The Pet Summit 2020: Recap & An Exciting Opportunity
*AD | GIFTED
I was provided with a ticket to the summit in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
If you were following me on social media this weekend, then you know that I attended The Pet Summit 2020. This was a virtual event designed to bring together those in the pet industry to learn and connect. This year’s summit was a GREAT success, and I’m going to share my highlights as well as an opportunity to get in on the fun.
While there have been other trade shows and pet industry-related events, The Pet Summit set out to offer something new and exciting this year:
An event put together by influencers and pet businesses, for influencers and pet businesses.
Better still, the virtual format made it possible for people to connect and network regardless of their location around the world.
The first thing that stood out to me was the focus on making a difference in the pet space.
A portion of each ticket sale was donated to one of the event’s rescue partners, making a difference for pets in need.
What Happened at The Pet Summit?
Day One
The event kicked off with a keynote speech from Colleen from Pets On Q, animal influencer management.
She shared valuable information about how to create content that will allow you to connect with a brand, including what the brands are looking for in an influencer.
It was a unique insider perspective from someone involved firsthand in connecting influencers and brands for collaborations.
After the keynote speech, the first day of the summit kicked off with live panel discussions, over 75 pre-recorded classes, Q&A opportunities, giveaways and more.
What did I take most from the first day?
The importance of creating quality content that will appeal to brands while also remaining true to myself, as well as the importance of consistency.
The first day ended on high note with a live ‘Yappy Hour’ call on Zoom.
During this time, we had a chance to connect with other participants at the summit while enjoying a fun cocktail making session (including a ‘cocktail’ for the dogs).
Networking, connection and cocktails, what’s not to love?
Related: ‘How to Become A Pet Influencer in 4 Steps‘
Day Two
Sunday, we started the day with a live yoga with your pet class.
It gave us the opportunity to wake up on the right foot and prepare for the exciting day ahead.
The first panel discussion on day two was a very important one, touching on the topic of diversity and inclusion in the pet industry.
Amazing people of colour that have found success in the pet industry came together to share their own experiences as well as their suggestions for how we, as an industry, can come together to bring about change.
This is SUCH an important conversation, and I thank all involved for such an open discussion.
After that, we moved into a discussion about using our influence on social media in a positive way, benefiting rescue organizations.
This included the ability to share information, fundraise and more.
As pet influencers, we have a unique opportunity to use our voices to make a tangible difference, and the focus on that was refreshing!
If you were in need of a break at this point (it was a lot of information), the summit organizers had the perfect event lined up for your next.
Illustrator and visual designer Andrea Caceres took us through an online art class with a Halloween twist.
While I’m not overly skilled in digital artwork, it was a lot of fun (and worth a good laugh).
Finally, the last live session of the summit was arguably my favourite all weekend.
Kaila from Dox Design shared a very detailed step by step process to create and prioritize our branding in all that we do.
While I LOVE the colour scheme that I have been working with here on Shed Happens, I quickly learned about other aspects of branding that I could prioritize.
This included font choices, images, patterns, etc.
She summed it all up at the end with an easy to follow checklist, walking you through the basics of branding.
Related: ‘12 Pet Influencers You Should Follow on Instagram‘
The Opportunity
I started this post with the promise of an opportunity, so what do I have in mind?
The virtual aspect of this summit opened the door for the fun to continue long after the actual weekend of the event.
In fact, the live sessions were recorded and are now available in the online library with the other classes and workshops – and here’s where it gets exciting…
Tickets are still available to access that library!
Full-access tickets to the summit can be purchased online, allowing access to all of the valuable information for 6 months after purchase.
If you are building a business in the pet industry, or looking to make your mark as a blogger or pet influencer, this is your chance!
With a stellar line up of speakers, this is an opportunity that you do NOT want to miss out on.
If I can make one recommendation, don’t hesitate… Swing over and grab your ticket today!
You won’t regret it!
