The 2013 International Production & Processing Expo started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the doors opened to the show floor on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. Participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony were Joel Newman, president of American Feed Industry Association (AFIA); Al Gunderson, chairman of AFIA; Gary Cooper, immediate past chairman of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY); John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY; Mark Waller, chairman of USPOULTRY; Larry Odom, immediate past chairman of American Meat Institute (AMI); and Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of AMI. 

“As the old saying goes, we have learned that the ‘whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ We have been pleased that exhibitors and attendees alike have recognized the significantly increased value that integration of the three trade shows brings. From the breadth of the education offerings to the number of exhibitors to the strong attendee interest, the excitement has been building. Let the show begin!” remarked the groups.

With more than 1,180 exhibitors and more than 430,000 net square feet of exhibit space, the 2013 International Production & Processing Expo is one of the world’s largest annual poultry, feed and meat trade shows. Comprised of the three integrated tradeshows - International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo, and AMI’s International Meat Expo – IPPE is expected to welcome more than 25,000 attendees.