The world’s largest meat-industry conference is heading to the land Down Under — specifically, Brisbane, Australia. More than 500 of the world’s most influential meat-industry professionals are expected to attend the 2006 World Meat Congress, which will be held April 26-29 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The conference and trade show will be hosted in Australia by Meat & Livestock Australia, Australian Pork Limited and the Australian Meat Industry Council, in conjunction with the International Meat Secretariat.

The theme of this year’s conference will be “2020: Meat — The Road Ahead.” The program will focus on global trends, innovations and issues affecting the meat and livestock industry.  Four main areas that will be addressed include consumers, community, supply and trade policy.

The Congress will consist of a number of addresses from industry experts, as well as a trade show. The Congress’ trade display area has had to expend twice to accommodate the level of demand, the show’s organizers reported.

A number of high-profile speakers from around the world will be attending the 2006 Congress. Among them is Phil Seng, president and CEO of the United States Meat Export Federation. His address will focus on the future of U.S. meat exports and how the meat industry is planning on meeting future global demands. He also will discuss the latest developments in the U.S./Japan beef export issue.

Yoshikiyo Fujii, president of Japan-based Nippon Meat Packers Inc. also will be on hand to provide an overview of the commercial aspects that drive the meat industry in Japan. Nippon Meat Packers is Japan’s largest sausage, ham, processed food and meat supplier, as well as Australia’s third-largest beef and veal supplier.

Joining them as a keynote speaker will be Dr. Guanghong Zhou, vice president of China’s Nanjing Agricultural University and chairman of the Chinese Association of Animal Products Processing. He will discuss the medium-term potential of China’s meat demand and what customers in China currently demand from their meat products.

On the topic of animal health and welfare, Dr. Alex Theirmann, president of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code Commission, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), will argue the importance of international animal-health standards in global trade. He also will present an insight into the trade policy that is needed to sustain the industry toward 2020.

Mark Spurr, chairman of the 2006 World Meat Congress, said he was pleased to have leading international experts coming to address the Congress on such important topics. “This is the biggest and most important meat-industry event on the calendar. It will gather the key decision-makers in one place, at one time, to discuss current and future issues facing the world’s meat industries.” NP