The 2018 World Pork Expo is June 6-8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This is the 30th anniversary of the world’s largest trade show for hog producers and others in the swine industry. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, this year’s event will have more exhibit space and more U.S. and international companies than ever before.

“The expo’s 30^th anniversary is a good time to look back at all we’ve accomplished as pork producers,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Ohio. “But more important, it provides us the perfect place to look forward to the many opportunities and advancements that lie ahead.”

Each year more than 20,000 producers and pork professionals come to the three-day exhibition to attend educational seminars and learn about the latest industry innovations at the trade show. Networking with other producers is also a reason to attend.

Record-setting trade show
With the addition of the Jacobson Exhibition Center, along with the Varied Industries building, 300 prime exhibit spaces will be added, says Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing for NPPC.  “We will have well over 500 companies at the show this year. If it relates to pork production, you’ll find it at the trade show.”

The corridor between the two buildings will provide a new outdoor exhibit area. “You’ll find more outdoor exhibits throughout the fairgrounds, including displays around the swine barns and other livestock barns associated with the expo’s live hog shows,” Fricke says. “More hospitality tents will give producers the opportunity to connect with exhibitors in a more casual setting.”

With its combination of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, Fricke expects this year’s trade show to exceed 360,000 square feet — up more than 40,000 square feet from 2017.  Expo attendees can visit the trade show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6-7, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8.

Lots to learn, see and do
Always high on the list of things to see and do are nearly two dozen free educational seminars. The Pork Academy and Swine Business Seminars run throughout the day June 6-7, allowing expo attendees to hear topics on marketing, herd health, nutrition, employee management and more. Pork producers and their employees can meet leading experts and hear the latest developments in pork production and business strategies.

Individuals planning to attend can preregister to get discounted rates of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up) and $1 for children (ages 6 to 11), which covers all three days. Children under 5 get in free. On-site registration is $20 per adult, with a special Friday-only rate of $10.

“Whether your priority is to visit the trade show, network with fellow pork professionals or gather the latest information, now is the time to start planning your trip to 2018 World Pork Expo, June 6-8,” Heimerl says.

For more information, visit nppc.org.

Source: National Pork Producers Council