We're moving to LA!
Join us on December 5-6 as we showcase the most exciting innovations in the pet industry, connecting them with investors and strategic partners to improve pet health and pet owner experience.
Join 450+ senior executives and 180+ start-ups from across the petcare ecosystem for 2 days of 1-2-1 networking opportunities and learnings on the biggest challenges and opportunities presenting the pet market in 2023 including:
Encouraging the uptake of pet insuranceImproving affordability and access to care
Securing financial investment
Innovations in data and technology that are improving pet health
Creating sustainable and affordable pet care products
Increasing access to and contact with pet owners
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View the 2023 AgendaTake a look at our event agenda to see what is instore for you over 2 days of networking, insights and content in LA. -
Best in Show SpotlightApplications are open for the Best in Show Spotlight and CEO and Founders Forum! -
Partnership OpportunitiesTake a look at our Sponsorship Prospectus to discover the opportunities available.
2023 Speakers
Abhay Nayak
Abhay Nayak is President of Global Diagnostics for Zoetis, the world leader in Animal Health and a Fortune 500 company. In this role, he leads a global organization focused on bringing diagnostic tools, insights and innovations to veterinary customers, pet owners and producers who care for animals. His areas of responsibility in this high-growth area for Zoetis include product management, commercial development, customer service, reference labs and U.S. sales and marketing teams.
Mr. Nayak joined Zoetis in 2018 and previously served as Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy, Accelerated Growth Businesses and Commercial Development. During his career at Zoetis, he has shaped the company’s global strategy and commercial development organizations; led, aligned and integrated various businesses focused on diagnostics, genetics, precision animal health, nutritional products and scientific wellness; and overseen the company’s customer experience, sustainability and chief medical officer programs.
Prior to joining Zoetis, Mr. Nayak was a consultant at McKinsey & Company where he advised leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies on crafting and executing global growth strategies. He started his career as an investment banker at Barclays in London, where he advised private equity clients on M&A, restructuring, and financing transactions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Mr. Nayak earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School. He is also a CFA Charter holder.
Heidi Sirota
Heidi Sirota serves as Nationwide’s Chief Pet Officer, leading the nation’s first and largest provider of pet insurance protecting more than 1 million pets. She joined Nationwide in 2018 as vice president of marketing for the Retirement Solutions business and led an expansion of its capabilities and markets.
Before joining Nationwide, Heidi transformed consumer experiences in human health care. As UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Bank vice president of marketing, she pioneered the retailization of health savings accounts, and as a marketing executive at Aetna and ConnectiCare she introduced new, engaging ways for consumers to shop for health insurance and get care.
Heidi started her career in commercial bank operations, then moved into investment and insurance marketing leadership at The Phoenix Companies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola Marymount University and completed executive education from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Heidi sits on the Board of Trustees of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County, California. Also she is an Advisory Board member for the University of California Santa Barbara-Extension, Customer Experience Certificate Program and the executive sponsor of Nationwide’s Pet Advocacy and Wellness Support (PAWS) Associate Resource Group.
Lane Kent
Daniel Cheng
Daniel has over a decade of experience in the tech industry and is passionate about changing the way we live through technology and innovation. Daniel is currently the Director of Product at Nestle Purina, leading the new Petivity division. Petivity is laser focused on building connected experiences that improves the pets’ lives through smarter care. Previously, Daniel led product management and marketing teams at a wide array of disruptive companies such as View, Sengled and Semtech. Daniel graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and received his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Mony Iyer
Lashonda Geffrard
Lashonda Geffrard's name is synonymous with passion, dedication, and innovation. As the driving force behind Black Pet Business Network, The Paw Shop, and Paws of Hope Florida. Lashonda is a force to be reckoned with, a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship, and animal welfare. Her boundless love for animals and her drive to create a more inclusive and thriving pet industry has catapulted her into the realm of expert pet industry speaking and influence.
With an unwavering commitment to positively impacting the pet industry as a whole, Beyond her speaking engagements, Lashonda's impact on the pet industry extends to her role as a popular columnist for various industry publications. Her thought-provoking articles delve into the depths of the industry and shed light on emerging trends.
Thank you to our Advisory Board
Jim Heim
Nathan Marafioti
Tom Zerzan
Dr Jens Pippig
