June 3, 1015

Three-day World Pork Expo 2015 opens in Iowa

Twenty thousand pork producers and other professionals from around the world will descend on Des Moines, Iowa, from today for the World Pork Expo 2015, the world''s largest pork-specific trade show.

The congress, slated June 3 to 5, is being held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

Producers, exhibitors and members of the media from 41 countries have registered to attend.

"World Pork Expo has evolved into a one-stop-shopping place for the newest equipment, software and technology-based products that help pork producers remain competitive in a global economy," says Ron Prestage, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and a South Carolina pork producer. "It also presents a great opportunity to interact with fellow producers and exchange ideas in an environment that is ideal for your entire team of employees."

At the heart of Expo is the trade show, which will feature hundreds of commercial exhibits from companies based in North America, Asia and Europe. The trade show will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 5.

While some outdoor exhibits will be in new locations to accommodate fairgrounds renovations, attendees will once again find more than 310,000 square feet of exhibit space to explore. For the first time, America''s Best Genetics Alley will be in two locations- in the Agriculture Building and on the second floor of the Varied Industries Building.

The World Pork Expo is also the place to collect the most current, useful insights on pork-production topics ranging from swine health and reproductive management to pork quality and marketing strategies. On Wednesday and Thursday, more than a dozen free seminars related to pork production, will take place in the Varied Industries Building.

As in previous editions, a MusicFest will be the social highlight of this year''s World Pork Expo from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. To be held on Grand Avenue of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the special event will feature four diverse musical acts that offer something for everyone. Entertainment will include an encore show by Jake McVey; the crowd-pleasing group, Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy; Denny Laine, formerly with Paul McCartney and Wings; and, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Terry Sylvester.

There''s always plenty of free pork for visitors to enjoy, especially at the ever-popular Big Grill. Staffed by Iowa''s Tama County Pork Producers Association, it serves up free pork lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the three-day event.