SwineTech empowers pork producers to maximize their resources to ensure worldwide transparent, high-quality, individualized care for pigs. This is accomplished by helping pork producers navigate labor, survivability, and supply chain challenges throughout their operations with a workforce and swine management platform, PigFlow. Inspired by patient management systems in healthcare, PigFlow assists teams in saving time and providing compliant care by autonomously generating and organizing daily workflows, streamlining internal and external communication, managing the utilization of sensors and precision technologies, and tracking each animal from birth to harvest. The implementation of PigFlow has led to a significant reduction in stillborns, mortalities, and labor needs on nearly 150,000 sows and 4,200,000 piglets managed throughout the US and Canada. If you are interested in learning more, please contact sales@swinetechnologies.com to schedule a meeting. You can also visit www.pigflow.com to find informative content and numerous customer testimonials.
This calendar includes all the information you need to best prepare for the most anticipated events in the pork industry.
American Farm Bureau Convention
January 6-11
https://annualconvention.fb.org/
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Attending: No
BANFF Pork Seminar
January 10-12
Banff, Canada
Attending: Yes
South Dakota Pork Congress
January 11 & 12
https://www.sdpork.org/events/pork-congres
Sioux City, South Dakota
Attending: Yes
Montana Pork Congress
January 19
Great Falls, Montana
Attending: Yes
International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)
January 24-26
Atlanta, Georgia
Attending: No
Iowa Pork Congress
January 26 & 27
http://www.iowaporkcongress.org/
Des Moines, Iowa
Attending: Yes
Illinois Pork Expo
February 7
https://ilpork.com/expo/2023-il-pork-expo
Springfield, Illinois
Attending: Yes
Ohio Pork Congress
February 7 & 8
https://www.ohiopork.org/events/porkcongress/
Lima, Ohio
Attending: Yes
Pig Ski Conference
February 8-10
Copper Mountain, Colorado
Attending: No
Michigan Pork Congress
February 16
https://www.mipork.org/2021-michigan-pork-symposium/
Lansing, Michigan
Attending: Yes
Minnesota Pork Congress
February 20-22
https://www.mnporkcongress.com/attendees/seminar-event-schedule/
Mankato, Minnesota
Attending: Yes
Missouri Pork Congress
February 21 & 22
https://www.mopork.com/events/2023-missouri-pork-expo/
Osage Beach, Missouri
Attending: TBD
North Carolina Pork Annual Conference
March 1 & 2
https://www.ncpork.org/event/annual-conference-2/
Raleigh, North Carolina
Attending: Yes
American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV)
March 4-7
https://www.aasv.org/annmtg/index.php
Denver, Colorado
Attending: Yes
Annual Meat Conference
March 6-8
Dallas, Texas
Attending: No
National Pork Industry Forum
March 8-10
https://www.porkindustryforum.com/
Orlando, Florida
Attending: Yes
VIV Asia
March 8-10
Bangkok, Thailand
Attending: Yes
Animal AgTech Innovation Summit
March 13
San Francisco, California
Attending: Yes
International Animal Production Show
March 28-31
https://www.feriazaragoza.com/figan-2023
Zaragoza, Spain
Attending: TBD
Pork Management Conference
April 17-19
https://porkcheckoff.org/events/pork-management-conference/
Kansas City, Missouri
Attending: Yes
Urner Barry’s Executive Conference
April 30 – May 2
https://events.urnerbarry.com/event/90b14c81-737c-405a-be3a-05edffeb1e13/summary
Las Vegas, Nevada
Attending: No
Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit
May 4-5
https://animalagalliance.org/initiatives/stakeholders-summit/
Arlington, Virginia
Attending: No
Alltech ONE Ideas Conference
May 21-23
Lexington, Kentucky
Attending: Yes
World Pork Expo
June 7-9
Des Moines, Iowa
Attending: Yes
Alberta Pork Conference
June 14 & 15
http://albertaporkcongress.com/
Red Deer, Alberta
Attending: Yes
Iowa State Swine Day
June 29
https://www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday/
Ames, Iowa
Attending: Yes
National Pork Industry Conference (NPIC)
July 9-12
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Attending: Yes
Oklahoma Pork Congress
TBD
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Attending: Yes
Carthage Swine Conference
August 29
https://conference.hogvet.com/
Quincy, Illinois
Attending: Yes
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference
September 16-19
https://lemanconference.umn.edu/
St. Paul, Minnesota
Attending: Yes
Midwest Pork Conference
TBD
Indianapolis, Indiana
Attending: Yes
North American PRRS Symposium
December 2-4
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/education/continuing-education/north-american-prrs-symposium/
Chicago, Illinois
Attending: TBD
How to Network at a Conference – 21 of The Best Networking Tips For Your Next Business Conference
One of the most valuable takeaways from any conference is the new relationships and contacts made through networking. Understanding how to network at a conference, and going in with the right strategy can be a game-changer for your business or career.
