Often, the very best people to learn from are the ones who’ve already been there and done that. Here’s a look at the less publicized list of things you need to do at the World Pork Expo from pork producers and industry leaders who come back year after year because they can’t get enough of this world-famous event.
What’s the coolest giveaway item you’ve ever found at WPX?
- “I love the insulated shopping bags that so many booths gave out for a couple years. I keep two or three in my car at all times, plus my grown children all raid my stash of them every summer. It may not be unique, but it’s very useful!” – Barb Determan, past NPPC president and president of Heartland Marketing Group, Inc.
- “Bacon.” – Leah Mindemann, National Account Sales, Farm Journal’s PORK
- “The plastic adhesive laptop camera cover. For those of us who forget the camera is on!” – Stacey Voight, technical service North America at PIC
- “A little gizmo that cleaned your computer screen and when you took the top off, there was a brush that cleaned between the keys. That dust and cat hair between the keys is a pet peeve of mine.” – JoAnn Alumbaugh, freelance writer and former editor of Farm Journal’s PORK
- “Far and away ... the free BBQ.” – Clint Schwab, president of Acuity Genetics
Where’s the best place to take a nap at WPX?
- “Not sure about napping but nothing beats the Allied Industry Building if it is hot or ‘Tent Row’ if it is a perfect summer day!” – Leah Mindemann, National Account Sales, Farm Journal’s PORK
- “Someone please find a place! In 35 years, I’ve never found one!” – Barb Determan, past NPPC president and president of Heartland Marketing Group, Inc.
- “The best place to take a nap would be a post-meal nap at any of the vendor tents after a plate full of ribs.” – Brian Arnold, senior product manager-direct fed microbials at United Animal Health
- “I don’t believe I’ve ever napped at WPX.” – Leon Sheets, Iowa pig farmer
- “In one of the combine displays.” – Stacey Voight, technical service North America at PIC
What’s your earliest memory of WPX?
- “My first memory going to Expo was when I was 13 or 14. I had pork burgers from one of the county organizations in Iowa. I loved them and ate too many!” – Logan Thornton, Kuna, Idaho
- “Coming to watch the breed shows when I was on the livestock judging team. Our coach hauled the team from Colorado out to Indy [back when it rotated between Des Moines and Indianapolis] to help us better understand what good purebred breeding stock looked like! I remember watching Al Christian judge the Duroc show.” – Clint Schwab, president of Acuity Genetics
- “My earliest memory was when I was 10 years old. This was back when they had the trade show and pig show in the same week. The National Junior Swine Association had just formed and they were advertising signing up for this program that offered a new opportunity for youth in the swine industry.” – Corey Carpenter, account manager-swine specialist USA, for Zinpro
What’s the coolest place to visit at WPX?
- “Everywhere! Love every single part of Expo, but if I have to single out one it would be the trade show. New ideas and products every year. I also love the bathroom signage – so creative!” – Barb Determan, past NPPC president and president of Heartland Marketing Group, Inc.
- “Diamond Jack’s for a cold drink in the afternoon [though I don’t think it’s there anymore] or any cool tent with good air flow.” – Clint Schwab, president of Acuity Genetics
- “Well of course, the PORK booth! I also like visiting the NPPC and NPB tents because there are always people I know and it’s fun to catch up.” – JoAnn Alumbaugh, freelance writer and former editor of Farm Journal’s PORK
What’s your favorite food at WPX?
- “I am a snacker/sampler. I love to see what everyone is cooking up and try a little of all of it!” – Janae Metzger, Iowa pork producer
- “Pulled pork.” – Nathan Schroeder, Ohio pork producer
- “The ribs at Smithfield’s tent are something I look forward to each year.” – Corey Carpenter, account manager-swine specialist USA, for Zinpro
What’s your favorite part of WPX?
- “When we go to the Expo, the highlight is the new technology and equipment. We rarely leave time to eat because we try to hit as many booths as we can in the short time we have away from the farm.” – Chris Chinn, a Missouri pork producer and Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture
- “Seeing old friends and making new ones. Like any successful business, the pork industry is all about relationships and how we connect with and learn from other people. That’s what I’m most looking forward to this year.” – JoAnn Alumbaugh, freelance writer and former editor of Farm Journal’s PORK
- “Meeting up with industry colleagues that I haven’t seen in a while.” – Clint Schwab, president of Acuity Genetics
- “Socializing.” – Leon Sheets, Iowa pig farmer
- “My favorite part of WPX is getting the chance to visit with industry colleagues and friends, enjoying great food and fellowship, and continuing to gain knowledge of where the industry is going.” – Brian Arnold, senior product manager-direct fed microbials at United Animal Health
- “It’s always the people - but the great BBQ is certainly a perk!” – Leah Mindemann, National Account Sales, Farm Journal’s PORK
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
5 Important Reminders Before You Leave for World Pork Expo
