Atlanta’s convention scene is expanding. The American Meat Institute (AMI) will bring its annual convention to Atlanta in 2013 to co-locate with the International Poultry Expo (IPE). The partnership will make IPE one of the 50 largest tradeshows in the United States with more than 1,000 exhibitors and nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space.
Every year, IPE brings more than 20,000 attendees to the Georgia World Congress Center. IPE is hosted by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association. All three associations will continue to operate independently with U.S. Poultry staff handling show operations.
“We are very excited about this partnership with AMI and the co-location is something our exhibitors have asked about for a long time,” said John Starkey, U.S. Poultry president. “The consolidation of the tradeshows will allow our respective organizations to build on the synergies of the poultry, feed and meat sectors, as well as provide a benefit to our exhibitors and members who produce or exhibit across multiple protein sectors.”
AMI expects to bring 25,000 attendees to their 2012 Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas.
“This partnership will enhance the value of our tradeshows to exhibitors and attendees alike,” said J. Patrick Boyle, AMI president. “Now we have one show that provides more education, networking and hands on demonstration of equipment and supplies from farm through distribution. Our entire industry will benefit from the reduction in travel expenses, exhibit costs and see an undeniable increase in value.”
The city of Atlanta benefits as well. IPE has long been a staple of the city convention portfolio. The 2012 expo celebrated its 64th year in Atlanta, Ga.
“IPE has been a great customer and AMI is a strong meeting,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to helping this new partnership be successful in our city.”
The next show is scheduled for January 28-31, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
