Petfood Forum Frequently Asked Questions
General
When and where will the next Petfood Forum take place?
The next Petfood Forum conference and exhibition will be held April 18 – 20, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo., with the next edition of the one-day Petfood Innovation Workshop (featuring a new theme) to kick off the event on April 18th. The location will once again be at the Kansas City Convention Center, 200 West 12th Street, Kansas City, Mo. USA.
Why did Petfood Forum change locations to Kansas City?
What is the host hotel for the next Petfood Forum and how do I reserve a room?
Our host hotel will again be the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. It is conveniently located 1 block away from the Kansas City Convention Center, a 5-minute walk from the Power & Light entertainment district, and is a short 20 minute drive from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
Who attends Petfood Forum events?
Who exhibits at Petfood Forum events?
What is the theme for the next Petfood Innovation Workshop?
Do Petfood Forum events serve the global Petfood industry?
What is the mission of Petfood Forum?
When did Petfood Forum events get their start?
How are Petfood Industry magazine and WATT Global Media affiliated with Petfood Forum?
HOTEL
Kansas City Marriott Downtown is conveniently located 1 block away from the Kansas City Convention Center and a short walk from the Power & Light Entertainment District. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a convenient 20 minute drive away.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION Taxis are available from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel and Kansas City Convention Center; the average fare to / from downtown Kansas City is $50. Kansas City Marriott Downtown is 20 miles from the MCI (KCI) Airport. Kansas City cab rates are $2.10 per mile, plus $2.50 fee, plus $3.00 airport fee – average is $50 each way. SuperShuttle of Kansas City provides roundtrip transportation from Kansas City International Airport to the convention hotels. To make your reservation and receive the CVC attendee discounted rate, click here (http://groups.supershuttle.com/petfoodforum.html). You may also make your reservation by calling (800) BLUE-VAN (258-3826) and mentioning the discount code code QJFZD. SuperShuttle Kansas City offers a Shared-Ride Round-Trip service to/from the Marriott Downtown for a discounted group rate of $30 per person. One-way will be $18 per person. The city’s MAX (Metro Area Express) rapid transit service is another ground-transportation option. MAX provides faster, more convenient commutes than traditional bus service for all points between the River Market area (north of downtown) and the Country Club Plaza shopping center in the south. Each ride is $3. To purchase a $10 three-day pass that gives you unlimited rides for three consecutive days, click here (http://www.kcata.org/fares/visitors). Discounted parking of $7/day at the Kansas City Convention Center is available to Petfood Forum attendees and exhibitors driving to Petfood Forum and Innovation Workshop. RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Known as the barbecue capital of the world and for its live jazz, join thousands of your petfood industry colleagues at the 2015 Petfood Forum in Kansas City and enjoy yourself at the same time. Kansas City is a gracious and historic blend of cultures, arts and professional sports featuring vibrant restaurants, hotels, shops and art galleries. The Kansas City Power & Light District, an entertainment district with fine dining, bars and shopping is also a 5 minute walk from the hotel. We recommend making dinner reservations in advance in this very popular and lively neighborhood. A myriad of delicious options are offered here on the VisitKC.com website. NAME BADGES Did you register in advance? Your name badge, badgeholder and program materials will be available at Petfood Forum Registration located in Lobby 2300 of the Kansas City Convention Center. Open hours are: Monday, April 18, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SHIPPING/BUSINESS CENTER Business Center services are available at the Kansas City Convention Center, Lobby 2100. For a fee, copying, color copying, binding, laminating, notary public, office supplies and outbound package wrapping and shipping via Federal Express and UPS. The Business Center accepts cash, MasterCard, VISA and American Express. Sorry, checks are not accepted. WHAT’S WHERE? · Coat / Luggage Check Lobby 2300, Kansas City Convention Center · Petfood Forum Exhibits Hall E, Kansas City Convention Center · Petfood Forum Registration Lobby 2300m, Kansas City Convention Center · Welcome Reception Grand Ballroom CD, Kansas City Convention Center · Keynote Sessions Grand Ballroon B, Kansas City Convention Center · Headquarter Hotel Marriott Kansas City Downtown · Wednesday Closing Barbecue Barney Allis Plaza, Outdoor Courtyard across from Marriott STAY HEALTHY The indoor climate of a convention center is very dry. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics which dehydrate you further. Throughout your day, remember to drink lots of water to combat dehydration. You’ll be seeing a lot of people (both familiar and new), during the conference. This means lots of hand shaking. To help avoid germs, wash your hands frequently and carry some pocket Handy Wipes for convenience. Don’t forget your vitamins. Use lip balm and consider using saline nasal spray and eye drops. All this will help keep your body tuned up and the germs away. Walking the Exhibit hall floor? Even your most comfortable shoes at home won’t be that way after two days of walking through the expansive convention center. Bring at least two pair of shoes and trade off every each day.