUnleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):
Rich Kelleman
Founder & CEOBond Pet FoodsRich is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bond Pet Foods, a Boulder, Colorado-based start-up that’s working with biotechnology to make pet food from pure microbial and recombinant animal proteins like chicken, turkey and fish, without the animal. Before diving into the world of pets and food tech, Rich was a strategic planner at a number of advertising agencies for more than 20 years including CP+B, Upshot, FCB and Fallon, where he lead brand strategy for brands like Burger King, P&G, Kellogg’s, and Coca-Cola
Session Type:General Session (Presentation)11:00amRewriting the Bond: Pets, People, and the New Rules of Connection
The pet-human bond isn’t news - it’s the foundation. What matters now is how we design around it.
Join us as we unpack the ripple effects: how generational shifts, urban living, and rising expectations are redefining care delivery, access, and brand loyalty.
From care team communication to emotionally intelligent design this is your blueprint for building systems that truly serve the modern pet parent.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsEngaging Pet ParentsScaling SmarterSpeaker(s):
Rustin Moore
Dean of College of Veterinary MedicineOhio State UniversityDr. Rustin M. Moore was born and raised in West Virginia, the heart of Appalachia. He earned his BS from West Virginia University in 1986 and his DVM and PhD from the Ohio State University in 1989 and 1994, respectively. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1994.
He spent 12 years on faculty at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where his clinical interests included equine lameness, surgery, and colic and the associated complications. His research led to him being a principal or co-investigator on approximately 120 funded grants. In addition, he has authored or co-authored more than 15 academic book chapters, and his work has been published as 125 peer- or editor-reviewed manuscripts and 175 scientific abstracts.
Dr. Moore was recruited back to Ohio State in November 2006 as the Chair of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, a position he served until 2014. He also simultaneously served as the Executive Director of the Veterinary Medical Center and Associate Dean for Clinical and Outreach Programs from 2009 to 2014, and then served as the Associate Executive Dean from 2014-2015 before being named the 11th Dean beginning September 2015.
A passionate advocate for animal health, Dr. Moore has led community outreach and disaster response initiatives, including the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of nearly 500 horses after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He serves on multiple boards, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, and the Ohio Wildlife Center, among others, and is currently the immediate past president of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
He is a sought-after speaker on topics such as the importance of creating and fostering a community in the college, university, community, and the veterinary profession where all people feel welcome, comfortable and can thrive. He also is invited to speak about the importance of biodiversity to conservation and sustainability, competency-based veterinary education and spectrum of care, health and wellbeing of people in the veterinary profession, and the One Health approach to animal, human, and environmental health.
He has been frequently invited to share his passion, perspective, and expertise about the human-animal bond since his 2016 TEDx talk titled “The Power of a Pet.” To that end, Dr. Moore authored the recently released book, Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions, a broad and deep exploration of the often-mystifying connection between humans and animals, which is available on Amazon. He donates a portion of proceeds of book sales organizations that promote, protect, and preserve the human-animal bond. Be sure to leave a book review.Session Type:General Session (Presentation)11:20amMore Than Coverage: Designing Access for Expanded Reach
Pet insurance is no longer just about reimbursement—it’s a gateway to care, trust, and retention.
This panel explores how modern models—wellness plans, embedded coverage, and flexible financing—are reshaping access for underserved pet owners and unlocking new revenue.
Learn where insurance is headed, how it partners with retail, tech, and financial services and who’s still being left behind.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsEngaging Pet ParentsUnleashing Profit PotentialSpeaker(s):
Miles Thorson
CEOOdie Pet Insurance
Christie Horvath
CEOWagmoChristie Horvath is CEO and Founder of Wagmo, a modern pet healthcare company redefining pet benefits in the workplace. Christie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from Northwestern University. She began her career in the Financial Institutions Group at BlackRock before launching Wagmo in 2017.
Recently, Christie was named to the Inc. Female Founders 500 list, and in 2024, Wagmo was recognized with the Benefits Trailblazer Award for Best Lifestyle Solution.
