Pork producers and other professionals from throughout the world will visit World Pork Expo, June 3-5, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, the expo is the world’s largest pork-specific tradeshow and offers educational seminars with the latest information, national youth swine shows, plenty of pork barbecue and much more.
To date, producers, exhibitors and media from 41 countries have registered to attend and a crowd of 20,000 is expected over the course of the week.
“World Pork Expo has evolved into a one-stop-shopping place for the newest equipment, software and technology-based products that help pork producers remain competitive in a global economy,” says Ron Prestage, D.V.M., NPPC president and South Carolina pork producer. “It also presents a great opportunity to interact with fellow producers and exchange ideas in an environment that is ideal for your entire team of employees.”
At the heart of Expo is the tradeshow, which will feature hundreds of commercial exhibits from companies based in North America, Asia and Europe. The tradeshow will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 5.
While some outdoor exhibits will be in new locations to accommodate fairgrounds renovations, attendees will once again find more than 310,000 square feet of exhibit space to explore. For the first time, America’s Best Genetics Alley will be in two locations — in the Agriculture Building and on the second floor of the Varied Industries Building.
“Expo-goers will want to download the World Pork Expo mobile app, as well as pick up an official program once they arrive, to find exhibitors easily,” said NPPC’s Doug Fricke, director of tradeshow marketing. “Both also provide details about business seminars, PORK Academy and other activities. As an added bonus, the app offers interactive maps, social media updates and other notifications when you customize your own schedule.”
This year, the World Pork Expo Junior National is expected to establish another record for participation in its educational programs, contests and shows. After setting a new standard in 2014 with nearly 750 youth from 24 states exhibiting more than 1,600 hogs, even more junior members have registered to participate in 2015 — 200 of which are first-time participants.
Entries for the swine shows, including both the Junior National and the open shows, are 33 percent higher than in 2014. The Expo staff is preparing for as many as 3,500 hogs to be on site. The shows, which kick off with youth showmanship on Tuesday, June 2, will take place in the Swine Barn each day. Classes in one of the two show rings will be live-cast as well as recorded for future viewing.
Expo is the place to collect the most current, useful insights on pork-production topics ranging from swine health and reproductive management to pork quality and marketing strategies. Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, a series of business seminars and PORK Academy will present more than a dozen educational seminars, all of which are free and will take place in the Varied Industries Building.
Once again, MusicFest will be the social highlight of World Pork Expo from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4. With the stage set on Grand Avenue of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, this special event will feature four diverse musical acts that offer something for everyone. Entertainment will include an encore show by Jake McVey; the crowd-pleasing group, Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy; Denny Laine, formerly with Paul McCartney and Wings; and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Terry Sylvester.
There’s always plenty of tasty pork for visitors to enjoy, especially at the ever-popular Big Grill. Staffed by the Tama County pork producers, free pork lunches are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. all three days of expo.
“If you miss World Pork Expo, you will miss a great opportunity to connect with fellow pork producers,” says Prestage. “And, when you come to expo, be sure to engage with NPPC directors and staff. It’s a great place to hear the latest on the many developments that are important to your business.”
Admission purchased at the gate is $20 per adult and $3 for youths aged 6 to 11; there is no charge for children 5 years of age and younger. This price of admission includes entry all three days. A special rate of $10 is available for adults arriving on Friday.
Source: IowaPork