Conference Agenda

Tuesday, April 22


7:30 AM-1:00 PM—10th ANNUAL NASC GOLF TOURNAMENT (Depart at 6:30 AM)—Sponsored by CompletePet, LLC


8:00 AM-2:00 PM—WELCOME DESK OPEN FOR BADGE PICKUP—Sponsored by Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc.


9:00 AM-5:00 PM—NASC CLAIMS AND COMPLIANCE BOOT CAMP (Detailed schedule below)—Sponsored by Venable, LLP


NASC CLAIMS & COMPLIANCE BOOT CAMP


  • 9:00-9:15 AM—WELCOME, ANTI-TRUST STATEMENT—Ryan Cargo, Chief Operating Officer, NASC


  • 9:15-10:15 AM—BEYOND DATA ENTRY: NAERS OVERVIEW WITH Q&A—Katie Brenner, Senior Compliance Officer, NASC
    Gain insights, understand key features, and get answers to your questions in this interactive overview of the NASC Adverse Event Reporting System (NAERS).


  • 10:15-11:15 AM—THE INS AND OUTS OF CGMPS AND QUALITY MANUALS—Miriam Wood & Kelli Younker, Compliance Specialists, NASC
    Learn the essentials of current good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and effective quality manual development in this comprehensive overview.

 

  • 11:15-11:30 AM—BIO BREAK


  • 11:30 AM-12:30 PM—LABELING FOR INTENDED USE (HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS VS. FOOD SUPPLEMENTS)—Jennifer Gornnert, Compliance Officer & AAFCO Liaison, NASC
    Discover how intended use affects labeling and understand the regulatory distinctions between health supplements and food supplements and the labeling requirements for each.


  • 12:30-1:30 PM—BUFFET LUNCH—Sponsored by Venable, LLP


  • 1:30-3:00 PM—CLAIMS SUBSTANTIATION: IF YOU CAN'T PROVE IT, DON'T USE IT—Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable, LLP; Shahin Rothermel, Partner, Venable, LLP
    Learn the essential principles of claims substantiation for pet supplements and why unsupported marketing claims can lead to regulatory risk and consumer mistrust. 


  • 3:00-3:15 PM—BIO BREAK


  • 3:15-4:45 PM—CRAFTING DEFENSIBLE CLAIMS: REDUCING RISK AND ENHANCING COMPLIANCE—Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable, LLP; Shahin Rothermel, Partner, Venable, LLP
    Learn how to create strong, defensible product claims that align with regulations, minimize risk, and support overall brand credibility and compliance. 


  • 4:45-5:00 PM—CLOSING COMMENTS—Bill Bookout, President, NASC


5:00-6:30 PM—EXHIBIT HALL COCKTAIL RECEPTION (All attendees & exhibitors welcome)—Sponsored by Vetio Animal Health


Wrap up an insightful first day by joining fellow industry professionals in the Exhibit Hall for a friendly cocktail reception. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere to connect with peers and discover innovative products and services from valued Preferred Suppliers while enjoying drinks from the cash bar and light bites! 


Wednesday, April 23


7:00 AM-1:00 PM—WELCOME DESK OPEN FOR BADGE PICKUP—Sponsored by Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc.


7:15-8:00 AM—LIGHT BREAKFAST + EXHIBITS OPEN FOR NETWORKING


GENERAL SESSION


•  8:00-8:10 AM—WELCOME & OPENING COMMENTS—Bill Bookout, President, NASC


•  8:10-9:00 AM—WHAT'S NEXT IN PET SUPPLEMENTS? FRESH CONSUMER INSIGHTS & EMERGING TRENDS SHAPING THE INDUSTRY—Nicole Hill, Executive Director-Strategy, MarketPlace; Jon Copeland, Research Manager, MarketPlace


Join Nicole and Jon as they reveal exclusive Nextin Research data from 1,200+ pet parents. Discover what motivates dog versus cat supplement purchases, preferred formats, influential ingredients, and in-demand benefits. Gain actionable strategies to position your brand at the forefront of emerging consumer trends.


•  9:00-9:50 AM—UNLOCKING THE CHINESE MARKET WITH TMALL GLOBAL—Nicole Lin, Business Development Country Manager, Tmall Global, Alibaba Group


With China projected to have twice as many pets as young children by 2030, this presents an unprecedented opportunity. Join a Tmall Global expert to master selling pet supplements to Chinese consumers through regulatory guidance, logistics optimization, business solutions, and partner selection strategies for this rapidly expanding market.