Session Type:Panel11:40amBuilt, Backed, Bought: The Journey of a Breakthrough Pet Brand
What does it really take to go from idea to acquisition in the pet industry? In this founder case study, we unpack the journey from first product to earned trust, investor backing, and strategic exit.
Honest lessons on traction, pivots, partnerships—and how to scale when the path isn't straight.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterUnleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):Anna Skya
Founder & CEO/PartnerBasePaws/Ani.VCSession Type:General Session (Presentation)12.00pmThe Cat is Out of the Bag: Tapping the Feline Growth Frontier
Cats now outnumber dogs in many urban households—but products, care models, and marketing still lag. This panel dives into the overlooked feline opportunity, exploring how DTC brands, veterinary services, and retailers are innovating for the modern cat parent.
Discover what it takes to win feline loyalty, from behaviour-based design to telehealth, nutrition, and the rise of cat-first ecosystems.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):
Kristin Wuhrman
Board of DirectorsCatalyst Council
Erin Simpson
Founder & CEOWildcat
Susan Groeneveld
Foundersylvester.aiSession Type:General Session (Presentation)12.30Lunch12:45 - 1.30pmLunch & Learn - How to Show Up: Going to Market in a Changing Landscape
Harness the opportunity of a rapidly evolving pet market. From choosing the right channels—distribution vs. retail—to real-world marketing wins and customer education strategies, this session delivers sharp insights and actionable focus points for presenting new offerings to today’s pet parents.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterUnleashing Profit PotentialSpeaker(s):
Mindy Cannon
Marketing ManagerEPiQ Animal Health
Jordan Van Walsen
Business Development and Supplier Relations Managerepiq Animal HealthTime:12:45 - 01:30pmSummary:Lunch & LearnSession Type:General Session (Presentation)1.15-2.50pm3:00pm - 4:25pmSupply Storm Strategies: Building Operational Resilience That Lasts
From rising shipping costs to sourcing volatility, pet brands are under pressure. This breakout reveals how to build true operational resilience—through smarter supply chain diversification, logistics optimization, and leveraging data to mitigate risk.
Walk away with actionable strategies to protect margin, reduce disruption, and scale confidently in uncertain times.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterSpeaker(s):Mindy Cannon
Marketing ManagerEPiQ Animal HealthJordan Van Walsen
Business Development and Supplier Relations Managerepiq Animal HealthTime:02:10 - 02:50pmAgenda Track No.:Track 1Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Brand Matters: Leveraging Your Brand Story & Finding Your Whitespace
According to Salesforce, 62% of customers feel emotionally attached to the brands they love. Creating a lasting, positive impression can build long-term loyalty—but earning that place in your customer’s heart isn’t easy. This interactive roundtable will guide you through exercises to identify your white space and share practical tips to craft a compelling brand story that helps your brand truly stand out.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsSpeaker(s):Katy Briggs
Managing DirectorWilloughby DesignIn her role as Managing Director, Katy is focused on guiding brand strategy and uncovering consumer insights that lead to big ideas. Katy's career has been driven by developing a keen understanding of the human behavior that drives purchasing decisions. She has worked with world-class brands like Hallmark, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Helzberg Diamonds and Kohl’s. At her core, Katy is a problem solver and a storyteller. As a strong collaborator and thoughtful writer, Katy leads teams through the strategic process to simplify the complex and deliver succinct brand systems.
Nicole Satterwhite
Co-CEOWilloughby DesignAs co-CEO and owner of the agency, Nicole has guided the creative process for a large portfolio of clients including the Kansas City Current, The Hershey Company, Georgia Pacific and Panera. With more than 25 years in the design industry, Nicole has extensive experience overseeing large-scale projects, brand identity creation, major civic initiatives, environmental installations and stand-out packaging innovations. Her critical eye and expertise mean she can visualize the big picture without neglecting the details.
Time:02:10 - 02:50pmAgenda Track No.:Track 2Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Exit Strategy: Positioning for Maximum Value in Pet M&A
Successful exits start long before the deal. In this breakout, M&A insiders reveal how to position for acquisition—from shaping financials and forecasting performance to managing risk, brand narrative, and buyer alignment.
