The nation’s largest regional poultry convention, the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, will be held March 12-14 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.

“Our monumental growth over the past five years — a 54% increase in exhibiting companies and a 28% increase in attendance — has been inspiring to witness, and we’re looking forward to the 48th annual MPF Convention in Minneapolis,” said MPF President Greg Nelson, who represents the Kansas Poultry Association on the board of directors. “Booth space has been sold out for several weeks, and we’ve fine-tuned the education program to best fit with our schedule of all the events.”

Approximately 40 speakers will cover a variety of topics for the turkey, egg layer, broiler and organic or specialty poultry industries. Plus, several key events will take place, including:

• MPF Student Careers Program, designed to connect the industry with two- and four-year college students who are activity 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, a not-to-be-missed social and networking event on March 15 that features a three-course gourmet meal and a private concert by Jo Dee Messina, a Grammy, ACM, and CMA award-winning country artist.

Kickoffs
The convention kicks off March 12 with a Pre-Show Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium, which will 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 70th annual North Central Avian Disease Conference and the seventh annual Organic Egg Farmers of America Symposium. Separate registration fees apply for these events.

Exhibits and education
The three exhibit halls will offer expanded hours on March 13-14. Education will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. March 13 and again from 8 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. March 14. All events will be showcased at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

“As was popular last year, our schedule of education workshops will not conflict too much with the Exhibit Hall hours, so attendees can take in all that MPF has to offer without having to pick and choose the areas where they want to be,” said Nelson. “It’s also very important to note the schedule of workshops from March 13 and 14 has changed from last year, so be sure to visit the website to check when your favorite workshops are being held.”

Turkey Taste-Off and Happy Hour on the Show Floor
MPF will host its 3rd annual Turkey Taste-Off in conjunction with Happy Hour on the Show Floor on from 4 to 5 p.m. March 14. Five turkey appetizer stations will be spread throughout the exhibit halls for attendees and exhibitors to taste, and then to vote for their favorites. Happy Hour will include free beer, pop and juice while supplies last.

Student Careers Program
The primary focus of the 2nd annual MPF Student Careers Program is two-fold: to connect the poultry industry with a focused talent pool and educate students on career opportunities in the industry.

The program provides a professional setting for two- and four-year college students to connect with industry professionals in a daylong event featuring a poultry industry overview, career panel, speed dating, and time on the trade show floor. Sponsors have ample opportunity to meet with and interview qualified students for poultry specific internships and/or permanent positions.

Students may register for SCP on midwestpoultry.com and also inquire about the availability of a complimentary hotel room. Companies may participate in SCP through a sponsorship. Contact Pam Debele at [email protected] or Rebecca Gross at [email protected] for more information.

MPF Unhatched
MPF had such an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s MPF Unhatched event and concert that the organization couldn’t wait to capitalize on the momentum for 2019. Jo Dee Messina will be the headliner in a private concert just for MPF attendees and exhibitors.

Individual tickets are $100 each, and tables of eight are available for $800 at midwestpoultry.com. A ticket includes appetizers, a three-course gourmet meal with wine pairings, and the private Jo Dee Messina concert. A cash bar will also be available.

Full details
Details on all MPF Convention events, the full education program, list of exhibitors and online pre-registration (through March 11) are available at midwestpoultry.com.

Source: Midwest Poultry, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.