The 2017 World Pork Expo — the world’s largest pork-specific trade show — offers hundreds of exhibitors, free educational seminars, live hog shows and sales, networking opportunities and much more, making it a must-attend event for all pork professionals. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council, World Pork Expo takes place June 7 through June 9 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

This year, the National Pork Producers Council is excited to announce the new World Pork Expo website. With its user-friendly design, the website has everything you need to easily register for Expo and plan a successful visit — including event schedules, exhibitor information, lodging and travel information and much more.

Education, innovation and networking
In 2016, more than 20,000 producers and agriculture professionals, including 1,100 international guests from 35 countries, participated in the three-day exposition. NPPC officials anticipate similar attendance this year. 

“Anyone involved with pork production, including owners, managers, veterinarians, employees and allied industry, should attend World Pork Expo,” says John Weber, NPPC president and Iowa pork producer. “Expo is truly an international show and offers a great opportunity to interact with producers and companies from other countries, which helps us better understand the global reach of U.S. pork production.”

The trade show is the centerpiece of Expo’s international connection, featuring hundreds of companies from throughout the world. The ever-expanding trade show, with both indoor and outdoor displays, presents more than 310,000 square feet of commercial exhibits specific to pork production. Attendees can visit the trade show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 7 and June 8. Trade show hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 9.

A particularly valuable part of Expo is the chance for attendees to learn about new and changing developments in pork production during the numerous free educational seminars. Experts on topics such as business planning, swine management, herd health and marketing will present the most up-to-date information at the business seminars and Pork Academy on Wednesday and Thursday.

Food and fun at World Pork Expo
Of course, Expo always includes time for fun, fellowship and plenty of tasty pork. Allied industry tents provide a spot for producers to interact with each other as well mingle with representatives from a range of companies. Along the Grand Concourse on Thursday, attendees can enjoy a summer evening with MusicFest’s live music, grilled pork and refreshments.

Another activity not to be missed is the Big Grill, which serves free pork lunches each day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year, the Big Grill, staffed by Iowa’s Tama County pork producers, provided more than 10,000 pork lunches.

“Anyone who hasn’t been to World Pork Expo is missing out,” Weber says. “Whether you’re the boss or an employee, taking some time off to attend Expo can pay back the business in a variety of ways because there’s always something to learn.”

Swine shows
The World Pork Expo swine shows will kick off Expo week with activities beginning on June 5. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the Junior National has evolved into one of the nation’s premier youth swine shows. It combines educational programs such as judging contests, a Skillathon and certification programs with live hog competitions through June 9. Continuing its record-setting pace, the 2016 show involved 2,351 hogs exhibited by 948 youth from 30 states.

Also located in the swine barn, the open shows will take place on June 9, with breeding-stock auction sales scheduled for the morning of June 10. Last year, more than 1,090 purebred and crossbred gilts and boars were exhibited.

Register today and save
Online registration is now available. Individuals heading to Expo can register online through June 1 and receive a discounted rate of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up), which covers all three days of Expo. On-site registration will be $20 per adult, with a special Friday-only rate of $10. 

Stay up-to-date on all the latest World Pork Expo news by following us on Twitter (#WPX17) and connecting with us on Facebook. Whether you’re looking to shop the trade show, sit in on the seminars or interact with fellow pork professionals, it’s not too early to start planning your trip to the 2017 World Pork Expo, June 7-9.