Conversations Corner & Pitchfest

It’s time to change up the PIDA Executive Conferences! The PIDA Board of Directors has decided to transform the afternoon to include two concurrent programs. Conversations Corner for current vendors and Pitchfest for emerging brands.

WEDNESDAY, January 15

Conversations Corner: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Reimagined executive conferences into a relaxed setting for distributors to meet with vendors.
Vendors are requested to contact your distributors to confirm they are participating and schedule a meeting. The time and length of the meeting will now be decided by your distributor. To view a list of PIDA Distributor members registered for the 2025 Leadership Summit, click HERE.
This is still a member benefit open only to PIDA distributor, manufacturer, and associate (supplier) members.

Pitchfest: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This new event will provide up to 12 emerging brands with the opportunity for a 10-minute pitch to distributor representatives in an intimate environment.
Brands applying to present do not need to be a member of PIDA.

Pitchfest Networking Reception: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

For distributors to network and ask questions with Pitchfest participants.

Interested in participating in PITCHFEST?

Pitchfest was created from one of the goals in PIDA’s strategic plan to advocate for emerging brands and assist them getting to market through distribution.

Selected new brands participants will have 10 minutes to present their product to approximately 10-15 distributor companies. Following the presentations, there will be a networking event for PIDA Distributors and Pitchfest participants, where these brands can display their product*, network and answer questions from distributors.

Who Can Apply to Present

New brands seeking to sell to independent retailers through distribution. Consideration will also be given to new brands working with one or two distributors and looking to expand their distribution network.

Pitchfest Application

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. To participate in Pitchfest, you must attend the Pet Industry Leadership Summit. As a new brand, you will receive a 25% discount to attend the conference.

Presentation Guidelines

If needed, a projector will be provided for your presentation. *You are limited to only bringing one (1) piece of your product and one (1) marketing flyer/handout. No banners, booths or large signs will be permitted.

Questions, contact Nina Bull.

Distributor Participation

Conversations Corner

The Executive Conferences reimagined into a relaxed setting for Distributors to meet with your vendors. No more booths! No more set meeting times! No more chimes! This open area is designed for you to connect, catch up, and build stronger relationships with your vendors in a comfortable setting. You now decide on the time and length of the meeting with each of your vendors.

Distributors may choose not to participate in this portion of the program.

Vendors are requested to contract their distributors to inquire if you are participating and to schedule a meeting.

Distributors must contact Nina Bull by December 2 to reserve a table.

Pitchfest

The PIDA Board strongly encourages each company to have at least one (1) representative at the Pitchfest presentations, of lines you carry, as well as the reception to support the emerging brands. At the reception, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and network with the Pitchfest participants.

A schedule of the presentations and their company information will be sent in advance to all distributors attending the meeting.

How can you attend both programs?

PIDA realizes some companies only bring 2 or 3 representatives to the Leadership Summit. PIDA suggests one decision maker/vendor relationship manager participate in Conversations Corner and another representative(s) participate in the Pitchfest. Managers participating in Conversations Corner will be able to meet with the new brands at the reception.