9:50-10:30 AM—NETWORKING BREAK—EXHIBITS OPEN—Sponsored by UniChem Enterprises


•  10:30-11:10 AM—PET WELLNESS MARKET TRENDS + M&A UNPACKED—Worth Turner, CEO, CompletePet, LLC; Lauren DeVestern, Managing Director & Partner, L.E.K. Consultants


Examine current trends in the pet wellness industry, alongside mergers and acquisition activity that shape the market landscape. Gain insights into the evolving business dynamics and market developments influencing the animal supplement sector.


•  11:10-11:50 AM—THE FORGOTTEN FELINE: RETHINKING SUPPLEMENTS FOR CATS' UNIQUE NEEDS—Pedro Celso Machado Jr., VP of R&D, Vets Plus, Inc.; Terri Grow, Feline Expert, Educator & Advocate


Explore the challenges in developing supplements cats willingly consume. This presentation covers market trends, veterinary perspectives, and feline-specific formulation requirements. Learn why "cats are not meowing dogs," how to overcome selectivity issues, and how to create products that satisfy both discerning felines and their devoted owners.


11:50 AM-1:00 PM—NETWORKING LUNCH IN EXHIBIT HALL—Sponsored by SupplySide


•   1:00-1:30 PM—AAFCO UPDATE—Austin Therrell, Executive Director, AAFCO; Jennifer Gornnert, Compliance Officer & AAFCO Liaison, NASC


Get the latest updates from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and NASC on Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) requirements, changes to ingredient review procedures, and upcoming professional development opportunities for industry members working to maintain compliance standards.


•   1:30-2:00 PM—RETAILERS SPILLED THE TEA! USING SURVEY FINDINGS TO DELIVER WHAT MATTERS MOST—Sara Phillips, Vice President Global Pet Business, FoodScience, LLC


Get the inside scoop on what retailers are really saying about customer behaviors and market trends. This session breaks down fresh survey insights and turns them into actionable strategies to level up your products, marketing, and decision-making—so you can serve up exactly what your customers want. Don’t miss the chance to turn data into serious retail magic!


BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Business/Marketing Breakouts


•  2:00-2:30 PM—RESOURCES FOR HORSES: RECENT AND RELEVANT EQUINE RESEARCH YOU MAY HAVE MISSED—Lydia Gray, DVM, Owner, Lydia Gray Consulting, LLC


Surveys consistently show that consumers want supplements backed by science, and horse owners are no different. In this presentation, we’ll explore key recent studies and demonstrate how companies can leverage them. From revamping current products to creating innovative formulas, research is one of your greatest tools.


• 2:45-3:15 PM—FUR-REAL GROWTH: SCALING YOUR PET SUPPLEMENT BRAND with TIKTOK SHOP—Shawn Pate, Pet Supplies Lead for TikTok Shop


TikTok Shop is revolutionizing online shopping, combining discovery and sales in one place. Learn how to leverage content creation on TikTok Shop to boost sales and brand awareness. We’ll cover pet health & supplement requirements and share key best practices for success. 


• 3:30-4:00 PM—LETTING GO TO GROW! SCALING YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RIGHT PARTNERS—Bryan Vincent, President, Precision Science (moderator); Rene Martinez, VP of Business Development, CompletePet, LLC; Courtlandt Pennell, VP National Sales, KND Labs (panelist); Andrea Uckele, Account Executive, Uckele Health and Nutrition, Inc. (panelist); Matt Ziegler, CEO/Chief Scientist, HS Custom Formulations 


Outsourcing is a strategic decision at every stage of growth. Whether you’re considering outsourcing for the first time, reevaluating an existing partner, or looking for someone who can scale with your brand, choosing the right manufacturing and development team can unlock real performance gains. In this session, we’ll explore how expert partners can help you scale efficiently, stay focused on your core business, and avoid costly missteps. We’ll also address the fear of losing control—and why working with trusted, NASC-certified Preferred Suppliers gives you more control where it counts: in quality, consistency, and long-term success.


Science/Compliance Breakouts


• 2:00-2:30 PM—USING MICROENCAPSULATION TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS EXACTLY WHERE THEY’RE NEEDED—Bart Dunsford, PhD, Pet Food Product Manager, Plus4Pet


Discover how microencapsulation technology creates protective microscopic shells around sensitive ingredients, ensuring stability and enhanced bioavailability in pet supplements. Learn the biological mechanisms that maximize effectiveness in companion animals and practical applications for incorporating this innovative science into your product development to create superior formulations.


