Major Pork Conferences and Tradeshow Events in 2024
The pork industry has numerous noteworthy conferences and tradeshows throughout the year that bring together key stakeholders. As a vital participant in this community, having a reliable 2024 pork industry events calendar can optimize your event engagement and connections.
To help prepare for the 2024 calendar year ahead, SwineTech has compiled a list of pork industry events as well as an attendee guide. You can also explore our blog for additional resources and insights, as well as contact us with any questions.
2024 Pork Industry Events Calendar: Conferences and Tradeshows
BANFF Pork
January 9 – 11
Banff, Alberta, Canada
South Dakota Pork Congress
January 10 & 11
https://www.sdpork.org/events/pork-congress
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Kentucky Pork Producers – 2024 Annual Meeting
January 19
https://www.kypork.org/2024-annual-meeting
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Iowa Pork Congress
January 24 & 25
http://www.iowaporkcongress.org/
Des Moines, Iowa
Illinois Pork Congress
January 30
https://ilpork.com/expo/2024-il-pork-expo
Springfield, Illinois
International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)
January 30 – February 1
Atlanta, Georgia
Pig Ski Conference
January 31 – February 2
Copper Mountain, Colorado
KSU Swine Profitability Conference
February 6
https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/swine-profitability-conference/
Manhattan, Kansas
Ohio Pork Congress
February 6 & 7
https://ohiopork.org/events/ohioporkcongress/
Lima, Ohio
Minnesota Pork Congress
February 13 & 14
Mankato, Minnesota
Missouri Pork Expo
February 20 & 21
https://www.mopork.com/events/2024-missouri-pork-expo/
Osage Beach, Missouri
AASV
February 24 – February 27
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TN
London Swine Conference
March 5 & 6
https://www.londonswineconference.ca/
London, Ontario
National Pork Industry Forum
March 5 – 7
https://www.porkindustryforum.com/
Chicago, Illinois
2024 ASAS Midwest Section Meeting
March 10
https://www.eaap.org/event/2024-asas-midwest-section-meeting/
Madison, Wisconsin
Animal AgTech Innovation Summit
March 18 – 19
San Francisco, California
2024 Keystone Pork, Poultry and Manure EXPO
March 19
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-keystone-pork-poultry-and-manure-expo-tickets-750061282487
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit
May 8 & 9
https://animalagalliance.org/initiatives/stakeholders-summit/
Kansas City, Kansas
27th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress & 15th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management
June 4 – 7
Leipzig, Germany
World Pork Expo
June 5 – 7
Des Moines, Iowa
South Dakota Swine Summit
June 13
https://www.sdpork.org/events/south-dakota-swine-summit/
Brookings, South Dakota
Alberta Pork Congress
June 15 & 16
https://albertaporkcongress.com/
Red Deer, Alberta
NPIC
July (TBD 2024)
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
2024 ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting
July 21-25
https://www.asas.org/meetings/annual-2024
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Iowa State Swine Day
July 25
https://www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday/
Ames, Iowa
Carthage 34th Annual Swine Conference
August 27
Quincy, Illinois
EuroTier
November 12 – 15
Hanover, Germany
Maximize Your Tradeshow and Conference Experience: A Comprehensive Guide for Attendees
Tradeshows and conferences are bustling hubs of networking, learning, and brand promotion. However, to truly reap the benefits of these events, proper planning and execution are essential. Here’s an expanded guide on how to best prepare for and navigate tradeshows and conferences as an attendee.
Pre-Event Preparation
1. Set Clear Objectives
Before setting foot in any event, it’s vital to outline your goals. Are you aiming to network, learn about new industry developments, or promote your brand? Clear objectives will act as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions throughout the event. Be specific in your goals — instead of “networking,” aim to “connect with three potential clients or partners.”
2. Research the Event
Knowledge is power when attending tradeshows and conferences. Spend time exploring the event’s agenda, the list of exhibitors, keynote speakers, and attendees. This homework allows you to plan your time efficiently, identify key individuals or companies you want to engage with, and prepare relevant questions or talking points that can spark meaningful conversations.
3. Prepare Your Materials
First impressions matter. Make sure you have plenty of business cards and any necessary promotional materials or product samples. Also, craft a concise elevator pitch about yourself and your business. This pitch should quickly convey who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart.
At the Event
1. Network Effectively
Tradeshows and conferences offer a wealth of networking opportunities. Don’t hold back — introduce yourself to other attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Be genuine in your interactions, listen actively, and show interest in others’ perspectives. Remember, networking isn’t just about talking; it’s about building relationships.
2. Attend Keynote Speeches and Workshops
Make the most of the learning opportunities at these events. Keynote speeches and workshops provide valuable insights into industry trends, innovative ideas, and successful business strategies. Take comprehensive notes and engage in discussions by asking thought-provoking questions.
3. Visit Relevant Booths
Invest time in visiting booths that align with your goals. Engage meaningfully with the exhibitors — ask insightful questions, show genuine interest in their offerings, and explore potential avenues for collaboration or learning.
Post-Event Follow-Up
1. Organize Your Contacts
After the hustle and bustle of the event, take time to organize the contacts you’ve made. Sort through the business cards you collected, noting any critical details or conversation points about the individuals. This step is crucial while your memory of the interactions is still fresh.
2. Follow Up
A timely follow-up can set the stage for strong professional relationships. Send personalized emails to your new contacts expressing your appreciation for their time and the conversation you shared. If appropriate, propose a next step, such as a meeting or phone call, to continue the dialogue.
3. Reflect on Your Experience
Finally, assess your tradeshow or conference experience. Did you meet your objectives? What strategies worked well, and what could be improved? Use these reflections as learning points for enhancing your future tradeshow and conference experiences.
Attending tradeshows and conferences can seem overwhelming, but with thoughtful preparation, strategic execution, and diligent follow-up, you can ensure you extract maximum value from each event. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to gather business cards — it’s to forge meaningful connections and gain invaluable insights that will fuel your professional growth.