Learn what truly drives valuation and how run a process that protects your upside and delivers results.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):
Carol Frank
Managing DirectorBirdsEye Advisory GroupTime:02:10 - 02:50pmAgenda Track No.:Track 3Session Type:General Session (Presentation)No copy-cats! Proprietary Innovation & the Value of IP in Pet
In today’s pet industry, brand isn’t enough. This session explores how proprietary innovation—whether product science, tech platforms, or service protocols—can drive valuation and strategic interest.
Learn what acquirers are really looking for, how to protect your edge, and how to position IP as a core asset, not an afterthought.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterSpeaker(s):
Steve Garlock
PartnerThompson CoburnTime:02:50 - 03:30pmAgenda Track No.:Track 1Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Tuned In, Switched On: Social Listening and Creator Strategy That Converts
The best campaigns don’t guess—they adapt.
Discover how leading pet brands use real-time consumer insight to guide creator strategy, stretch budgets, and break through the noise. across Instagram, YouTube, and beyond.
Listen better, spend smarter, and turn scrolls into serious traction.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsSpeaker(s):
Shawn Pate
Head of US PetTikTok ShopTime:02:50 - 03:30pmAgenda Track No.:Track 2Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Performance-Driven Practice: The New Code for Vet Clinics
Veterinary leaders are facing a triple bind: talent recruitment, declining footfall, and tech growing pains. In this interactive session, hear how top-performing practices are solving for scale—redesigning workflows, rethinking roles, and leveraging technology to boost revenue per DVM, reduce churn, and build more resilient, high-performing operations from the inside out.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialSpeaker(s):
Brendan Lynch
SVP, Urgent Care Hospitals and InnovationVCA Animal HospitalsTime:02:50 - 03:30pmAgenda Track No.:Track 3Session Type:General Session (Presentation)4:25pmAfternoon Break
Session Type:Break / Networking4:30pmPrescheduled 1-2-1 Meeting Slots
4.30-4.55 – Meeting Slot 6
5.00-5.15 – Meeting Slot 7
5.20-5.35 – Meeting Slot 8
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Workshop with FWD People
Speaker(s):
Emmet Gustafson
Co-FounderFWDAgenda Track No.:Track 7Session Type:General Session (Presentation)5:40pmPet Connect Awards & Drinks Reception
Speaker(s):
Lashonda Geffrard
CEOElevateLashonda Geffrard's name is synonymous with passion, dedication, and innovation. As the driving force behind Black Pet Business Network, The Paw Shop, and Paws of Hope Florida. Lashonda is a force to be reckoned with, a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship, and animal welfare. Her boundless love for animals and her drive to create a more inclusive and thriving pet industry has catapulted her into the realm of expert pet industry speaking and influence.
With an unwavering commitment to positively impacting the pet industry as a whole, Beyond her speaking engagements, Lashonda's impact on the pet industry extends to her role as a popular columnist for various industry publications. Her thought-provoking articles delve into the depths of the industry and shed light on emerging trends.
Session Type:General Session (Presentation) -
Day Two: Thurs, December 4: Thursday, 4 Dec, 202508:00am
Breakfast Briefing - Lead, Buy, or Build: The Strategic Outlook for Pet Care - Invite Only
Closed-door breakfast for senior leaders shaping the future of pet care offering a fast-paced strategic overview of the forces transforming the global pet economy.
