If the smell of bacon and ribs smoking on the grill doesn’t grab your attention, you might be missing one of the finer reasons why people come from all over for the largest pork industry-specific trade show in the world. On June 4-5, there’s nowhere else Minnesota pork producer Lori Stevermer would rather be.
“For a lot of us, World Pork Expo is our annual get together, a reunion with all of our industry friends,” says Stevermer who also serves as the customer success manager for Alltech’s U.S. pork business.
Map Out Your Plan
She encourages people to do three simple things to make the show an unforgettable experience.
1. Sit in on a seminar.
“If you want to learn what’s going on in our industry, attend a seminar,” she says.
2. Walk through the Varied Industries Building.
“This show has the best technology on display – everything that’s related to the pork industry and all that’s new will be there,” Stevermer adds. “I know it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to see the latest and greatest.”
3. Visit a hospitality tent.
“I believe one thing that sets World Pork Expo apart from other shows, even within agriculture, is our ability to come together and just socialize,” she says. “We’re sitting in the tents, learning from our neighbors and our friends. To me, that is what World Pork Expo is all about.”
Barb Determan, president of Heartland Marketing Group, admits her list of “must-dos” is always longer than the two days of the show. She loves checking out the exhibits and attending educational sessions, too.
“If you want to be encouraged about the future of our industry, check out the Young Pork Advocates Discussion Meet,” Determan says. “What a bunch of smart young people! I would highly advise anyone attending to look at the schedule ahead of time and map out your days.”
Come to the Show Hungry
Scott Hays, a Missouri pork producer and executive director of the Missouri Pork Association, says the food is incredible at World Pork Expo.
“Come hungry with an empty stomach,” advises Brett Kaysen, senior vice president of producer and state engagement for the National Pork Board. “It’s all about food, food and food. You can come and eat as many pork products as you want. Be sure to stop by the Big Grill – it’s a special place.”
Catch Up with Old Friends and Make New Ones
If you do nothing else at World Pork Expo, be sure to network and catch up with old friends and make new friends, says Jake Sterle, NPPC Director of Industry and Resource Development.
“Those conversations are a great way to better understand the different aspects of the industry and the companies that are there investing in the future of the pork industry,” Sterle says.
For Dwight Mogler, those opportunities shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“As a producer, what’s amazing about the World Pork Expo is the accessibility to people who may not be the relationship people you typically work with, but it’s access to the entire leadership team,” Mogler says. “Everybody, no matter what cog they are in the wheel, are typically there. The accessibility and opportunity to connect with those people is key.”
He also reminds producers to spend time talking to state and national organization leaders.
“Our national organizations and our state associations will have a presence there, too,” Mogler says. “They work for us. Those are our dollars, not only in the Checkoff, but also in the voluntary Strategic Investment Program. Those leaders enjoy and are energized by connecting with producers. Make your voice heard.”
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