The nation’s largest regional poultry convention, the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, will be held March 13-15 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.

“We’re excited to bring our show back to Minneapolis, a world-class city with amazing restaurants, bars and hotel options,” says MPF president Bruce , ILC Resources, who is an allied representative on the board of directors. “Our space at the Minneapolis Convention Center has allowed us to expand the number of booths and bring our education and exhibits together into one main area of the facility.” Previously, the conference had been held in St. Paul.

Approximately 40 speakers will cover a variety of topics for the turkey, egg layer, broiler, and organic and specialty poultry industries.

Plus, several new events will take place, including:

• MPF Student Careers Program. The program is designed to bring the industry together with two- and four-year college students who are actively interested and seeking internships and permanent employment.

• Making Turkey Sandwiches for a Good Cause. MPF is teaming up with Meet Minneapolis and the Allan Law Project to make turkey sandwiches on March 15 on the show floor. The sandwiches will be delivered to people in need in downtown Minneapolis later that evening.

• MPF Unhatched, an Evening of Eats and Entertainment. This is a new networking event to be held March 15 that features a three-course gourmet meal and a concert by national recording act Sawyer Brown.

Attendees and exhibitors alike should review the overall convention schedule, as it has changed quite significantly since last year.

“Your favorite workshops may be held on a different time or even a different day this year,” says Eastlund.

Preshow events, education and MPF Welcome Reception
The convention kicks off on March 13 with a preshow Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium, to be coordinated jointly by MPF and the North Central Avian Disease Conference, and the annual MPF welcome reception.

Also bringing attendees in early will be the North Central Avian Disease Conference and the sixth annual Organic Egg Farmers of America Symposium. Separate registration fees apply for these events.

Finally, three MPF education workshops — Turkey Breeder, Broiler Production and Simmering Issues — will also be held on the afternoon of March 13.

Exhibits and education
The three exhibit halls will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14-15. Educational events on both days will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. All events will be showcased at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Turkey Taste-Off and happy hour on the show floor
MPF will host its second annual Turkey Taste-Off in conjunction with happy hour on the show floor on from 3 to 4 p.m. March 15. Five turkey appetizer stations will be spread throughout the exhibit halls for attendees and exhibitors to try, and then vote for, their favorites. Happy hour will include free beer, pop, and juice, while supplies last.

Full details
Details on all MPF Convention events, the full education program, a list of exhibitors and online preregistration (through March 12) are all available at midwestpoultry.com.

Source: MPF