The world’s largest pork-specific trade show … a wide range of educational seminars … breeding stock shows and sales … succulent pork products … fun and fellowship — these are just a few reasons to attend the 2013 World Pork Expo. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s event marks the Expo’s 25th anniversary. It is scheduled for June 5 through 7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA.

“World Pork Expo always showcases the latest innovations and information, making it the place to be for pork-industry enthusiasts each June,” says Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing, NPPC. “This is one year you won’t want to miss as the industry celebrates the Expo’s 25th anniversary. Now’s the time to start your travel plans as official World Pork Expo hotels fill up quickly.”

In 2012, nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry professionals from 38 countries attended Expo, and organizers expect a similar showing this year. Last year’s event set records for the number of pigs in the Junior National show and the quantity of meals served at the Big Grill, and featured a one-time event showcasing the world’s largest pork burger.

Attendees will find the latest pork-production technologies, products and services on display by more than 400 U.S. and international commercial 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, which is located next to the main entry gate and the Big Grill.

High on the list of must-see events are the free business seminars, which take place throughout the day on both Wednesday and Thursday. Seminar topics are designed to provide solutions for on-farm production needs, including marketing options, herd-health protocols, feeding strategies and current issues.

You can glimpse future pork industry leaders at the Junior National swine show, which is hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred. Last year, the show set records with 700 juniors from 26 states exhibiting 2,177 hogs. Rounding out the swine exhibits are the purebred and open-class swine shows, followed by a public sale.

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

Adding to the festive atmosphere is MusicFest, a social highlight on Thursday afternoon where Expo attendees can relax, enjoy roast pork and refreshments, and listen to live music.

Several pre-Expo tours are being planned to enable producers from other countries to experience midwestern agriculture — and hospitality — at its finest before the exposition begins.

Whether shopping for innovative products, learning more about the latest research and production techniques, looking to consult with industry experts, or simply networking with old and new friends, the 2013 World Pork Expo is the place to be, June 5 through 7.   

Online registration will open mid-March 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 when you connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook, follow World Pork Expo on Twitter (#NPPCWPX) or download the official app by searching for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry’s App World.

World Pork Expo, the world's largest, pork-specific trade show is brought to you 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.