Panel discussion in Brooklyn on pet parent-driven innovation

The design consultancy Smart Design is hosting a panel discussion on how the changing relationship between owners and their animals is reshaping product development, merchandising and technology in the pet sector. 'The fur-family shift: Innovating for the modern pet parent' takes place on Tuesday, 22 September at the company's studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York. The event is aimed at an industry audience, not at pet owners themselves.

According to the organiser, owners from Gen Z and the Millennial generation increasingly regard their animals as full family members and expect products, services and technology to mirror their own lifestyle choices. The panel is to examine how brands are responding in order to gain market share and build new categories, with announced topics including pet health and wellness, emerging technologies and brand experience.

Three industry speakers are confirmed alongside Julianna Miller, industrial design director at Smart Design: Mikkel Holm, chief AI and innovation officer at Bark; Lindsay Joyce, president brand and innovation at Pet Life Unlimited; and Bob Blake, VP hardware and operations at the tracker manufacturer Fi. Doors open at 5.30 pm local time, the discussion runs from 6 to 7 pm and networking follows until 7.30 pm.

Registration is handled via the event page. The organiser has not published an attendance fee or a capacity limit, and there is no indication that the panel will be streamed. Access to the Navy Yard site requires the confirmation email to be shown at the gate. Information: https://go.smartdesignworldwide.com/the-fur-family-shift.