Top 5 Tips to Make Virtual IPPE Week a Good One

Written by: Sarah Novak   |   January 20, 2021

IPPE, Online learning

Normally, a week before the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), I’m busy checking lists on what we shipped to Atlanta, confirming flights and hotel reservations and picking up my dry cleaning so I’m ready to pack my luggage. This year, like much of the past 10 months, is very different. Who knew last year when I was in Atlanta that it would be one of my last flights for the year and my last time to see so many of my industry friends?

As we prepare to pivot to an online IPPE this year, here are my top five tips to make next week valuable.

1. What is the Marketplace^tm?
   This is the online listing of more than 1,000 exhibitors and it is FREE to use. Each company has their own listing, including information about the company, available services and email, phone and social media contact information. The best feature in my opinion is that you can search by product or service – so if you are looking for bucket elevators, you select that category and every company that supplies bucket elevators is listed! To set-up your personal Marketplace Guide, visit ippexpo.org.
    
2. Searching for new products and services?
   I know many times attendees visit IPPE to “see what’s new” in the animal food industry. Starting Jan. 25, nearly 20 animal feed industry exhibitors will share 3-minute videos and supporting information about their new services for the industry. The list of companies and their innovation titles is here. You will be able to access these videos and technical papers via your Marketplace Guide.
    
3. MORE TECHTalks than ever before!  
   Looking for short, on-demand videos for continuing education? Then TECHTalks are what you need! This year there is double the number of presentations as past year and more than 100 topics ranging from the importance of integrating feed formulation and quality programs to the difference between roller mills and hammermills to the next generation worker. You will be able to access these presentations via your Marketplace Guide.
    
4. AFIA’s education programs – Pet Food Conference and Feed Education.
   As always, the American Feed Industry Association will continue to provide two of our keynote programs at IPPE, and it’s not too late to register!
   • The Pet Food Conference, held annually since 2007, is the place to be if you are involved in the pet food industry. This year’s keynote speaker is Jonathon Karelse, CEO, Northfind Management and he will be talking about planning for the next pandemic: how behavioral economics can improve supply chain planning In addition we have a number of top-notch speakers including Jared Koerten, Euromonitor – pet care in the post-pandemic world; Ambassador Gregg Doud – international trade update; and Jennifer Essler, Penn Vet Working Dog Center – training dogs for disease detection: their role in detecting cancer and COVID. Along with these presentations will also be updates from the Food and Drug Administration, Association of American Feed Control Officials, three graduate students on new research and the announcement of the AFIA Friend of Pet Food awards.
   • The free Feed Education Program, held for nearly 15 years, helps industry staff start their year off on the right foot. With the change in U.S. presidential administration, there will be updates on what to expect from the FDA, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In addition, this year’s program will include a keynote presentation on food safety and biosecurity and a look at training and educational programs from the AFIA in 2021. Don’t miss out on this free education program!  
      
5. Virtual format bonus.
   Since we are online, there is no dress code, since we can’t see you!

I hope you enjoy your online experience with IPPE and I sure hope to see everyone again Jan. 25-27, 2022, in Atlanta, Ga. for next year’s IPPE!