Music will fill the air of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 8

World Pork Expo’s MusicFest Offers Fun and Fellowship

World Pork Expo’s MusicFest Offers Fun and Fellowship

Music will fill the air of the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 8

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 24, 2017 — MusicFest offers World Pork Expo visitors an opportunity to relax, enjoy free musical performances and mingle with fellow pork professionals from throughout the world. This year, Jake McVey, and special guest Big Vinny from Trailer Choir, will get the concert rolling and then pass the mic to headliner Farewell Angelina. The festivities take place on the Grand Avenue Concourse at the Iowa State Fairgrounds from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8. MusicFest is just one of the many events scheduled for the 2017 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), June 7-9, in Des Moines, Iowa. “World Pork Expo is always such a busy few days, so it’s especially nice to take some time to network with fellow producers and make new acquaintances,” says Ken Maschhoff, NPPC president and Illinois pork producer. “For anyone who’s coming to Expo, be sure to schedule MusicFest as part of your visit. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening." Fun and fiery Jake McVey Iowa native Jake McVey will kick off this year’s MusicFest with his high-energy country music stage show that’s always entertaining. Making a repeat appearance at Expo, McVey’s mission is to have fun and draw audiences into the revelry. Growing up, McVey worked on his family’s Iowa farm, but knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in music. Following high school graduation, he studied guitar making and now performs using some of his own hand-made guitars. McVey recently released a new CD called “Back Seat” and is writing songs for two film projects. Over the years, he has shared the stage with some of country’s most acclaimed acts, including Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town. At Expo, McVey will be joined by Vincent 'Big Vinny' Hickerson of Trailer Choir, whose CD “Tailgate” includes the hit single “Off the Hillbilly Hook.” In recent years, Big Vinny launched Music with a Mission — a program designed to help schools raise funds to support music education programs. Powerful vocals of Farewell Angelina Headlining the MusicFest stage is Farewell Angelina, an all-female country group featuring four powerhouse vocalists — Nicole Witt, Andrea Young, Lisa Torres and Lauren Lucas. These singer-songwriters have blended rich harmonies and a multitude of instruments, including two blazing violins, to take Nashville by storm. Released in the fall of 2016, the group’s single, “If It Ain’t With You,” can be found on radio playlists across the nation as enthusiasm for Farewell Angelina continues to spread. Also in 2016, Rolling Stone magazine listed Farewell Angelina among the “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know.” Roughstock.com also included the group on its list of “Ones to Watch in 2017.” Members have had songs recorded by artists ranging from George Strait to Lee Brice. They’ve shared their instrumental and vocal talents with country stars including Jason Aldean and Trace Adkins. Onstage, Farewell Angelina has opened for Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley and a host of others.  More must-see events “There’s always something more to explore at Expo,” Maschhoff says. “It’s an excellent time for producers to visit with NPPC staff to learn about issues that could impact their businesses. During the three days, there are free educational seminars, market outlook sessions, pig shows and sales, and of course the trade show.” World Pork Expo features the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, covering more than 320,000 square feet of exhibit space and featuring hundreds of companies from around the world. Trade show hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 9. On June 8 and 9, visitors can participate in a variety of free business seminars and PORK Academy to get the latest updates in pork production and management strategies. There’s always plenty of tasty grilled pork available, including free lunches available daily at The Big Grill. Beginning on Monday, June 5, the World Pork Expo Junior National hog show hosts swine youth educational events and live-hog shows. An open show takes place on Friday, June 9, with breeding stock sales completing the activities on Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. until approximately noon. Visit the website for updates on event schedules and room availability at official World Pork Expo hotels. The website also offers convenient online registration for the discounted rate of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up), which covers all three days of Expo. Registration on site will cost $20 per adult, with a special rate of $10 for people arriving on Friday. For the most up-to-date details about this year’s World Pork Expo, be sure to connect with Expo on Twitter and Facebook by following our pages, tagging us in your posts, and using the hashtag #WPX17! ### World Pork Expo, the world's largest pork-specific trade show, is brought to you by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit nppc.org.