• 2:45-3:15 PM—PALATABILITY FOR PETS: FLAVOR AND FORMULATION UNITE—Charles Vesey, RPh, MS, Formulation Technology Manager, Market Development, Colorcon and Scott Karolchyk, RPh, MS, FAPC, Director of Product Development, Pet Flavors, LLC


Address one of animal health's greatest challenges: willing supplement acceptance. Explore formulation strategies for selecting excipients and flavors that enhance both palatability and stability. Learn species-specific taste preferences, innovative delivery systems, and testing methodologies to develop products that pets voluntarily consume, leading to better outcomes through compliance.


• 3:30-4:00 PM—QC BEST PRACTICES FOR CONSISTENCY AND EFFICACY IN PRE-, POST, AND PROBIOTICS—Ravi Sheth, Co-Founder, Kingdom SuperCultures


Learn practical quality control strategies to help ensure that postbiotic supplements deliver consistent results, from manufacturing to pet consumption. Through case studies, including clinically validated oral health ingredients, discover how to maintain product integrity, potency, and performance. Develop and implement protocols that are immediately usable by both technical and non-technical team members.


4:00-6:30 PM—TIME ON YOUR OWN TO RELAX OR EXPLORE EASTON TOWN CENTER


6:30-8:30 PM—WELCOME RECEPTION AT PINS MECHANICAL CO. (All attendees & exhibitors welcome)—Sponsored by Vets Plus, Inc.


Kick off the conference with a night of food, fun, and friendly competition during our Welcome Reception at one of Columbus’s top entertainment venues. Challenge pals to duckpin bowling, pinball, or oversized patio pong while sipping craft cocktails from the cash bar and snacking on delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres. It’s a laid-back way to break the ice, make connections, and kick the conference off right!


                                                                                           Pins Mechanical Company

                                                                                                     141 N. 4th St.

                                                                                             Columbus, OH  43215

Thursday, April 24


7:00-10:00 AM—WELCOME DESK OPEN FOR BADGE PICKUP—Sponsored by Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc.


7:15-8:00 AM—LIGHT BREAKFAST + EXHIBITS OPEN FOR NETWORKING


BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Business/Marketing Breakouts


• 8:00-8:30 AM—INTRODUCTION TO THE NASC TREATS PROGRAM—Bill Bookout, President, NASC; Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable LLP


Curious about NASC's newest initiative? This session introduces the NASC Treats Program—come learn about the goals of the program, how to participate, and what it means for your business, your customers, and the industry as a whole. Whether you're already making treats or thinking about it, this is your chance to get the full scoop.


• 8:45-9:15 AM—ADVANCEMENTS IN AI FOR IMPROVING ANIMAL WELFARE—Jennifer Jo Lott, Technical Development Director, SGS North America


Explore how artificial intelligence transforms animal welfare through behavioral analysis, nutritional optimization, and health monitoring. This presentation explores AI's capabilities in identifying stress triggers, personalizing feeding solutions, detecting illnesses early, and enhancing living environments. 


Science/Compliance Breakouts


• 8:00-8:30 AM—UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF HMB FOR CANINE MUSCLE MASS RETENTION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT—Shawn Baier, Vice President of Business Development, TSI Group


Discover how 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate (HMB), a leucine metabolite known for enhancing protein synthesis and reducing proteolysis in humans, effectively supports canine weight loss while preserving muscle mass. Learn about clinical evidence, metabolic mechanisms, and practical applications of this innovative ingredient for addressing canine obesity.


• 8:45-9:15 AM—THE ENDING OF THE CVM/AAFCO MOU: NAVIGATING THE NEBULOUS REGULATORY LANDSCAPE FOR THE ANIMAL FOOD INDUSTRY—Erik Hedrick, PhD, Executive Vice President, Director of Toxicology, Burdock Group Consultants


Dr. Erik Hedrick addresses the critical challenges following FDA-CVM's termination of its AAFCO agreement. Learn practical strategies for the 500+ ingredients now at risk of being classified as unapproved additives. Discover the systematic approach using qualified toxicological assessment to achieve federal compliance and prevent potential product recalls. 


