Southwest Meat Association (SMA) heads to the Texas Gulf Coast for the 70th Annual Convention & Suppliers’ Showcase, July 22–25, 2026, at Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center in Galveston, Texas. This four-day event brings together packers, processors, suppliers, and service providers for timely education, practical takeaways, and relationship-building across the meat and poultry industry.

Moody Gardens is a premier resort and event destination known for its iconic glass pyramids, tropical setting, and on-site attractions—an ideal backdrop for learning during the day and networking in the evening.

image credit: SMA

Thursday, July 23

Convention activities begin Thursday, July 23, with the SMA Foundation’s Annual Bob Ondrusek Memorial Golf Tournament—one of several Foundation fundraisers supporting scholarships. That evening, Cold Storage Construction will sponsor a live-music networking reception, giving attendees a relaxed way to reconnect and meet new colleagues.

Friday, July 24

Friday General Session

Before heading out to enjoy the coast, SMA kicks off Friday with high-quality educational programming for packers, processors, and industry partners. Planned discussions include:

1. FSIS Update — Dr. Mindy Brashears, USDA Office of Food Safety Undersecretary
2. Small Business Administration Update — Dr. Tre Pennie, SBA
3. Livestock & Marketing Outlook — Dr. David Anderson, Texas A&M University
4. Academic Research Updates — West Texas A&M and Texas Tech University

‘Best of the Wurst’ Family Luncheon

Sponsored by Handtmann, the “Best of the Wurst” Family Luncheon showcases creative sausage entries from SMA member companies. Attendees can sample the lineup and vote to crown the next “Best of the Wurst” Champion. Past favorites have included Texas hot honey, brisket mac & cheese, green chile and cheddar, King Ranch casserole, and more.

Suppliers’ Showcase

Friday afternoon features a three-hour tabletop exhibition where attendees can connect with innovative suppliers and service providers serving the meat industry. Offerings from 75 presenting companies include equipment, seasonings and spices, sanitation and chemicals, labeling services, ingredients, packaging, laboratory services, casings, financial services, and more.

‘Let’s Fiesta’ Dinner & Auction

Friday night wraps with SMA’s annual Dinner & Auction fundraiser, themed “Let’s Fiesta.” The evening includes family-friendly activities, great food, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds support the SMA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

image credit: SMA

Saturday, July 25

Saturday General Session

Saturday morning continues with expert perspectives and practical guidance during the second General Session, including:

1. Immigration & Employment Update — David Barron, Cozen O’Connor
2. Recruiting and Maintaining a Strong Workforce with the Next Generation — Panel discussion (Moderator: Dr. Jeff Savell; Panelists: Dr. Trent Schwartz, West Texas A&M; Dr. Mark Miller, Texas Tech; Jason Holcombe, StartKleen; Jonathan Savell, Standard Meat)
3. Using Artificial Intelligence in Small- to Mid-Size Establishments — Speaker invited
4. Academic Research Updates — Texas A&M, Tarleton State, Sam Houston State, and Prairie View A&M Universities

Chairman’s Dinner and Awards

The convention concludes with a special evening as SMA and the SMA Foundation recognize the 2026 scholarship recipients and induct three individuals into the SMA Hall of Honor during the Chairman’s Dinner and Awards, sponsored by Jim Henry Enterprises.

In 2025, the SMA Foundation awarded more than 50 students—across multiple collegiate levels—more than $160,000 in scholarships. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million.

Registration

SMA welcomes members and non-members to attend the 70th Annual Convention. Registration and additional details about the Annual Convention & Suppliers’ Showcase are available here.