Lori Stevermer isn’t at a loss for words often. But when it comes to explaining to “non-pork” people why the World Pork Expo is her favorite event of the year, she struggles to find the right words because it’s so unique.
“From the excitement of the tradeshow to the hospitality tents, it really is a pork family reunion,” says Stevermer, customer success manager for Alltech U.S. Pork Team. “My kids still talk about the show, getting trinkets and McDonald’s on the last day, that’s the type of impact it has. More importantly, it really reflects how we as an industry work together, support each other, solve challenges and create opportunities.”
Stevermer joins up with World Pork Expo enthusiasts Lexi Beeler, owner of LMB Consulting; Mark Hayden, director of sales for AP; and Eric Sanny, executive sales manager – US Swine for Novus to share the “show secrets” you need to make the 2026 World Pork Expo an event you won’t forget.
What advice do you have for people attending the trade show?
Beeler: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to eat! The food at the World Pork Expo is amazing. Barbecue is hard to beat, especially when it’s prepared by some of the best caterers in the area. One day at the World Pork Expo will include lots of walking and even more eating.
Hayden: I would say it’s very important to have a plan. There is a lot to see and do, so it can be hard to fit everything in. It’s critical to identify the key people/companies that you want to meet with and plan out your day. I would also say that the best time to catch someone is early in the day to beat the crowd.
Sanny: Take it all in, stop and talk to people, and ask questions. The pork industry is a community that is social and enjoys talking to anyone and everyone attending.
Stevermer: Do some prep work if you can. Read the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) World Pork Expo program and check out the map. This allows you to find vendors better. If it’s a hot day, plan ahead and visit the outdoor exhibitors first so you can enjoy the comfort of the AC in the Varied Industry Building (VIB) during the heat of the day. Don’t be afraid to talk to a company that you may not know or recognize. They may have something you need. Often those exhibitors around the outside of the building get looked over as people move from the VIB to the tents. Take time to visit with a few of them.
What are the dos and don’ts of trade show attire?
Beeler: Don’t wear white pants. I learned that the hard way. I thought white pants would match my work polo really well, and they instantly had a barbecue stain on them. Do wear tennis shoes or comfortable footwear! The weather can be very unpredictable. From record highs to severe weather, we’ve seen it all. Watch the forecast and dress accordingly.
Hayden: Comfortable shoes would probably be the most important. It can be a long day on your feet, so comfort beats fashion all day long. Otherwise, watch the weather, it’s always a wildcard as far as temperature and precipitation. Other than that, I would say it’s personal preference.
Sanny: World Pork Expo is a pretty informal event. You will see it all. I’m usually in shorts and a collared shirt.
Stevermer: My No. 1 advice is comfortable shoes. Layers are good, especially if the weather is uncertain. World Pork Expo is known for having a rainstorm at least one day or night. If your farm or business has clothing with the company logo, it’s okay to wear it. Sometimes people want to go “incognito,” but it’s okay to show your pride in who you work for.
What’s one thing you wish someone would have told you before attended World Pork Expo for the first time?
Beeler: If it’s hot and sunny outside, bring sunscreen. My entire team looked like tomatoes one year because the weather was so warm and the UV index was so high. SPF is important!
Hayden: That’s so long ago, it’s hard to remember what misperceptions that I may have had at the time. As I reflect on it, I would say I wish someone had told me to appreciate the moments and experiences more than I did at the time. Often, we rush through or just “check all the boxes,” instead of truly getting the most out of every interaction. It’s also very important to take advantage of the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained by spending time with those that have years of experience, because they won’t be there forever.
Sanny: The pork industry is very mature. We can go through our day-to-day and assume nothing is really changing or that we can’t make significant change. Attending an event like World Pork Expo can open your eyes to people and companies that really care to help make a positive difference with production companies and the industry as a whole.
Stevermer: The importance of sleep and pacing yourself. Back when the show was three days, it was easy to stay out late the first night and also the second night because you were so excited to see everyone. By the end of the week, which was a Saturday back then, you could be really tired. My kids used to come down and stay with me the last night of the show in the hotel room. One thing I appreciated about that was it gave me a chance to rest up that night before the final day.