Singer, songwriter, and Iowa native,Jake McVey, will kick off the 2017 MusicFest at 4:30 p.m. on June 8, with his guitar-rich country music.   Originally from west Tennessee, Vincent 'Big Vinny' Hickerson of Trailer Choir will join Jake McVey on the MusicFest stage on Grand Avenue on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Thursday, June 8.   Headlining this year’s MusicFest concert at World Pork Expo is Farewell Angelina. This four-member band features blazing fiddles and powerful vocal harmonies. World Pork Expo attendees can relax and enjoy live performances at MusicFest on June 8, as part of their Expo admission.

Industry gets smart: Nutrition companies embracing new technology, survey shows

Almost two thirds of nutrition companies are implementing new forms of technology, with around half increasing their R&D spend this year, new research has shown.

The findings, from a survey by the organisers of Vitafoods Europe (9-11 May, Palexpo, Geneva), suggest that visitors to this year’s event will discover more technological innovation than ever before.

Vitafoods Europe exhibitors and visitors were asked about six new forms of technology.

Around a third (32%) of the 192 respondents said their companies have implemented, or are planning to implement, new product testing technologies. Nearly a quarter (23%) are introducing smart packaging.  One in five (21%) is exploring new tracing technologies such as QR codes on packaging while 17% have created or will create smartphone apps.

Less common forms of technology being used include 3D printing (6%) and geolocation technology (2%).  Only 36% said they were not using any of the technologies on the list. 

Commenting on the findings, Chris Lee, Managing Director, Global Health and Nutrition Network, Europe, Informa Exhibitions said:  “New technology is revolutionising the way nutrition companies do business. Digital technology has created increasingly sophisticated ways for companies to build relationships with consumers. Meanwhile, companies are developing new ways of testing, tracing, and packaging their products. Innovation has always been at the heart of Vitafoods Europe, and this year visitors will have more opportunity than ever to learn about new products, new technologies, and new ways of working.”

Meanwhile, almost half the companies surveyed are planning to increase their R&D spend. Forty-seven per cent said they were planning to spend more on research and development projects this year than last year. Only 6% said their companies would spend less.  One in four (24%) said their companies would spend 25% or more of their sales on R&D projects, with one in ten (10%) saying they would spend 50% or more.

Case Study – Vitastiq

One example of a new smart product being launched at Vitafoods Europe is Vitastiq.  Created by a Croatian start-up, the device communicates with a smartphone and allows consumers to monitor their body’s needs for 26 different vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.  Based on the science of acupuncture, its innovative and user-friendly concept has earned it widespread media coverage and recognition from Google Campus Warsaw.

The manufacturers have chosen Vitafoods Europe as the platform to launch the new Vitastiq PRO – specially designed for professionals in consumer-facing settings such as pharmacies, beauty salons and sports clubs.  It can also be used by food and supplement companies as a tool to help sell their products.

Visitors to Vitafoods will not only be able to see Vitastiq, but also to get their own personalised nutrition reading. The product’s creator Vitastiq, Dean Vranić, said:  “Vitafoods is the best  place we can imagine to introduce our product. Our stand is always pretty crowded with people wanting readings, and we’ve decided to get a bigger booth this year. In fact, a lot of our customers and partners are people we met at Vitafoods.”

Vranić also believes that smart technology will become increasingly mainstream in the nutrition industry:

 “Technology like ours is bringing supplements closer to the users.  They’re getting easier access to information related to their bodies, so the next thing they do is find out a bit more, and then buy products.  There’s huge potential.  It’s a great way for manufacturers to communicate with people at the particular moment they need you. Smart products are the standard these days.  In the future, if you want to sell something, it’s going to have to be smart.”

To find out more about the range of new technology on show at Vitafoods Europe visit https://www.vitafoods.eu.com/en/welcome.html

About Vitafoods Europe

Vitafoods Europe is the global nutraceutical event, featuring exhibitors from all over the world in four key market areas: ingredients & raw materials; branded finished products; contract manufacturing & private label; and services & equipment. The event offers a range of visitor attractions, including an industry-leading education programme.

