Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province and Iksan City kicked off the "2026 Animal Healthcare Industry Exposition" on the 15th at the Iksan Western Life Hotel, launching a four-day series of events running through October 18 that span industry, academia, and pet culture.

Designed to revitalize technology exchange and cooperation between animal medicine research institutes and companies, this exposition also aims to spread a healthy pet culture through active citizen participation. It is especially significant as it marks the first time an industry exposition, expert forum, and pet culture festival have been linked together to simultaneously promote industrial growth and mature pet culture.

From October 15 to 16, the Iksan Western Life Hotel hosts the Animal Healthcare Forum and corporate exhibition, drawing approximately 250 domestic and international experts and representatives from animal pharmaceutical companies.

The forum features key sessions on topics such as ▲ Regulatory innovation and quality management for veterinary drugs and vaccines, ▲ Research innovation in animal healthcare and responses to global infectious diseases, and ▲ Technological innovation and industrialization strategies. Participants will share the latest research trends and discuss cooperative measures to strengthen industrial competitiveness.

On October 16, an IR Demo Day and consulting program will be held to boost the investment attraction capabilities of animal healthcare companies. By featuring business presentations from participating companies alongside evaluations and feedback from investment experts, the program will support strategic investment planning and provide networking opportunities between businesses and investors.

Following this, from October 17 to 18, the Pet Culture Festival and related corporate exhibition will take place at the Wonkwang University Main Stadium for citizens and pet owners alike.

The cultural festival features diverse events, including the FCI International Dog Show to select outstanding dogs by breed, canine agility competitions, and dog racing events. Educational programs for proper pet rearing will also be operated, including public lectures on the Animal Protection Act and pet etiquette (pet-iquette), as well as dog behavioral correction training.

Additionally, hands-on citizen experience events—such as pet CPR training and pet ID tag making—alongside exhibition and promotion booths for pet supplies and feed companies, will provide pet owners with useful information and diverse interactive experiences.

Through this exposition, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province plans to expand the foundation for industry-academia-research cooperation in the animal healthcare sector, support technological innovation and commercialization for related companies, and foster a pet culture where humans and animals harmonize and coexist.

Ko Jung-sam, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "We hope this exposition will serve as an opportunity to expand technology exchange and inter-corporate cooperation within the animal healthcare industry while spreading a mature pet culture. We ask for great interest and participation from industry stakeholders and provincial residents."

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