International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), a poultry, feed and meat technology exposition, and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) inked a multi-year commitment ensuring the citywide convention remains in Atlanta through 2020.
“We have been courted by other cities, but Atlanta is the best choice for IPPE. Through discussions with the hotel community, the Georgia World Congress Center and the ACVB, we have arrived at a commitment that will take us through 2020,” said John Starkey, president, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. “Each year, Atlanta’s hospitality community rolls out the red carpet for our attendees and exhibitors, and they have been instrumental in helping the show grow.”
In 2013, due to a first-time co-location with American Meat Institute’s International Meat Expo and a long-standing partnership with the American Feed Industry Association’s International Feed Expo, IPPE set a show record with nearly 1,200 exhibitors. The show also drew more than 25,000 attendees, 20 percent of which were international delegates.
“Atlanta’s infrastructure makes it easy for meetings to grow here, and IPPE is a testament to that,” said William Pate, president and CEO, ACVB. “We have an accessible airport and the fourth-largest convention center in the country. Our amenities get people here, but it’s our people who keep meetings like IPPE booking year after year.”
Held for 65 consecutive years in Atlanta, IPPE is one of many conventions to see significant growth. In 2012, tradeshow attendance for citywide groups was up 14 percent, with 23 of 27 conventions meeting or exceeding attendance projections.
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.