Insights drawn from cross-sector investment patterns, supply chain volatility, and emerging health and wellness demand curves, explore where value will concentrate next and who’s set to lead.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialTrends & Industry OverviewsInvestment & ScalingSession Type:General Session (Presentation)08:30amRegistration Opens
Session Type:General Session (Presentation)08:50amWelcome back! Day 2 Opening Remarks
Speaker(s):Poppy Howard-Wall
Event ProducerPet ConnectSession Type:General Session (Presentation)09:00amNot If, But Now: The Personalized Pet Health Revolution
A revolution in personalised pet health is underway powered by smarter diagnostics, real-time data, and rising consumer demand. With the benefit of hindsight from human health, the pet industry has a unique opportunity to leapfrog old barriers and define the next growth frontier. Discover what it takes to lead the charge.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsSpeaker(s):
Jamie Smith
CEOInnovative Pet Lab
Mildred Munjanganja
Chief Business Development OfficerAllivet by Tractor SupplySession Type:General Session (Presentation)09:30amFrom Test Kit to Trusted Platform: Building a D2C Ecosystem for the Next Era of Pet Care
What happens when a one-time DNA test becomes the gateway to an entire pet parent journey? This case study unpacks a bold pivot to D2C—why it was made, what it takes to win, and how content, curation, and community can turn data into daily engagement, recurring revenue, and lasting brand loyalty.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsSession Type:General Session (Presentation)09:50amOnboard to Grow: Pet Acquisition and the Education Opportunity
Pet acquisition is more than a moment—it’s a market maker. From shelters to retail to clinics, this panel explores how embedding early education can combat the misinformation that’s widening the gap between pet parent intention and outcomes.
From TikTok tips to treatment hesitancy, hear from leaders leveraging triage tools, connected platforms, and retail-embedded education to rebuild trust, reassert expert guidance, and drive better compliance and care outcomes in a digital-first world, creating life time customers along the way.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsUnleashing Profit PotentialEngaging Pet ParentsInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):Moderator
Bruce Truman
President and FounderBLT Technology & Innovation Group
Tori Williams
COOFear Free
Joe Watson
President & CEOPetlandSession Type:General Session (Presentation)10:20amEastward Expansion: Capturing Asia’s Pet Market Boom
Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing, most digitally advanced pet economies in the world. For U.S. pet brands eyeing global growth, the opportunity is enormous.
We unpack how success demands a hyper-local strategy, what it takes to win in markets like China, Japan and South Korea, from regulatory navigation and platform preference to pricing nuance and cultural fit.
Learn how to localize, partner smartly, and build lasting traction in the region.
Session Topics:Trends & Industry OverviewsEngaging Pet ParentsUnleashing Profit PotentialInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):
Nicole Lin
Country Manager USAAlibabaSession Type:General Session (Presentation)10:50amMorning Break
Agenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation)11:00amBest in Show – Winner’s Check In
Pet Connects Best in Show Alumni join us back on the main stage to showcase how far they've come and provide insight for this year's finalists.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterSession Type:General Session (Presentation)11:20amBest in Show
8 Finalists
7 minutes presenting
Session Topics:Investment OpportunitiesExposure OpportunitiesSession Type:General Session (Presentation)12.30LunchPrescheduled 1-2-1 Meetings
Prescheduled 1-2-1 Meeting Slots
12.50-1.05 – Meeting Slot 9
1.10-1.35 – Meeting Slot 10
1.40-2.00 – Meeting Slot 11
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation)From Hindrance to Help - Aligning Industry & Veterinarians for Better Collaboration
From retail to tech, every corner of the pet industry wants to support vets—but best efforts often unintentionally increase workloads. This breakout tackles the disconnects between intent and impact.
Explore best practice to become a true partner in veterinary delivery and what clinics actually need.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialTrends & Industry OverviewsSpeaker(s):Time:12.50-2.00Agenda Track No.:Track 3Session Type:General Session (Presentation)02:00pmDisruptors Hour Interviews
Three disruptors share what they’re changing—across care delivery, commerce, and connection—and why now is the time. From bold pivots to new models, discover how they’re unlocking growth, challenging legacy thinking, and reshaping the pet industry from the inside out.
Session Topics:Exposure OpportunitiesScaling SmarterEngaging Pet ParentsInvestment OpportunitiesSpeaker(s):
Brandy Kuentzel
Co-Founder & CEOEase Pet VetBrandy Kuentzel is the CEO and co-founder of Ease Pet Vet, the company making expert veterinary behavior care accessible to all pets. Prior to starting Ease, Brandy led legal strategy and advocacy efforts for one of the nation’s most influential animal welfare organizations, the San Francisco SPCA, for more than a decade. As General Counsel, she oversaw numerous groundbreaking legislative victories including shutting down California’s last gas chamber for shelter pets, challenging restrictive laws on veterinary telemedicine, and establishing the nation’s first legal aid organization dedicated to shelter animals. Brandy saw firsthand that behavior was the silent crisis behind so many heartbreaking outcomes for pets, and founded Ease as the first online solution to bring specialty behavior care into the mainstream. An accomplished entrepreneur and corporate attorney, Brandy was the season winner of NBC’s The Apprentice, and previously founded and sold her own venture in the food industry. She earned her JD from the University of Chicago Law School and holds a BA from UCLA, and enjoys time with her family of two cats, two children and husband in the Bay Area when not building Ease.
