Midwest Poultry Federation Convention overview

The largest regional poultry convention in the U.S., the Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) Convention, will be held March 12-14, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minn.

Approximately 40 speakers will cover a variety of topics for the turkey, egg layer, broiler and organic/specialty poultry industries. Plus, several key events will take place including:

• MPF Student Careers Program – Designed to connect the industry with 2- and 4-year college students who are activity interested and seeking internships and permanent employment.
• Making Turkey Sandwiches for a Good Cause – MPF is teaming up with Meet Minneapolis and the Allan Law Project to make turkey sandwiches on Thursday, March 15 on the show floor. The sandwiches will be delivered to people in need in downtown Minneapolis later that evening.
• MPF Unhatched – An Evening of Eats and Entertainment – A not-to-be-missed social and networking event on Thursday, March 15 that features a three-course gourmet meal and a private concert by Grammy, ACM, and CMA winning country artist Jo Dee Messina.

Pre-Show Events, Education, and MPF Welcome Reception
The convention kicks off on March 12 with a Pre-Show Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium, which will be coordinated jointly by MPF and the North Central Avian Disease Conference (NCADC), and the annual MPF Welcome Reception.

Also bringing attendees in early will be the 70th annual North Central Avian Disease Conference (NCADC) and the 7th annual Organic Egg Farmers of America Symposium. (Separate registration fees apply for these events.)

Exhibits & Education
The three exhibit halls will offer expanded hours on March 13-14. Education will be held March 13 from 8:00–10:00 a.m. and again on March 14 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m. All events will be showcased at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Turkey Taste-Off and Happy Hour on the Show Floor

MPF will host its 3rd annual Turkey Taste-Off in conjunction with Happy Hour on the Show Floor on Thursday, March 14 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Five turkey appetizer stations will be spread throughout the exhibit halls for attendees and exhibitors to try and then vote for their favorites. Happy Hour will include free beer, pop, and juice while supplies last.

Student Careers Program
The primary focus of the 2nd annual MPF Student Careers Program (SCP) is two-fold: to connect the poultry industry with a focused talent pool and educate students on career opportunities in the industry.

The SCP provides a professional setting for two- and four-year college students to connect with industry professionals in a day-long event featuring a poultry industry overview, career panel, speed dating and time on the trade show floor.

Sponsors have ample opportunity to meet with and interview qualified students for poultry specific internships/permanent positions.

Students may register for SCP on www.midwestpoultry.com and also inquire about the availability of a complimentary hotel room. Companies may participate in SCP through a sponsorship. Please contact Pam Debele or Rebecca Gross for more information – pdebele@midwestpoultry.com or rgroos@midwestpoultry.com.

MPF Unhatched
MPF had such an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s ‘MPF Unhatched’ event and concert that the organization couldn’t wait to capitalize on the momentum for 2019. With Jo Dee Messina as the headliner in a private concert just for MPF attendees and exhibitors, the evening is sure to be full of memories made.

Individual tickets are $100/each and tables of 8 are available for $800 via www.midwestpoultry.com. A ticket includes appetizers, a three-course gourmet meal with wine pairings, and the private Jo Dee Messina concert. (Cash bars will also be available.)

Full Details
Details on all MPF Convention events, the full education program, list of exhibitors and online pre-registration (through March 11) are available at www.midwestpoultry.com.

You can also find MPF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MPFConvention) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/MPFConvention). The Twitter hashtag for the show is #midwestpoultry.