(For the record, no, I don’t make anything off your ticket purchases. I just believe that there is such incredible value in all of the information provided)
Did you attend The Pet Summit this year? If so, what was your favourite moment of the weekend?
What are you most interested in learning about pertaining to your online business (or future online business in the works)?
Hi Britt. Sounds as though you had a great time in spite of the remote nature of the event this year. Well summed-up with your brilliant line “Networking, connection and cocktails, what’s not to love?” 🙂
It was a great event! I am already looking forward to hearing about their plans for 2021!
Networking, cocktails, yoga, art class…… this sounds like a great summit. Though I’m not a pet influencer, I learned a lot from this post. I agree that we should always aim for quality content, stay true to ourselves, and be more consistent. Thank you for sharing. Love this post!
I feel like a lot of what was taught this weekend extends beyond the pet space, for sure!
I have never heard of the pet summit. It sounds like they had a lot to offer though especially since it was all virtual this year. I would be right there with you on the art section.
There was SO much information. I am rethinking a lot of my branding right now, while also digging through the other workshops that they made available. It’s a good thing that I have 6 months to get through all of this because there is SO much great content and I don’t want to miss any of it.
Sounds fun and educatiuonal.
It was a great time, I really enjoyed it! I’m already looking forward to next year.
Wow, well I just learned something new. I had no idea there was such a thing as a Pet Summit. I hope you enjoyed yourself!
It was a GREAT time! I had so much fun and learned A TON over the course of the weekend. I can’t wait to go through the rest of the workshops available.
I’ve never heard of a pet summit, but it sounds so fun! Thanks for sharing this!
It was a great time, and I’m still learning a ton!
Britt, I love this! I think that is great that you were able to attend the pet summit virtually. It sounds like they provided great information, and it is also nice to connect with other individuals that share your passion as well. I attended a virtual event with other moms to learn more about certain products. It was really nice, and I learned a lot. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
It’s good to see that people are doing what they can to make the most of our current situation. Sure, it’s not ideal for everything (although it’s GREAT in some ways, like if travel was going to be hard financially) but it allows us to enjoy some version of ‘normal’ and still connect with others.
This sounds like a pretty cool event Britt! That’s awesome that they donated part of the ticket proceeds to a good cause. I also like the idea of the pet cocktails and yoga! Do we get to see your artwork? ? All in all sounds like a very solid event, the branding stuff sounds especially useful.
I think it’s better to leave my artwork up to the imagination hahaha Let’s just say, I’m not going to trade in my job as a content creator to be an illustrator or artist anytime soon lol
wow! it sounds like a perfect activity for me! I kinda wish I am pet blogger so I can have such fun summits
Right? It was SO much fun! You could always check it out even though you don’t blog about pets – most of the information could be carried over to another niche easily.
Wow! What a great summit! It sounds like you’ve learned so much to pass on to us dear readers! Yay! x
It was an incredible experience – I definitely can’t wait for the summit again next year!
This sounds like such an amazing event for you! I love that despite everything else going on, everyone was able to attend virtually instead of it being cancelled. I am looking forward to seeing the changes you’ve talked about in terms of design on your site. I’m curious if you’ll be sharing any of the pet cocktail recipes?
Right? The fact that they didn’t let the current situation shut down the summit was great. Sure, it’s not quite the same as coming together in person but it was still a great weekend! I have a couple of different pet ‘cocktail’ recipes that I’ve tried in the past with ours. I’ll have to put together a post and share them!
Sounds like an awesome time! Lovely that you got to do yoga with your pet. Imagine doing yoga with a snake, haha.
I’m sure that would be quite an interesting experience!
Although an online event may not have initially appealed to many but I see a great event conducted despite the limitations. A pet event like this a great platform for all those who are passionate about pets & a great opportunity to interact and learn.
They did an incredible job of putting together a well-received event despite the restrictions that they had to consider! I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to attend!