Vitafoods Europe is part of Informa Exhibitions’ Global Health & Nutrition Network (GHNN), which brings together a portfolio of events, digital media and publishing for marketers, manufacturers and formulators of nutrition and dietary supplements, healthy foods/beverages and personal care products. GHNN’s events include Vitafoods Europe, Vitafoods Asia, SupplySide West and Ingredient Marketplace.

Natural Products INSIDER is the global media brand covering healthy ingredients and finished applications. Vitafoods Insights offers online content and a series of topic-specific digital magazines that bring highlights of the Vitafoods events to a global audience. For more information, visit www.informaglobalhealth.com. SupplySide West & Vitafoods Global Storefrontsoffers a new online environment where ingredient buyers and product developers can find and connect with the suppliers and solutions they need, all year long.

Informa’s Global Exhibitions Division organisestransaction-oriented exhibitions andtrade shows, which provide buyers andsellers across different industries andcommunities with a powerful platformto meet face-to-face, build relationshipsand conduct business. Informa has aportfolio of more than 150 exhibitions, servinga number of core verticals, includingHealth & Nutrition, Beauty, Property &Construction and Pop Culture.

Make plans to attend World Pork Expo, June 7-9

April 2017   Check out our sponsors: Gold Silver     Forward this e-mail to a friend   Make plans to attend World Pork Expo, June 7-9         World Pork Expo, June 7-9, is the world’s largest pork-specific trade show with hundreds of exhibitors from around the world displaying the latest products for pork businesses of all sizes.   Don’t delay — register today!   You can register online for your Expo media credentials today. You’ll know your registration is complete if, upon clicking “submit”, you are taken to a landing page with the headline, “Thank you for registering”. You also will receive a confirmation email. If you ever need to check your registration status, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.%3fsubject%3dWorld%2520Pork%2520Expo%25202017%2520Media" rel="noopener" target="_blank">contact us.   General registration is up and running   Your readers, listeners and viewers can start registering online for World Pork Expo. Advance registration through May 12 secures a discounted rate of $10 per adult (ages 12 and up), which covers all three days of Expo. The on-site admission price is $20, with a special Friday-only rate of $10. In 2016, 20,000 producers and ag professionals attended, including 1,100 international guests from 35 countries. Visit our new website to get the facts and learn more about Expo.   Remember to reserve your hotel room   Des Moines is an active city and hotels fill up quickly, especially during Expo week. Visit our new website to view the listing of official Expo hotels to help finalize your travel plans and find information about transportation options in and around the Des Moines area.   Need help covering Expo?   There are hundreds of photos and b-roll available from previous Expos and ready-to-use World Pork Expo logos available in the online Media Center. If you’re looking for a specific photo, want more details about an event or need help lining up an interview before, during or after Expo, simply contact our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.%3fsubject%3dWorld%2520Pork%2520Expo%25202017%2520Media" rel="noopener" target="_blank">media-relations team — we’re here to help. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, World Pork Expo is the go-to event for educational seminars, networking opportunities, the latest product information and plenty of tasty pork.   Watch for more updates   This is the first Media Update in a series you will receive leading up to the 2017 World Pork Expo. As part of our commitment to keep you informed, each update will highlight new materials for your reporting needs, as well as details about seminars, schedules and events. If you have questions between updates, feel free to contact us.   Did you know? World Pork Expo Junior National organizers expect another big year for this premier event, which saw 281 junior members participating in judging contests at the 2016 show.   The World Pork Expo Junior National and Open Shows are hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred. Last year, 948 youth from 30 states participated in showmanship, swine judging and live-hog competitions through June 10. In all, about 3,400 hogs were shown during Expo and the Open Sale on Saturday exceeded $1.1 million in sales. This year’s jam-packed schedule will run from June 5-10, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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