The world's largest pork-specific trade show promises three days packed with education, innovation and networking. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, the 2019 World Pork Expo is set for June 5-7 with this year's theme “See, discover, connect.”

Each year, more than 20,000 pork producers and representatives attend the event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines to attend educational seminars, learn about the latest products, services and technology within the trade show and share ideas and perspectives with their peers.

“Expo has something for everyone, regardless of your operation’s size or whether you’re an owner, grower, employee, veterinarian or allied industry representative. All aspects of the pork production cycle are presented at Expo,” says David Herring, NPPC president and pork producer from Lillington, N.C. “It’s a great place to see what’s new, discover opportunities and connect with other pork professionals.”

Expo’s crown jewel is its vast trade show where more than 500 U.S. and international companies display products and services from animal health, nutrition, building and equipment, finance, marketing, genetics and more. The Jacobson Exhibition Center will return this year, combining with the Varied Industries Building and outdoor displays to present more than 360,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“Exhibitor interest continues to build, and we plan to expand the outdoor exhibits in the space between the VIB and JEC,” says Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing for NPPC. “For people who haven’t been to Expo for several years, they would be surprised to see how much the show has changed. If you hope to see it all, you will definitely need two days.”

More exhibitors also want to link up with the live-hog shows to display their products and services, so areas around the swine, sheep and cattle barns will be seeing more activity.

Company-sponsored hospitality tents continue to flourish and can be found throughout the fairgrounds. Fricke expects 60 or so hospitality tents at this year’s Expo, giving allied industry representatives an opportunity to connect with producers and their employees in a more relaxed setting.

Expo attendees can visit the trade show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7.

The three days of Expo are packed with events and activities, from educational seminars to live-hog shows to business meetings to music and plenty of tasty, grilled pork.

Always high on that list are the nearly two dozen free educational and informational seminars that address innovative production and management strategies, as well as current issues, topics and trends that producers face on and off the farm. The PORK Academy and Business Seminars will run throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday in both the JEC and VIB

But there are a host of other activities that Expo visitors won’t want to miss:

“Expo is truly an industry-wide event and reflects the vitality of U.S. pork production,” Herring says. “As individuals make plans to attend this year’s Expo, I want to reinforce the importance that biosecurity measures play on our farms every day and that we need to take the necessary precautions anytime we leave and return to our herds. After all, we all want to ensure the health and well-being of our industry for years to come.”

Pre-registration is available online and offers a discounted rate of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up) and $1 for children, 6 to 11 years old. Onsite registration will be $20 per adult. Whether you pre-register or do so onsite, it provides entrance into Expo for all three days. There is also a special Friday-only option for $10.

Source: National Pork Producers Council, who is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.