Schedule of Events

Sunday, January 31

Registration 

Monday, February 1

Golf Tournament & Awards Lunch at the Jacaranda Golf Club

Play the newly renovated West Course’s “shot maker’s” track, where wide fairways, mature landscaping and a blend of risk/reward holes suit golfers of all levels. Click here for tournament details.

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Registration

Kayaking Mangrove Tour at West Lake Park

Explore the natural beauty of southeastern Florida's largest mangrove forest on this guided tour. The outside world will seem to disappear as you paddle through quiet waterways beneath a dense emerald canopy. Spot herons, crabs, gulls and other fascinating creatures that thrive in this unique and tranquil habitat. Click here for tour details.

First-Timers Icebreaker Reception (Invitation only)

One of the highlights of the Leadership Summit is the opportunity to network and build new connections. If you're attending for the first time, however, walking into a large welcome dinner can feel a bit overwhelming.

To help break the ice, we're hosting an exclusive, pre-dinner meet-and-greet for all first-time attendees and organizations. Come enjoy a relaxed conversation with our hosts and board members from APPA, PIDA and WPA; meet fellow newcomers and start making connections before the evening festivities begin. 

WELCOME to The Leadership Summit Reception

Raise a glass to the start of the 2027 Leadership Summit! Enjoy a drink, mingle with colleagues and build new connections before heading into the Welcome Buffet Dinner.

WELCOME to The Leadership Summit Dinner & Entertainment

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale! Kick off the 2027 Leadership Summit with an evening of great food, meaningful connections and unforgettable entertainment. Reconnect with colleagues, make new professional connections, and enjoy cocktails and a delicious buffet dinner as we celebrate the start of an exciting few days together.

We're thrilled to officially launch the Leadership Summit with acclaimed entertainer and event host, Craig Karges. Blending the art of magic, the science of psychology and the power of intuition, Craig will create an interactive experience that will leave you rethinking what's real and unreal. Tables will float, metal will bend, minds will be read and the impossible will suddenly seem within reach. Prepare to be amazed, challenged and thoroughly entertained as we begin our 2027 Leadership Summit journey together.

Expect great conversation, incredible energy and an experience that will have everyone talking long after dinner ends.
 

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Tuesday, February 2

Registration 

Breakfast Buffet 

Leadership Keynote Presentation: Make Confidence Your Competitive Advantage
Juan Bendaña

Leadership expert and author of Confident by Choice, Juan Bendaña combines energy, humor and science-backed tools to empower leaders with the confidence to consistently perform at their best. Click here for more information on the keynote speaker.

Coffee Break

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Technology Keynote Presentation: Leadership in the Age of AI
Shama Hyder

Certified AI trainer and author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, Shama Hyder provides a battle-tested framework for turning AI into your next competitive advantage. Click here for more information on the keynote speaker.

Keynote Sponsored by:   

Lunch Buffet

Industry Update: Stay Tuned!

Refreshment Station 

Pitchfest Programming & Reception

The premier opportunity for emerging pet brands to debut innovative products in front of top industry executives — Pitchfest 2027 is designed to help promising new brands accelerate their path to market by connecting them with key distribution partners.

Pitchfest 2027 is open to all Leadership Summit attendees. This session provides exclusive early access to some of the pet industry's most exciting emerging brands and products —  so distributor attendees, in particular — are encouraged to participate. By attending and supporting these rising companies, you position your business at the forefront of innovation and gain a firsthand look at potential future bestsellers.

Join us for the Pitchfest Networking Reception in the Las Olas Foyer immediately following the presentations. You will meet the entrepreneurs, experience the products firsthand, and connect with fellow distributors, manufacturers and retailers. Enjoy a drink, expand your network and discover your next great business partnership.

Click here for more information on Pitchfest.

Open Evening

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Wednesday, February 3

Breakfast Buffet 

8:00 am - 9:00 am

PIDA Distributor Breakfast and Annual Meeting

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Economic Keynote Presentation: Economic Outlook
Connor Lokar

Back by popular demand, ITR Economics™ Senior Forecaster Connor Lokar delivers practical economic intelligence with a quick wit and a knack for storytelling. This special morning session will feature an extended Q&A. Click here for more information on the keynote speaker

Keynote Sponsored by:    

Coffee Break

Industry Update: Stay Tuned!

Lunch Buffet

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

PIDA Executive Conferences

Maximize your industry connections at the PIDA Executive Conferences.

This exclusive benefit for PIDA Members gives manufacturers and suppliers the opportunity to book appointments for concentrated, one-on-one strategy sessions with PIDA Distributor members. These structured 15-minute meetings focus entirely on strengthening trading partnerships, exploring new marketing initiatives and aligning business goals. They are not social or sales pitches. Click here for more information on the PIDA Executive Conferences.

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Refreshment Station

Closing Celebration - The Final Toast

Cap off the 2027 Leadership Summit with an evening of connection, celebration and conversation. Enjoy cocktails and a thoughtfully curated selection of lighter dinner fare as you mingle with colleagues old and new. By popular request, coffee and dessert will make a welcome return to the menu. With a blend of casual cocktail tables and traditional seating, the evening offers a perfect setting to relax, reflect on the week and raise a final toast to shared success.

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