International Production & Processing Expo Draws 25,000-plus to Atlanta
February 4, 2013
The 2013 International Production & Processing Expo attracted more than 25,000 attendees Jan. 29-Jan. 31 to the Georgia World Congress Center, exceeding the goal established by the three associations that run the show, according to show management.
In addition, IPPE had 1,189 exhibitors with more than 430,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
The show was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the American Meat Institute.
"We are extremely pleased with the number of exhibitors and attendees on the exhibit floor for IPPE,” said show officials.
They added, “We have had a great turnout this year, and the energy and excitement on the floor has been apparent all week.”
Exhibitors presented the latest innovations in equipment, supplies and services utilized by industry firms in the production and processing of poultry, eggs, feed products and meat.
All phases of the poultry, feed, and meat industry were represented, from live production and processing to further processing and packaging, and several companies utlized the annual event to highlight their new products.
There also was an expanded education program that also ran alongside the exhibits. This year’s education lineup featured 15 programs, ranging from an antibiotic conference on current issues for the poultry and egg industry to an international feed education program to international regulatory topics for meat.
The College Student Career Program attracted more than 400 students from 26 universities throughout the United States, while the new International Student Career Program brought in an additional 13 students from four countries.
The graduating students interviewed for jobs and internships with 93 human resource representatives from 28 industry and allied firms.
They also were able to visit the exhibit floor to see the most current technology used in today's poultry industry.
“That IPPE continues to grow and thrive after 65 years in Atlanta is a testament to our city’s hospitality industry and the pride we take in making our guests feel welcome,” said William Pate, president and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “We have a collaborative hospitality community, from our hotels and restaurants to our convention center, that work hand in hand to make sure each visitor to Atlanta has a great experience.”
An emphasis on delegate engagement drove show attendance. IPPE, with support the ACVB, hosted multiple events, including “Meat Me in Atlanta,” a chili cook-off on the showfloor featuring chili from more than 20 Atlanta restaurants. Attendees were able to vote for their favorite chef, with prizes awarded to top restaurants.
Also on the showfloor was a hamburger flipping contest in which attendees teamed up in friendly competition to flip and dress burgers.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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