49th MPF Convention set for March 17-19 in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS — The nation’s largest regional poultry convention — the Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) Convention — will take place March 17-19, 2020, at the Minneapolis Convention Center here.
The convention, held annually in March, offers cutting-edge information to attendees through a balanced offering of exhibits and educational workshops for the turkey, egg, layer, broiler and organic/specialty poultry industries.
“We’re looking forward to building upon (2019’s) success in 2020,” said MPF President Greg Nelson, who represents the Kansas Poultry Association on the MPF Board of Directors. “In fact, in (2020) we’re partnering with the National Professional Agriculture Student Organization (PAS) to bring about 600 career-ready students to the convention for an expanded Student Careers Program and also give the students time to explore our exhibit halls. This is a very exciting time for MPF!”
Student program
The Midwest Poultry Federation note’s that it’s excited to host the 3rd annual Student Careers Program (SCP) during its 2020 convention on March 19 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The primary focus of the SCP program is two-fold: to connect the poultry industry with a focused talent pool and educate students on career opportunities in the industry. New in 2020, MPF is partnering with the Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) Organization to bring over 400 agriculture students from around the United States into the program.
The SCP will provide a professional setting for these two- and four-year college students to connect with industry professionals in a day-long event featuring a career panel, speed networking, time on the trade show floor, and several educational breakouts on key career and professional topics. Sponsors will have ample opportunity to meet with and interview qualified students for poultry specific internships/permanent positions.
“We are excited to have the MPF Convention brimming with college students who want to learn more about the opportunities available to them in agriculture — and poultry specifically,” Nelson said. “The Student Careers Program offers both learning experiences and networking, bringing students and companies/farms together. We know companies and farm business are actively looking for employees and our goal is to bridge this connection.”
MPF has also announced that Hannah Thompson-Weeman will emcee and moderate the Student Careers Program (SCP). Thompson-Weeman is the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s vice president of communications. Since joining the alliance in 2014, she has led the development and implementation of communications strategy and uses traditional, digital and social media to help connect consumers and influencers with factual information about modern food production.
“We are thrilled that Hannah will join us as the emcee of our Student Careers Program,” Nelson said. “Hannah’s a rock star when it comes to navigating the world of food and agriculture communication with consumers and we know the students will appreciate her wisdom and experience.”
The program is included in the sponsorship fee for the MPF Convention paid sponsors at the Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels. A second “a la carte” sponsorship option is available for companies who do not sponsor at the levels indicated above and also for farm businesses that want to get involved. For more information, visit http://midwestpoultry.com/attendees/student-careers-program/.
The event is free for students and those who pre-register via www.midwestpoultry.com. Students are also encouraged to send their resume to the MPF office. Resumes will be distributed to sponsoring companies to review for interviewing by the end of February. MPF also has limited complimentary hotels available for students on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Registration
Registration and hotel reservations for attendees to the 2020 Midwest Poultry Federation are open at www.midwestpoultry.com.
Show dates are March 17-19, 2020 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. As you make your plans to attend the nation’s largest trade show and convention that is 100 percent focused on the poultry industry, here are the general schedule details for 2020:
- The Pre-Show Nutrition and Poultry Health Symposium and as well as education tracks for turkeys, egg layers, broilers, and processing (all species) will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 17.
- The MPF Welcome Reception will be held Tuesday, March 12 from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
- MPF Unhatched: An Evening of Eats and Entertainment moves to opening night of the MPF Convention – Tuesday, March 17 starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Additional education tracks for turkeys, egg layers, broilers, and processing (all species) will be held Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19.
- Exhibit Hall hours will run 10 am -5 pm on Wednesday, March 18 and 9 a.m.–noon on Thursday, March 19.
MPF Unhatched will kick off opening night of the convention (and St. Patrick’s Day) on Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30–10:00 p.m. at the Hilton Minneapolis Hotel. The event is being reincarnated with a more casual vibe perfect for networking and meeting up with colleagues and friends. Tickets will be $50 each and feature a variety of food stations, an open bar, and two musical acts.
“We’re excited to reimagine our opening night of the 2020 MPF Convention, which will include our popular Welcome Reception at the Minneapolis Convention Center and then the 3rd annual MPF Unhatched event at the Hilton Minneapolis Hotel,” Nelson said. “We’ve listened to feedback about MPF Unhatched and aim to create the premier networking event to kick off the show, bringing industry friends, good food, and great music together.”
Partnering events include the North Central Avian Disease Conference (March 16-17) and the Organic Egg Farmers of American Symposium (March 17), both events will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
More information
More information about any aspect of the MPF Convention can be obtained from the Midwest Poultry Federation at P.O. Box 265, Buffalo, Minn. 55313; 763-284-6763; info@midwestpoultry.com.
About MPF
Midwest Poultry Federation’s primary purpose is to host an annual regional convention emphasizing on-farm poultry production. The convention’s goal is to offer innovative and compelling information to attendees through a balanced offering of exhibits and educational workshops.
MPF’s mission is to conduct and support those educational, promotional and policy advocacy issues that will enhance the viability and growth of the poultry industry. Revenue generated by the convention goes back to MPF’s members and to support various poultry programs.
