The boards of directors of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPEA) have agreed in principle to colocate their respective trade exhibitions, beginning in January 2007. Under the arrangement, the International Poultry Expo (IPE) will devote space for a separate and distinct feed industry component as part of its annual exposition in Atlanta, Ga.
AFIA will explore opportunities in developing and conducting educational venues in conjunction with upcoming IPEs. This will commence with the sponsorship of a feed manufacturing program on January 24, 2006 in concert with the 2006 show.
AFIA President Joel Newman says that the cooperative arrangement maximizes the strengths of both organizations. “This partnership offers a number of synergies including increased attendance, enhanced educational opportunities and expanded marketing outreach for our respective exhibitors. In a time when exhibitors are trying to become more efficient, the opportunity to exhibit in a combined show benefits them and attendees alike. It’s truly a win-win situation for both,” Newman stated.
Don Dalton, President of USPOULTRY, sees the joint venture as also enhancing domestic and international attendance.
Dalton stated, “This partnership greatly strengthens the feed manufacturing component of IPE and immediately broadens our appeal to that audience. With the role feed plays in poultry production, the action should significantly increase interest by international visitors, particularly those from Latin America and Asia. Since the feed sector goes across swine and cattle sectors, this paves the way for new technologies to migrate into the poultry sector.”
The far-reaching agreement was approved after considerable research and discussion. It follows a trend that is occurring in numerous industries.
Under the proposal, US Poultry will provide AFIA with a section of exhibit space in B-Hall of the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). The groups will cooperate on all facets of meeting production and will market the event both jointly and individually through their respective channels of communication.
Further details of the arrangement are being finalized by the associations. Both US Poultry and AFIA report that initial feedback from their respective memberships has been overwhelmingly favorable.
“We looked at this in great detail,” Dalton says, “and it simply is the right thing to do for attendees, exhibitors and our organizations.” Newman agrees wholeheartedly, “Far and away, it represents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen our shows and turn them into a truly dynamic agricultural event.”
AFIA’s Expo 2005 will continue as planned for September 19-21 in Kansas City, Mo. The next annual International Poultry Expo will take place on January 25-27, 2006 in Atlanta, Ga.
