ARLINGTON, VA. — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will once again invite students in the pet food space to join the conversation at its 2021 Pet Food Conference during International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in January.

Graduate and post-doctorate students are invited to submit their pet food research, from which up to three will be selected to present their work during the conference. Up to eight undergraduate or graduate students will be invited to showcase posters of their work during the conference.

The deadline for submissions for graduate research papers is Nov. 9, and the deadline for poster submissions is Nov. 16. Full submission guidelines for the graduate paper opportunity and poster opportunity can be found on AFIA’s Pet Food Conference website.

Graduate and post-doctorate students are invited to submit their research or work on pet nutrition, pet food quality, the human-animal bond, pet food marketing, and other pet food-specific topics. These include original research or a compilation of information.

Undergraduate students considering careers in pet nutrition, pet food quality, pet food safety, the human-animal bond, pet food marketing and other related fields are invited to submit a poster presentation during the conference.

AFIA stated student research for both opportunities will be chosen based on relevance to the pet food industry, quality of the written submission, and academic recommendations. The organization also stated graduate students who are not chosen to present their work will be invited to present a poster during the conference.

Students selected to present their work during the conference will have an audience of approximately 300 pet food professionals, as well as receiving a travel stipend and certificate of selection to the program.

The Pet Food Conference will take place virtually, after organizers of IPPE officially canceled the in-person portion of the trade show on Oct. 9.

"IPPE week will proceed with an exceptional offering of virtual programs, including AFIA’s Pet Food Conference, free feed education session, and additional interesting content, including an online exhibitor showcase designed to connect vendors and buyers," said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of AFIA.

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.