BRUSSELS — The Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) announced its international lineup of speakers and delegates for the 2026 GAPFA Technical Congress & Annual General Meeting, taking place June 21 to 24 in Ottawa, Canada.
The event reached full capacity several weeks ahead of the event, reflecting strong interest from across the global pet food community, according to GAPFA. Bringing together leading experts from government, academia, international organizations and industry, this year’s Technical Congress will explore “The Future of Pet Food: Mastering Disruption and Defining Global Success” and examine the global forces reshaping the pet food sector.
“We are delighted by the tremendous interest in this year’s Congress,” said Loretta Hunter, president of GAPFA. “The program brings together an exceptional group of international experts to address many of the critical issues facing our industry today — from global trade and animal health to international standards, nutrition and innovation. Ottawa will provide an outstanding forum for collaboration and forward-looking discussion as we work together to shape the future of pet food.”
Speakers include representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Health for Animals, leading universities, national veterinary authorities and senior executives from across the global pet food industry.
Hosted by the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC), the conference aims to provide a unique forum for discussing emerging animal health threats, evolving trade dynamics, international standards, nutrition, innovation and the future direction of the global pet food sector.
“As host of this year’s congress, PFAC is delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Ottawa,” said Chris Nash, executive director of PFAC. “The exceptional caliber of speakers and participants reflects the importance of international collaboration in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing our sector. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Canada’s capital for an engaging week of discussions that will help shape the future of pet food globally.”
Educational sessions will explore geopolitical change, global trade developments, emerging animal health threats, supply chain resilience, international standards, nutrition and innovation. Featured speakers include Meredith Lilly, Ph.D., of Carleton University; Mary Jane Ireland, DVM, chief veterinary officer for Canada; Faiza Aklil, DVM, of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA); Carel du Marchie Sarvaas of Health for Animals; and trade policy expert Dan Ciuriak.
Additionally, a high-level international panel bringing together experts from the WTO, WOAH and the industry will examine import controls, international standards and opportunities for greater international collaboration in an increasingly complex global trading environment. Panelists include Camille Flechet of WTO, Francisco D’Alessio of WOAH and Chinedu Ogbonna, director of Global Regulatory Affairs at Champion Petfoods.
The program will also highlight advances in global pet food nutrition, with contributions from GAPFA Nutrition experts, Jia Xu, Ph.D., of the China Feed Industry Association; and Dominique Kuhlmann of PFI South Africa.
In addition to the technical program, delegates will have opportunities throughout the week to engage in GAPFA Board, Workstream and Annual General Meeting activities, strengthening collaboration across the global pet food community.
Key events during the week include:
- Sunday, June 21: GAPFA Board Meeting & Welcome Reception
- Monday, June 22: Workstream Meetings
- Tuesday, June 23: GAPFA Technical Congress
- Wednesday, June 24: GAPFA Annual General Meeting
Read more about pet food and treat industry events.
