Pork smells waft. Music plays. There’s handshaking, talking and laughing. Everyone is having fun and expanding their palates. International pork recipes. International drinks. The International Pork Festival at United Pork Americas (UPA) Sept. 7-9, 2022, in Orlando, Fla., will be a unique experience for the books!
“In my opinion, the International Pork Festival is one of the most important things at United Pork Americas because attendees get time to connect and celebrate the pork industry in a unique atmosphere,” says Flavia Roppa, UPA CEO. “At other times during the event, we’re going to be in the educational program or talking about business. And here, we’re going to have a little time to relax, drink and eat together, and get to know other people in the industry better.”
As a Brazilian, Roppa brings a little party wherever she goes. As a country, Brazil even has a national holiday that’s a party – Carnival – which just ended April 24. So, the International Pork Festival will undoubtedly be a fun experience for everyone.
One of the main parts of the festival is trying different types of pork recipes from all over the world.
The International Pork Festival will create many opportunities to taste new foods and enjoy networking with other pork industry enthusiasts. Photo by Flavia Roppa.
“The idea is to really showcase the versatility of pork, and how it can have a completely different taste in other countries,” Roppa says. “For example, when you eat in the U.S., it often takes on a sweet taste. Normally in Brazil, we use lemon and garlic-type sauces, so it’s very different. And each country has a different way they prepare pork, so it will be a great way to sample a lot of pork and get new recipe ideas.”
The International Pork Festival will take place in the swine-exclusive exhibition space, and the United Pork Americas partners can sponsor different recipes in their booths. Food islands will be everywhere with bars serving South American and U.S. drinks. Attendees will be walking around tasting, drinking and networking.
“We are transforming a normal tradeshow reception into a big party,” Roppa says. “The Latin American countries are very festive. We connect business with pleasure, so we try to have fun all the time. That’s why I say the International Pork Festival will be one of the best parts of the event. Everyone should look forward to and be excited for that moment.”
The learning, networking and discussions during the day will lead up to the International Pork Festival Sept. 8. Roppa says the idea is to bring together different cultures in a memorable way and connect on an even deeper level than strictly business. Speakers from all over the world will speak in the conference portion with serious business discussions happening and mixing with the fun from Latin America.
“When the festival is over, you will have friends for life,” Roppa says. “The pork festival atmosphere will make it easy to start a conversation. It will be a sensory experience because you can taste; you can have fun; you can connect.”
For companies interested in sponsoring UPA, including taking part in the International Pork Festival, reach out to Roppa at froppa@farmjournal.com. To register for this unique event, visit http://www.UnitedPorkAmericas.com.
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It’s Time to Change How We Staff Pig Farms in Face of Labor Shortage
Flavia’s Fun Five: The Best Places to Go in Orlando
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What Can North American Pork Producers Learn from South America?
United Pork Americas: A Global Approach to Collaboration
