ATLANTA, Ga. -- January 24, 2012 -- U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) have signed an agreement with the American Meat Institute (AMI) to co-locate the AMI tradeshow with the IPE/IFE in Atlanta, annually in January, starting in 2013.

The three shows will operate under one umbrella creating one of the largest 50 shows in the United States.  It is expected that the entire show will include more than 1,000 exhibitors and close to 1,000,000 square feet of exhibit space.  The meat and poultry exhibits will be combined on one large show floor, and the IFE will be held in the adjacent hall.  One badge will allow all attendees into any exhibit.

“We are very excited about this partnership with AMI, and the co-location is something our exhibitors have asked about for a long time. The consolidation of the tradeshows will allow our respective organizations to build on the synergies of the poultry, feed, and meat sectors, as well as provide a benefit to our exhibitors and members who produce or exhibit across multiple protein sectors,” commented John Starkey, President of USPOULTRY.

All three associations will continue to operate independently, serving their respective constituents and will offer targeted education and networking opportunities that meet the customer needs and compliment the expo.  The operations of the show will be handled out of the USPOULTRY offices, and AMI and AFIA will be instrumental in driving attendance promotion and exhibit sales efforts.   

“We are very pleased about the co-location with AMI. The consolidation will provide a more diverse event for our members and allow for more educational opportunities for attendees,” remarked Joel Newman, President of AFIA.

“This partnership will enhance the value of our trade shows to exhibitors and attendees alike,” said AMI President, J. Patrick Boyle.  “Now we have one show that provides more education, networking and hands on demonstration of equipment and supplies from farm through distribution.  Our entire industry will benefit from the reduction in travel expenses, exhibit costs and see an undeniable increase in value.”

The 2012 International Poultry Expo / International Feed Expo is being held this week at the Georgia World Congress Center.  The next show will be held January 28-31, 2013.

Source: American Meat Institute news release