BUFFALO, Minn. — With COVID-19 developments constantly changing, the Midwest Poultry Federation decided to shift its 2021 MPF Convention to a fully virtual experience May 18-21.
“We were so hopeful that we might be able to bring attendees, exhibitors and speakers together safely in-person in May but after careful consideration of all the factors, it became clear that this was the best decision we could make for everyone involved,” said MPF President Scott Waldner of Purina Animal Nutrition. Waldner represents the Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota on the MPF board.
The board reviewed all the current science-based information, looked at vaccination rates for the country, reviewed travel policies (both nationally and internationally), and collaborated closely with its vendor partners. In the end, an in-person show in May simply would not allow the kind of show experience MPF attendees and exhibitors have come to expect.
“The safety of our attendees is paramount,” Waldner said. “There are simply too many unknowns at this point, especially with the national and international nature of our meeting.”
In a typical year, MPF attracts more than 3,000 attendees and exhibitors from across the U.S., nearly every province in Canada and several other international countries.
“We believe this is the safest approach for the well-being of our global audience,” Waldner added. “COVID-19 has changed the way the world connects, and with one virtual convention already under its belt, MPF is excited to expand upon the engagement and connection opportunities available within its virtual platform.”
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW
MPF is 100 percent committed to provide a safe and effective way for everyone to participate and network at the virtual convention. Attendees and exhibitors will recognize the same robust, 3D virtual platform that MPF used for its 2020 virtual event last August. Several changes for 2021’s convention:
- An expanded schedule over four days, offering more flexibility and sessions to fit your busy schedule.
- All exhibitors in one virtual exhibit hall with enhanced search functions by both company names and product categories to easily find who and what you are looking for quickly and easily.
- Video chats enabled for all booths so that companies can easily connect in real-time with potential customers. Text chats will continue to be available as well.
- A flexible education program with a mix of livestream and taped presentations, offering more flexibility.
- Fun upgrades to the Networking Lounge to enrich the virtual, social atmosphere and help people make better connections.
Attendees can also expect live Q&A opportunities with speakers; a new product showcase highlighting all the new products and services available to the poultry industry; a resource center with job postings and other information; and on-demand access to the entire convention through May 31, 2021.
MULTI-STATE POULTRY FEEDING & NUTRITION CONFERENCE
MPF also welcomes the Multi-State Poultry Feeding & Nutrition Conference to its program Wednesday, May 19. This event is a longstanding cooperative effort between the poultry industries and Michigan State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois and University of Kentucky.
“We’re really excited to welcome the Multi-State Poultry Feeding & Nutrition Conference to MPF this year and give this group a virtual place for all of its excellent content for the poultry industry,” Waldner said.
CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH NCADC
MPF’s partnership with the North Central Avian Disease Conference (NCADC) will continue virtually. NCADC will take place May 18 and 19, 2021 directly within MPF’s virtual platform. Visit https://2021ncadc.eventbrite.com for NCADC registration details.
REGISTRATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
Registration opened March 1 for the 2021 MPF Virtual Convention. Visit www.midwestpoultry.com for the latest details. Contact MPF by e-mail at info@midwestpoultry.com or call 763-284-6763.
