Nearly 20,000 pork producers and their families will descend on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on June 6-8 to attend the 2012 World Pork Expo. Billed as the “world’s largest pork-specific trade show,” the trade show features the newest technologies and latest pork production equipment. The schedule of events includes business seminars, an ever-growing junior show, and the shows and sales of eight pure breeds.

Starting on March 15, people can register to attend World Pork Expo by visiting www.worldpork.org. “World Pork Expo has become a must-see event for pork producers and allied industry throughout the world,” says Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing, NPPC. “Interest in this year’s Expo is high, with some of the official World Pork Expo hotels already sold out.”

Attendees will find business seminars on profitability, animal health and current issues. The trade show, featuring the wares of more than 450 commercial exhibitors, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7, and  from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 8. Breeding stock sales will take place  on Saturday, June 9.

 Special features will again include the popular MusicFest from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, plus free barbecued pork and refreshments while listening to music performed by live bands.  

By registering in advance, attendees can receive a $10 World Pork Expo early registration discount and free e-mail alerts. Online registration will open on March 15 at www.worldpork.org. Hotel room availability is listed in the “Hotel/Transportation” section. Additional information is available when you connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook and follow World Pork Expo on Twitter (#NPPCWPX).

 World Pork Expo is brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit www.nppc.org.