To get the most out of the conferences and meetings you attend, it’s important to plan your strategy well ahead of the actual event.
These 21 tips will help you make the most of your conference networking opportunities before, during, and after the event.
1. Have Clear Goals and Objectives
Conferences tend to move at the “speed of social” these days. That is to say, people are moving from one conversation, session, or event to another, quickly. It’s easy to get lost in the flow of things. Identify clear objectives of sessions to attend, who you hope to meet, and what you want to take away, prior to the event.
2. Stay In The Same Hotel as the Conference is Being Held
Networking events, dinners, and activities will likely be held there or nearby. In addition to this, most of the speakers, panelists, etc will be staying there also. A “chance” meeting in the lobby, gym, hotel Starbucks, or elsewhere can help “break the ice” and lead to additional opportunities for a conversation later in the conference.
One last item to think about… If you’re anything like me, you occasionally run late for at least one of the opening sessions or keynotes. Staying in the same hotel as the conference can be a lifesaver on those occasions.
3. Go Prepared
If there are specific attendees, vendors, or speakers you hope to meet and talk to, do your research and prepare well ahead of time. Read their latest book, blog posts, etc, and search for the latest news on their company.
Connect with them on Twitter and follow/engage in conversations up to, and while at the conference. Have your initial questions or a comment prepared ahead of time.
4. Send an Email or Tweet Prior to the Event
Use the same approach mentioned above. Let them know that you value and have an interest in their work and that you would like to take a minute or two at the conference to introduce yourself.
Demonstrate that you’re aware of the value of their time and be clear that you only want to take a minute or two.
One of the biggest mistakes people can make in their very first contact is to try and schedule a lunch or dinner meeting. Break the ice first and lead with value. If you do this, you’re much more likely to get some follow-up time and a longer meeting if needed.
5. Avoid the Helicopter Approach
Many times at conferences I see people begin to approach someone they would like to meet only to stop 5-10 feet away and go into “hover mode”. Nothing makes a person more nervous than the possibility that a stalker is nearby. Seeing you in “hover” mode, the person you hope to meet will most likely already be formulating their exit strategy. Complete your approach and simply introduce yourself.
6. Be Ready with Conversation Starters
If at some point the conversation gets “stuck” always have a few conversation starters to get it going again. Here are a few examples.
- “Where are you from?”
- “What interested you in (Fill In The Blank) conference?”
- “How long have you been with (Fill In The Blank) company?”
- “Where were you before joining (Fill In The Blank) company?”
- “What has been your favorite sessions/speakers so far?”
- “Will you be attending other conferences this year?”
- “What are you hoping to get out of this conference?”
- “I’m trying to improve (Fill In The Blank) — what are you doing, any tips?
- “What sessions/speakers are you looking forward to?”
7. Be Approachable
Don’t spend all your time outside of conference sessions using your phone, laptop or tablet. By circulating and looking open and engaged, you’ll make it more likely that someone else, looking for someone to talk to, will approach you. Knowing “when” to network is just as import and as “how to network”.
8. Don’t be a “Fan-girl” or “Fan-guy”
While it is great to meet the speakers, authors, and other VIP’s at a conference, don’t spend your entire time trying to connect with them. In doing so, you’ll miss countless other opportunities.
Instead, spend your time listening, learning, and connecting with others that have similar interests and objectives as you. Your time at the conference will be a much more worthwhile investment.
