Exhibitors and visitors from around the world are making ready for the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), which will take place January 26-28 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. This year’s edition of the annual event will bring together more than 1,250 exhibitors and is expected to attract upwards of 30,000 attendees, of which approximately 25% will come from outside the United States.
The trade fair – actually three shows in one covering the entire chain of protein production and processing – features the International Poultry Expo, International Meat Expo and International Feed Expo under one roof. Sponsored by the US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), organizers are providing a wide range of services to international delegates including buyer matching, export counseling and translation assistance. USPOULTRY is also offering the “Seminario Técnico para Maximizar la Eficiencia de la Industria (Technical Seminar for Maximizing the Efficiency of the Poultry Industry)” education program, which will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
In one of a host of special activities scheduled over the three-day event, the North American Meat Institute will honor industry leaders at its inaugural Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter promises that the gathering “will provide a unique opportunity to honor the meat and poultry industry’s continued commitment to service, ingenuity and improvement against the backdrop of the world’s largest annual meat, poultry and feed trade show.”
Jim Lochner, former chief operating officer at Tyson Foods, Inc., will receive the E. Floyd Forbes Award in recognition of his many accomplishments and strong commitment to the meat industry.
Dr. Kerri Gehring, associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University and president of the International HACCP Alliance, will be honored with the Industry Advancement Award as a testament to her professional contributions in the areas of animal and food science education and research, which have had a significant and positive impact on the meat and poultry industry.
As was the case last year, the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta is again expected to draw a large number of overseas visitors to the Georgia World Congress Center from East Asia, South America and Europe.
The Edward C. Jones Community Service Award will go to Sheldon Lavin, chairman and chief executive officer of OSI Group, for his dedication to, and active participation in, charitable organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area and the international communities in which OSI operates.
Dr. Joseph Sebranek, distinguished professor of animal science at Iowa State University, will receive the Harry L. Rudnick Educator’s Award in recognition of his role as an educator of future industry leaders and his extensive research, which has advanced the meat and poultry industry’s food safety and quality management systems.
Dr. Mohammad Koohmaraie, chief executive officer of the meat division at IEH Laboratories, will receive the NAMI Foundation Scientific Achievement Award, saluting his longstanding contributions assisting the industry to produce safe and wholesome meat, and his efforts to improve meat and poultry technologies.
The Supplier of the Year Award will be presented to JBT Corporation/Wolf-tec in recognition of the company’s spirit of partnership with its customers and contribution to the success of the meat and poultry industry through advanced and innovative equipment design and production.
NAMI also will present Environmental Recognition Awards, which are given to companies that demonstrate a dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of environmental management systems.
Among other special events will be the showcasing of healthy and convenient ideas on how utilize specialty pork and beef cuts in recipes and how to cook poultry, on January 26 and 27, respectively, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM in Hall B, Booth B-8849.
Educational Programs
Also on tap are numerous educational programs, starting with the International Poultry Scientific Forum a day before the exposition begins, on January 25, from 8 AM to 5 PM, in Room B-310-315. Sponsored by the Southern Poultry Science Society, it will continue on January 26, from 9 to 11:30 AM.
The Poultry Marketing Intelligence Forum will take place on January 27, 9 to 11:30 AM, in Room A-411; and a Process Technology Workshop is slated for January 28, 8 to 10 AM in Room B-407.
A session entitled “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Lessons Learned” is scheduled for January 28, 8:30 AM to 12 Noon in Room A-411.
There is still time to register to attend the show as well as sign up for the educational programs. For details, visit the organizer’s website: www.register.rcsreg.com/r2/ippe2016/ga/index2.html
About NAMI
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) is regarded as the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. Its mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute’s members produce the vast majority of US beef, pork, lamb and poultry, as well as and the equipment, ingredients and services needed to make high-quality products.
About AFIA
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is the largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the US animal feed industry and its suppliers. AFIA also is the recognized leader on international industry developments. Member companies are livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies which supply other products, services and supplies to feed manufacturers.
About USPOULTRY
Founded in 1947, and based in Tucker, Georgia, the US Poultry & Egg Association is the “all-feather” organization representing the complete spectrum of the poultry industry. Its mission is to serve member companies through research, education, communication and technical assistance.
