DES MOINES, Iowa, June 2, 2016 – World Pork Expooffers innovation, networking and education as more than 20,000 pork producers and ag professionals from across the world convene June 8-10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Expo showcases the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, educational seminars, national youth swine shows, open shows and sales, as well as tasty grilled pork and more. Producers, exhibitors and media from approximately 48 countries are expected to attend the 2016 event.

“For anyone interested in pork production, World Pork Expo offers a well-rounded experience. There are seminars where you can hear about the latest research, shop the trade show to see what’s new, and network with fellow pork producers,” says John Weber, NPPC president and pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “Expo is a great place to re-charge your engine and return home with new ideas.”

Weber encourages attendees to stop by the NPPC booth or hospitality tent to visit with the staff and leadership who advocate for pork businesses every day. “It’s an opportunity to learn about what’s been achieved and what lies ahead,” he adds.

The trade show is the centerpiece of Expo, giving pork producers a one-stop venue to compare products, services and technologies for their businesses. Hundreds of companies based in North America, Asia and Europe will fill exhibit space that spans more than 310,000 square feet. The trade show will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 10.

“The outdoor exhibit space has been expanded and there are more hospitality tents this year, so there’s even more to explore,” says Sheila Warrick, Expo’s general manager. “Attendees should be sure to allow enough time to see everything that Expo has to offer.”

Another big show for the Junior National

The World Pork Expo Junior National is ranked among the nation’s premier youth swine shows. This year a record 1,290 youth from 32 states will participate in a variety of events, including a Skillathon, judging contests, certification programs and live hog shows. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the Expo Junior National begins on Monday, June 6, with events and shows running through June 10. All activities will take place in the Swine Barn. As a special feature, classes in one of the two show rings will be live-cast as well as recorded for future viewing.

Total entries for both the Junior National and the open shows are projected to display 3,800 hogs, up slightly from 2015’s level of 3,200 hogs. The open show will take place on Friday, June 10, with breeding stock sales on Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to about noon.

There’s something for everyone

Expo is the place for pork producers to collect the most up-to-date information and select from more than a dozen freeeducational seminars. Experts will address business management, production technologies and future developments that will impact pork producers. Scheduled throughout Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, both the Business Seminars and PORK Academy will take place in the Varied Industries Building.

MusicFest offers Expo attendees an opportunity to relax and enjoy a summer evening. This free concert runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, along Grand Avenue at the Fairgrounds. Kicking off this year’s lineup is Iowa native and The Voice contestant, Casey Muessigmann, whose passion for life shines through his high-energy country music. Headlining MusicFest are The Surf City Allstars, whose five members make up the only band to have played and sang with both the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean. The Surf City Allstars are hailed as the most authentic and committed Beach Boys tribute band.

There’s always plenty of mouthwatering pork at Expo, and the Big Grill is not to be missed. Iowa’s Tama County Pork Producers Association will once again serve free pork lunches hot off the Big Grill each day of Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There’s still time—head to World Pork Expo

“The 2016 World Pork Expo is just a few days away, but there’s still time for pork producers, their families and staff to join us in Des Moines,” Warrick says. “There’s certainly something for everyone, and we want every attendee to walk away from Expo with insights that are useful and beneficial to them.”

The entrance fee is $20 per adult and $3 for children ages 6 to 11; there is no charge for children 5 years of age and younger. This admission price includes entry into Expo all three days. A special rate of $10 is available for adults arriving on Friday.

Stay up-to-date on all the events and activities by connecting with World Pork Expo on Facebook, follow Expo on Twitter (#WPX16), and download the free mobile app by searching “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry’s App World.

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, visitnppc.org.

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