Meet the Experts Behind PIN Growth Summit 2026
The pet industry doesn't sit still, and neither should your business strategy.
That's the idea behind PIN Growth Summit 2026, the third annual virtual growth event produced by the Pet Industry Network and built exclusively for established pet business owners and leaders. On June 1–2, 2026, pet industry operators from across every vertical will gather online to gain clarity, sharpen strategy, and walk away with a concrete plan for what comes next.
This isn't a general business conference adapted for pet. Every session, every speaker, and every conversation is rooted in the real, day-to-day work of running and growing a pet business. That's what makes the lineup worth paying attention to.
The People in the Room
PIN Growth Summit 2026 brings together 14 confirmed experts — practitioners, strategists, and business builders who are actively working inside the pet industry right now. Here's who you'll hear from:
Lynn Switanowski of Pet Retail Helper brings deep expertise in independent pet retail strategy, helping store owners compete smarter and grow with intention.
Cait Mellor of Cait Mellor Writes helps pet brands find their voice and communicate with the customers and buyers who matter most.
Matt Aldrich of Pet Engine Marketing — and PIN cofounder — leads on digital marketing strategy built specifically for pet businesses navigating today's crowded online landscape.
Virginia Gearhart of Gearhart Bookkeeping brings financial clarity to pet business owners who are ready to understand the numbers driving their growth.
Jolanta Smulski of Pet Pro Media — PIN cofounder — leads Summit programming and brings her expertise in pet industry media, visibility, and brand positioning.
Candace D'Agnolo of Pet Boss Nation works with pet business owners to build more profitable, sustainable businesses without burning out along the way.
Mary Tan of Whisker Media helps pet brands and businesses build content and media strategies that create lasting connections with their audiences.
Stephen Gary of Accelerazon specializes in helping pet brands grow their presence and performance on Amazon — one of the most competitive channels in the industry.
Joe Latona of WalkerScout brings insight to pet care service businesses looking to grow, streamline operations, and stand out in a competitive local market.
Michelle Huie of ShopDot Pet helps pet brands navigate retail distribution and get their products in front of the right buyers and shelves.
Eve Molzhon of Dog Handler Academy focuses on the training and professional development side of the pet industry, helping dog professionals build credible, scalable businesses.
Ronalyn Wentz of Pets and Profits helps pet business owners turn their passion into a more profitable and strategically run operation.
Kayleigh Heynen of Astro Loyalty brings expertise in loyalty program strategy and customer retention — one of the most underutilized growth levers in pet retail.
Laila Broughton of 4LegsGood works with pet brands to build and manage influencer marketing programs that convert — connecting brands with vetted pet creators and handling the full content production pipeline from matching to delivery.
What You'll Actually Walk Away With
The Summit runs across two focused days — June 1 as Education Day and June 2 as Implementation Day — with a Welcome Mixer on the evening of May 31 to kick things off.
Day One is built around expert-led sessions, breakout panels by niche, and real conversation about where the pet industry is headed and what that means for your business. Day Two shifts toward action — helping attendees take what they've learned and start applying it.
For those who want to go deeper, the VIP Pass unlocks the VIP Accelerator: a guided workshop and coaching experience that runs on the afternoon of Day Two, designed to help VIP attendees close the gap between learning and doing. VIPs also receive a guided workbook, a curated Swag Bag, and lifetime education access.
Who This Is For
PIN Growth Summit 2026 is designed for pet business owners and leaders with real traction — retailers, brands, groomers, service providers, veterinary professionals, e-commerce operators, and everyone in between. If you've been in business long enough to know what you don't know, and you're ready to get focused, this is where to be.
General Admission is $27. VIP Pass is $97.
Two days. Thirteen industry experts. One focused event built entirely for the pet industry.
Register now at PINSUMMIT.COM
PIN Growth Summit 2026 takes place June 1–2, 2026, 12–4pm ET daily, with a Welcome Mixer on May 31, 6–7pm ET. Hosted virtually by the Pet Industry Network.
