STAMFORD, CONN. — The American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced Nov. 29 it has acquired online education and conferencing platform The Pet Summit to enhance its member services and further pet industry connectivity.

Founded in 2020 by Paige Chernick and Megan Macari, the mission of The Pet Summit is to bring pet industry stakeholders together to learn, network, share ideas, raise awareness and build community. The organization has hosted more than 150 workshops, classes, panels, Q&A sessions and other events specific to supporting pet industry brand owners, influencers, bloggers and social media managers, according to APPA.

“The Pet Summit represents every pet parent, business owner, rescue organization, influencer, blogger or pet-related website that wants to grow their following, start a business, learn the dos and don’ts of partnerships, elevate their content for better engagement and more,” said Jeremy Baker, chief growth officer at APPA. “We are extremely pleased to not only work more closely with these individuals and entities across the broader pet care community through this acquisition, but to also extend new educational resources and networking opportunities to APPA members."

APPA and The Pet Summit kicked off their partnership through an event at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York City in October. The event gathered APPA members and pet influencers to network and raise money to benefit the GALS Foundation, which supports dogs in rural communities by providing food pantries, vaccinations, spay/neuter clinics and health care services.

"We believe this acquisition is a seamless fit that will open the door to new audiences and prospects to drive success for both organizations as we continue to strive to expand APPA’s member services," Baker added.

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector.