The world’s largest pork-specific trade show, a wide range of educational seminars, breeding stock shows and sales, and succulent pork products are just some of the reasons to attend the 2013 World Pork Expo on June 5-7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA.

Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year marks the 25th anniversary of the event.

“Whether you’re a pork producer, an employee or a visitor from another country, there is something for everyone at World Pork Expo,” says Randy Spronk, NPPC president and a pork producer from Edgerton, MN. “You can fill your days gathering information at seminars, visiting with fellow producers or investigating new technologies and products.”

In 2012, nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry professionals from 38 countries attended Expo. Last year’s event also set records for the number of pigs in the Junior National show and the quantity of meals served at the Big Grill. Organizers expect a similar showing this year. A special feature at the 2012 Expo showcased the world’s largest pork burger.

Products and Services

Attendees will find the latest pork-production technologies, products and services on display from more than 400 U.S. and international exhibitors. The trade show is open 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. This year’s Expo will debut an additional trade-show location: the Agriculture Building, near the main entry gate and the Big Grill.

Spronk recommends attendees make time for the free business seminars and Pork Academy presentations, which take place throughout Wednesday and Thursday. “The seminars are designed to provide solutions for on-farm production needs, including marketing options, herd-health protocols, feeding strategies and current issues,” he says.

Fun at MusicFest

Headlining Thursday’s MusicFest, which has become the social highlight of World Pork Expo, is Grammy-nominated Little Texas, the Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Group of the Year in 1994, which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. MusicFest will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by Transit Authority, the premier tribute band to the iconic music group Chicago.

“While the days at Expo are filled with seminars, shopping the trade show floor, pig shows and much more, MusicFest allows producers and exhibitors to take time out to relax and enjoy some networking and plenty of mouth-watering barbecue,” says Doug Fricke, NPPC’s director of trade show marketing. “Sharing an evening of friendship and good music is a welcome addition to the already-rich 25th-anniversary World Pork Expo experience.”

You can get a glimpse of future pork industry leaders at the Junior National swine show, which is hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred. Rounding out the swine exhibits are the purebred, open class swine shows, followed by a public auction of the prizewinners.

Of course, there’s no shortage of tasty pork. Each day, Expo attendees can head to the Big Grill to enjoy a free pork lunch. Last year, the grill masters served 10,000 meals.

“World Pork Expo always showcases the latest innovations and information, making it the place to be for pork industry enthusiasts each June,” Fricke says. “This is one year you won’t want to miss as the industry celebrates the Expo’s 25th anniversary.”

Online registration is available through June 1 at www.worldpork.org. The Web site also has the latest details about room availability at the official Expo hotels in its “Hotel/Transportation” section.

More information is available by connecting with World Pork Expo on Facebook, following World Pork Expo on Twitter (#NPPCWPX), or downloading the official app by searching for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or BlackBerry’s App World.

World Pork Expo is sponsored by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit www.nppc.org.

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