9:15-10:00 AM—NETWORKING BREAK—EXHIBITS OPEN—Sponsored by eShipping


GENERAL SESSION


• 10:00-10:50 AM—PACKAGED FACTS 2024 PET OWNERS IN THE US SURVEY RESULTS—Shannon Landry, Pet Brand Manager, Packaged Facts


Discover what drives pet owners' supplement purchasing decisions in this data-driven presentation from Packaged Facts. Explore consumer motivations, key influence factors, and barriers to adoption. Gain valuable insights to align your product development and marketing strategies with what today's pet parents actually want and need.


•  10:50-11:50 AM—KEYNOTE ADDRESS—UNTIL THE LAST DOG: ONE MAN'S LIFELONG JOURNEY TO ALASKA WITH HIS DOGS—Book signing to follow presentation—Rob Downey, Annamaet Petfoods Founder, Pet Nutrition Expert, and Champion Dog Sled Racer


Join Annamaet Founder Rob Downey as he shares inspiring stories from his 38-year career racing sled dogs across challenging terrain from Alaska to Argentina. Discover how wilderness adventures and canine companions have shaped his approach to business, life, and the pet nutrition industry.


11:50 AM-1:00 PM—NETWORKING LUNCH IN EXHIBIT HALL


•  1:00-1:30 PM—MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE? OVERCOMING CHONDROITIN ADULTERATION AND FAILED FINISHED PRODUCT TESTS—Bill Bookout, President, NASC (moderator); Dr. Luis A Camacho III, Scientist | Method Development, Eurofins; Allen Gritton, Sales Director, Pharmore Ingredients, Inc.; Will Ji, President, Optimized Ingredients Product Line, TSI USA LLC; Seth McGinn, President, Mid-West Nutrition, Inc.


Address the persistent industry challenge of chondroitin adulteration and its relationship to failed finished product tests. Explore this common issue affecting joint health supplements for companion animals and potential solutions to these quality assurance challenges. 


•  1:30-2:00 PM—DECIPHERING OMEGA-3 COAS: SPOTTING RED FLAGS & ENSURING AUTHENTICITY—Erik Fuglseth, Co-Founder & CTO, Orivo


Learn how to correctly interpret Certificates of Analysis for omega-3 ingredients in pet supplements. Develop skills to identify potential issues, verify product authenticity, and implement quality control measures that protect your brand reputation and animal health. 


•  2:00-2:50 PM—LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR THE PET SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY—Jennifer Gornnert, Compliance Officer & AAFCO Liaison, NASC (moderator), Todd Harrison, Partner, Venable LLP; Ivan Wasserman, Managing Partner, Amin Wasserman Gurnani; Bill Bookout, President, NASC


Stay informed with this essential overview of legal and legislative developments relevant to the pet supplement industry. This panel discussion brings together experts to address important regulatory considerations that may impact your business operations. 


2:50-3:35 PM—NETWORKING BREAK—EXHIBITS OPEN


•  3:35-4:15 PM—FROM DATA TO DECISION: WHO’S BUYING PET SUPPLEMENTS AND HOW TO REACH THEM—Pete Scott, President & CEO, American Pet Products Association


Who’s really buying pet supplements, and why? This data-driven session uncovers key pet owner segments, exploring their purchasing habits, lifestyles, and motivations. With a mix of compelling stats and engaging storytelling, attendees will get the full picture of where these pet owners' shop, other pet products they buy, and how to effectively reach them. 


•  4:15-5:00 PM—TARIFFS UNPACKED: WHAT THEY MEAN FOR THE PET SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY—AND HOW TO STAY AHEAD—Mike Bober, President & CEO, Pet Advocacy Network


Tariffs and trade policy shifts are creating new challenges for the pet supplement industry. This session breaks down current and proposed tariffs, what they mean for raw materials, packaging, and finished products, and how brands can prepare. Learn how to manage rising costs, adjust supply chains, and stay competitive in a changing global landscape.



5:00-5:20 PM—NASC MEMBERS-ONLY BUSINESS MEETING



7:00-10:00 PM—FINAL NIGHT BANQUET  (All attendees & exhibitors welcome)—Sponsored by Pharmore Ingredients, Inc.


Celebrate the end of another incredible conference with an evening to remember! We begin with a cocktail reception in the ballroom foyer—perfect for sharing laughs with new friends and longtime colleagues. Then, enjoy a chef-curated buffet dinner in an elegant ballroom setting while listening to live music and enjoying the company of your dining companions. Finally, cap the night off with crowd-favorite karaoke, interactive trivia, and mingling to your heart’s desire. It’s the perfect finale to three days of learning, connection, and fun!

Questions? Drop us an email at conference@nasc.cc