The International Poultry Expo was already the world’s largest poultry trade show. This year, thanks to a new partnership, it will be even larger and will offer more for attendees involved in every aspect of poultry processing. The 2007 show will run from January 24-26 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The 2006 IPE attracted about 18,000 attendees and 820 exhibitors.

A new International Feed Expo section, co-sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the IPE, has been added this year. With the co-location agreement between and AFIA and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, IPE and IFE attendance is expected to grow by an additional 100 exhibitors, with attendees surpassing the 20,000 mark. Attendees involved in feed milling, live production, hatchery, processing, further processing, packaging, commercial egg, marketing and all support activities will be able to learn about new information, products and services that could benefit their business.

Between the variety of exhibitor booths and the number of activities and sessions planned throughout the show, attendees will have plenty to do. Free workshops and seminars will be held throughout the show beginning on Tuesday prior to the show opening. The IPE program is developed by a committee of industry leaders who tailor the sessions to address the hottest issues and challenges facing the poultry industry. Among the topics to be covered in these seminars are avian flu, water supply, Salmonella and the affect of ethanol on the corn supply.

Along with visiting the exhibitor booths, visitors can watch presentations from exhibitors at the returning InfoMart Theater. Two separate theaters, one for processing and packaging; the other for feed and production, will be located on the show floor. The theaters will feature free presentations by exhibitors on the latest technologies and innovations for the poultry and egg industry.

Additionally, the IPE and IFE have been chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2007 International Buyer Program. At the IPE and IFE, trade specialists from the department’s U.S. Commercial Service will arrange meetings between U.S. companies and international delegates and provide export counseling at the show’s International Business Center.

This year’s IPE will have several new attractions. A Poultry Industry Museum, featuring artifacts owned by Brice Medlock, a retired member of the poultry industry, will be located in Building C of the Congress Center. The exhibit includes the largest collection of chicken waterers that date back to 1850, as well as Depression era glass, a collection of egg scales and a hen nest from the 1900s. NP

For more information about the International Poultry Expo, contact the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association at (770) 493-9401, or go to www.ipe07.com.