9. Create a Schedule
Know who is speaking where and when in relation to your interests and conference objectives. You can’t be everywhere at once, and the best sessions fill up quickly. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to be in the session with that “one” person you’re hoping to meet or hear.
10. Use Social Media
Tweet or post about the conference while you’re there. Tag people you’ve met, or hope to meet, and make complimentary, positive comments about their session, session topic, panels, and the conference itself. Always use the conference #hashtag.
11. Check the Nametag
It’s always okay to check out someone’s name tag if you want to know who “that someone” is – that’s why they provide them at nearly every conference. Be sure your name tag is visible so others can identify you. Schmoozing VIP’s, speakers, etc at a conference is perfectly acceptable and probably one of the leading causes of strained eyes and sore necks by Day 2. Still, if you’re not sure who it is, just ask.
12. Be Open to People That Want to Meet You
Don’t go with the idea in mind that you’re there just to pitch yourself or your agenda. Listen to others and you’ll be surprised at the amazing relationships and opportunities that open up.
Note: If you’re going to drink alcohol at networking events, do so responsibly. More than a few careers, relationships, and opportunities have been damaged by neglecting this simple rule. There’s always time after the event without incurring the risks of overindulging at the open bar.
13. Get on the Lists for Conference Dinners, Meet-ups, and Parties
These are great social opportunities. Contact the conference organizer ahead of time for information and details. If it’s a large event like SXSW, etc, follow the conference #hashtag and check Eventbrite often to ensure you’re up to speed on all of the conference-related activities, meet-ups, etc taking place.
14. Keep in Mind Most People at the Conference Are in the Same Situation as You
That is, they go, thinking that they will know few if any of the other attendees. During the various sessions, introduce yourself to the people on each side of you and use the conversation starters mentioned earlier.
Follow the conference #hashtag on Twitter and engage with fellow attendees. You’ll build a “conference network” in no time and leave with several new connections and friends.
15. Always Have An Exit Strategy
Inevitably you will end up in a conversation you wish you had never started. Be prepared to politely and gracefully excuse yourself. This is more of a “how not” to meet someone at a conference. There are several ways to do this, but always be polite. Thank the person for their time and politely excuse yourself.
16. Get The Conference App
There are several terrific social discovery apps that let you know when people within your networks are nearby. Many provide a simple interface for saying hello and are generally easy to set up and use.
I’ve used them at conferences and they’re great for networking beyond the confines of the sessions you’re attending or the show floor. Unfortunately, a lot of these apps come and go or are integrated into the conference app itself (which is fine), however; it can be a bit of a pain having to download a new app for every conference that you attend.
Don’t want another app on your device? Simply use Twitter and a Twitter client like Tweetdeck to follow the conference #hashtag.
17. Don’t Forget the Tangible Items You’ll Need
Conferences can be long, all day, well into the evening events. Lack of breath mints, gum, eyedrops, a comb or brush, cologne or perfume can ultimately be a deal-killer when you’re meeting someone. Plan and pack accordingly.
18. Bring Business Cards
“I don’t use business cards, I like to connect on social”…., says the person who always forgets them. Don’t believe it – business cards are still a valuable asset to have at the ready. It’s one of the quickest, most effective ways to introduce yourself and share your contact information. If you prefer to connect on social, add your Twitter handle and other social details on your card. You may have only a brief moment to make contact with someone and handing them a business card is always better than a missed opportunity.
19. Head to the Gym (and on-site Starbucks)
If working out is a regular part of your daily routine, go to the hotel gym. It is a great place to meet other conference-goers in an “outside the conference” environment. Don’t want to go to the gym? If there’s a Starbucks at the hotel or conference center, that’s another great place to meet and connect.
20. After the Conference Follow up
You should have a number of business cards from people you’ve met. Send an e-mail or Linkedin invite summarizing an interesting point from the conversation and suggest whatever follow-up is appropriate (phone call, coffee/lunch, or simply “let’s keep in touch”).
Where it makes sense, connect the person with others you know personally, where there are shared interests and a likelihood of a valued connection.
21. Connect Socially
In addition to the follow-up mentioned above, be sure to connect socially on LinkedIn, Twitter, etc to stay in contact. Send a brief message with your friend request, reminding the person who you are and thanking them for the time they spent speaking with you.