Iowa event welcomes more tech companies

Doug Fricke says this year’s World Pork Expo, scheduled for June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, will bring producers from far and wide as the event celebrates its 37th anniversary.

“We really think we have something for everyone,” says Fricke, director of trade show marketing with the National Pork Producers Council.

“Registration is up from a year ago by 400 to 500 as of May 16, and we are also going to see an increase in international attendees as well.”

As usual, the centerpiece of the event is the trade show, and that grows bigger every year.

“We have a fair number of new companies coming to the trade show, and those are primarily tech companies,” Fricke says. “Companies are in place that can help producers learn how to adapt to a changing industry and how to work smarter and more efficiently.”

In addition to more producers, hospitality tent numbers are also growing.

Fricke says there are some changes. The Big Grill has been moved to the parking lot south of where large equipment is displayed.

“That allows us to tighten up the event a little bit,” Fricke says.

In addition to the Big Grill, the McRig is back serving breakfast on the east end of Grand Avenue.

This year’s schedule includes several educational seminars for producers, with topics ranging from marketing to consumer awareness.

The Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet returns for its second year. This is a competitive speaking event for young people ages 18-22 as of June 1.

Through preparatory research, creative problem solving, collaborative discussion and the drafting of mock motions, competitors will dive deep into current pork industry issues and gain an understanding of the NPPC producer-led policy development process.

A complete World Pork Expo schedule may be found online at worldpork.org.