InfoStream Newsmakers of 2016

2016 was a great year for InfoStream with a strong increase in readership and expansion of original content.

Here are the most popular InfoStream stories of 2016 in order of top page views:

Randy Valpy’s departure from the pet insurance industry to a new career with Lifelearn Inc. definitely sparked readers’ interest. Valpy has been an important partner to the Urban Animal Foundation and Summit event for years.

The Alberta Wildfire displaced Fort McMurray residents and their pets. InfoStream strove to keep people on top of what was happening to rescue and reunite animals in the region.

Health articles are always popular and the increased incidence of Lyme disease was top of mind with readers.

PetLynx has played an important role reuniting lost pets with their owners and corporate changes in 2016 were in the InfoStream newsfeed - from engaging contractors to a rebrand to Urban Animal Corporation and share offer.

The shift in corporate valuation is trending around the globe and the article about PetSmart’s acquisition of Allpaws.com is a perfect example - subscribers and successful service can have more value than revenue.

Proposed BC legislation to help dogs in hot cars was a hot article, with the failed Canadian animal cruelty legislation also trending on InfoStream.

A border collie named Chase who knows the names of over 1000 items has caused scientists to reconsider just how smart dogs are and showcased the power of positive training methods.

Another important issue is the increase in antimicrobial resistance, which the United National refers to as a “world global crisis.” In response the US and Canadian governments have increased regulations for the use of antibiotics/antimicrobials in animals.

Ontario’s battle with rabies after seeing their first raccoon strain in ten years, was the basis for a series of articles. Keeping readers in the loop about vaccination clinics and rabies control operations was InfoStream’s goal.

The contributors and editor of InfoStream intend to bring even more original, interesting and relevant content to you in 2017.

2016 OVMA Conference Preview Now Available!

The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) organizes the largest veterinary conference in Canada. The conference offers opportunities for continuing education as well as a trade show. The 2016 conference will focus on several topics including small animal and equine medicine and practice management. The conference will be held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto on January 28-30, 2016.

The following references have been provided by the OVMA:

• 2016 Preview
• 2016 Exhibitors List

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Call For Papers: 2016 Petfood Forum

The Petfood Forum Content Advisory Board is calling for noncommercial abstracts for oral and poster presentations. The abstracts may be submitted via the Petfood Forum website and should highlight new research and information on:

• New research on companion animal nutrition;
• Novel ingredients and their potential applications in pet food or treat formulations;
• Data, trends and predictions for the pet food market, either global or focusing on a specific market;
• New pet retailing information pertinent to the selling or distribution of pet food;
• New information or ideas for marketing pet food, including via social media;
• New information, techniques or processes for new product development in pet food;
• Update on regulatory information relevant to pet food in the US or other, specific markets.

• New research, technology or processes for pet food production;
• New research, technology or other information on pet food packaging;
• New, specific information on one focused aspect of pet food safety (no general overviews of regulations or pet food safety programs).

The 2016 Petfood Forum will take place on April 18-20 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. All applicants must be able to attend the forum.

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New Pet Industry Trade Show in United States

The United States is getting a new pet trade show. Urban Expositions has created the P3 | Progressive Pet Products trade show. P3 will be held in 2016 on August 24th and 25th in Chicago, Illinois. This show will be a reinvention of the previous H. H. Backer Total Pet Expo. P3 is designed to ‘deliver a forward-looking, fun trade show experience to one of America’s top destination cities -- pairing the market’s newest pet products with exceptional educational programming and networking events.’

Urban Expositions’ Executive Vice President, Courtney Muller said, “We have a long history in the B2B space and plan to create a whole new trade show experience for Midwest pet industry professionals. By curating a product selection defined by new, emerging companies, showcasing it in Chicago’s premier lakefront Navy Pier setting, and backing it with a festive, idea-inspiring show environment, we will offer an event where business is done – and everyone has fun doing it.”

President of H.H. Backer Associates, Inc., Patty Backer said, “It is so gratifying to watch the plans unfold for the exciting new P3 show. The pet industry has been – and continues to be – such an important part of my life. Urban Expositions is the right team, and the Midwest is the right place, to reinvent a show that responds to the ever-evolving nature of our business. Urban’s signature hands-on management style, customer service commitment, and enthusiasm for the pet industry, point to a bright future for P3.”

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2015 Petfood Forum Breaks Records!

The 2015 Petfood Forum held in Missouri broke their previous attendance records. Approximately 2500 attendees were industry professionals from over 40 countries. This is a 50% increase from 2014 attendance figures. The Petfood Forum creates a space for networking between industry peers. Plans are already being created to allow for further expansion in 2016. In 2016 the event will be held in Kansas City again as this location was suitable to a large number of people.  The 2016 Petfood Forum will be held on April 18-20th; for more information click here.

“Many of the world’s largest pet food companies had a presence at Petfood Forum 2015; and it’s no coincidence that Kansas City is now the new home of Petfood Forum through 2018,” said Debbie Phillips Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “Now we’ve set the bar pretty high for ourselves to make the Petfood Forum 2016 event even bigger and better than this year. We’ll be examining all of our feedback for ways to improve, to continue to expand and innovate, and keep Petfood Forum as the leading event for the members of the pet food industry.”

The Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats focused on hands-on treat making. The workshop was sold out months in advance and contributed to the substantial attendance.

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