Nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry experts from throughout the world will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA, for the world’s largest pork-specific trade show June 6-8. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), World Pork Expo offers the latest information about pork marketing and management, legislative updates, animal health, environmental topics and other topics affecting pork production. 

“Ever since I first attended World Pork Expo 25 years ago, each June I look forward to rubbing shoulders with the very best pork producers and industry leaders,” says R.C. Hunt, NPPC president, Wilson, NC. “They come from throughout the world to provide research updates and share experiences from their own operations … all in a fun, family-friendly environment that’s ideal for your entire team of employees.”

Attendees can experience all this and more at the annual Pork Expo. From the more than 400 commercial exhibits to the business seminars and a new product tour coordinated by National Hog Farmer magazine, there’s plenty for busy pork producers, their employees and families to learn and do.

“The best advice I can share regarding World Pork Expo is to carve out more than just one day to take it all in,” says Hunt. “There’s so much to see — the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, the Junior National show, GRAMMY-nominated musical groups performing live at MusicFest and excellent seminars. Your family and employees will thoroughly enjoy every minute as they mingle with top pork producers from throughout the world.”

People from 38 countries have registered to attend World Pork Expo. While online registration has closed, attendees still can register at the gate. The $15-per-person admission price enables an individual to attend the Expo Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Proceeds from World Pork Expo are used to develop and defend export markets, fight for reasonable legislation and regulation, and inform and educate legislators.

For the first time, Expo attendees can use a free mobile app for instant access to the latest schedule, a map to navigate the show and a list of exhibitors. The app enables attendees to plan their day by selecting business seminars and special events to place on their personalized calendars, and provides a place for users to take notes. To download the app, search for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry’s App World, or connect to an online dashboard at http://m.core-apps.com/wpx2012.

World Pork Expo takes place June 6-8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. More than 400 commercial exhibits will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, and Thursday, June 7, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 8. The breeding stock sales will continue on Saturday, June 9, from 8 a.m. until they're completed at approximately noon. For more information, visit www.worldpork.org.