Jason Meltzer
Founder & CEOLive Work PetJason Meltzer is a pet care entrepreneur with a track record of building category-defining brands. He is the founder of Live Work Pet, a new real estate platform that combines premium rental housing with integrated pet care and curated lifestyle amenities designed for modern pet parents. The company is launching its first community in Denver with plans to scale nationally.
Previously, Jason co-founded Wag, where he served as CEO & Chief Dog Officer and helped grow the company into one of the most recognized pet tech startups in the country. He led market expansion, product launches, sales operations, investor relations, and brand storytelling during the company’s early growth.
Jason brings over ten years of experience at the intersection of pet wellness, technology, and consumer real estate. His work is focused on building scalable solutions that improve quality of life for pets and their people while unlocking long-term enterprise value.
Ava Dorsey
FounderAva’s Pet PalaceSession Type:General Session (Presentation)02:45pmPrescheduled 1-2-1 Meetings
2.45-3.00 – Meeting 12
3.05-3.20 – Meeting 13
3.25-3.40 – Meeting 14
Session Topics:Networking OpportunitiesAgenda Track No.:Track 6Session Type:General Session (Presentation)03:45pmRetail-Ready? Need to Know Before Hitting the Shelf
Getting into retail is a milestone—but one with serious cost, complexity, and risk. This breakout dives into what early-stage pet brands must know before pursuing retail: from pitching buyers and funding shelf strategy to navigating distributor relationships and demand planning. Understand what retailers look for, how to build leverage, and whether the shelf is really your next best move.
Session Topics:Scaling SmarterEngaging Pet ParentsAgenda Track No.:Track 1Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Go Fetch…More Sales: Winning E-Commerce & Retention Strategies for Pet Business
Unleash your profit potential and dominate online sales with savvy digital marketing moves & retention focused planning. From pinpoint targeting to data-driven magic, learn how to captivate pet parents, boost engagement, and turn clicks into loyal customers in a bustling e-commerce pack.
Session Topics:Engaging Pet ParentsSpeaker(s):
Ryan Reed
Co-Founder & CEOPawsitivity PetsRyan has been an entrepreneur since 2008, right out of college. He started a successful Digital Marketing agency where he worked with many large ecommerce companies and helped some to exit. Ryan also started a lifestyle brand with his wife in 2017, Lifebyher LLC, which provides lifestyle content for women. He and his wife Ashley have built the following to 700,000 followers and growing. In 2020, Ryan partnered with his friend and former client, Gary Nealon, to start Pawzitivity Pets where they have acquired 8 brands in the pet space, ranging from supplements to content websites.
Vijay Menon
FounderButter Payments
Charles Rosenblatt
Chief Commercial OfficerButter PaymentsAgenda Track No.:Track 2Session Type:General Session (Presentation)Go or Hold: Launching into New Markets Without Losing Focus
Expanding into new markets can boost scale—or dilute impact.
This breakout explores how market entry affects valuation, resource allocation, and investor confidence. From timing and team readiness to regulatory friction and brand stretch, discover what early-stage pet companies must weigh before going global. Understand when expansion creates value—and when it puts it at risk.
Session Topics:Unleashing Profit PotentialAgenda Track No.:Track 3Session Type:General Session (Presentation)04:20pmBest In Show Winners Announcement
Session Topics:Exposure OpportunitiesInvestment OpportunitiesSession Type:General Session (Presentation)04:30pmChairperson’s Closing Address
Session Type:General Session (Presentation)04:40pmEnd of Event
Session Type:General Session (Presentation)
Jump to: Tuesday, 2 Dec | Wednesday, 3 Dec | Thursday, 4 Dec