In an era where global food security, animal welfare, and sustainable practices are more critical than ever, the animal protein industry stands at the forefront of innovation. From feed manufacturing and live production to meat, poultry, and egg processing, every link in this complex chain demands cutting-edge technology, stringent safety protocols, and efficient solutions. For professionals dedicated to this vital sector, there is one annual event that serves as the undisputed global gathering point: IPPE – the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, USA.

IPPE is not just a trade show; it’s a colossal, integrated event representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. It’s a collaborative effort of three major industry associations: the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute (formerly the North American Meat Institute), and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). This powerful collaboration ensures that attendees gain an unparalleled, comprehensive view of the latest advancements in technology, equipment, supplies, and services across the feed, meat, poultry, and egg industries. Whether you’re a producer, processor, manufacturer, or supplier, IPPE offers an immersive experience, showcasing innovations that drive efficiency, enhance food safety, improve animal welfare, and ultimately, help feed a growing global population.

The Southern Hub of Innovation: The Venue and Its Time

Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant metropolitan center known for its strong business environment, excellent infrastructure, and Southern hospitality, provides the ideal host city for IPPE. Its accessibility as a major transportation hub makes it convenient for both domestic and international attendees. IPPE consistently takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.

The GWCC is one of the largest convention centers in the world, boasting millions of square feet of exhibit space across multiple halls. Its vast and modern facilities are perfectly suited to accommodate the thousands of exhibitors, heavy machinery, live demonstrations, and the sheer volume of attendees that characterize IPPE. The venue is strategically located in downtown Atlanta, within easy walking distance or a short ride to a plethora of hotels, diverse dining options, and major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. Its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports globally, ensures convenient travel for participants from around the world.

IPPE is an annual event, held consistently at the end of January. This annual cadence ensures that the very latest innovations, research findings, and market trends are presented fresh each year, allowing industry professionals to stay at the absolute forefront of developments. The next eagerly anticipated edition, IPPE 2026, is scheduled to take place from January 27-29, 2026. The show typically runs for three intensive days: from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Thursday. This focused timeframe provides an efficient and productive experience, allowing attendees to maximize their time exploring the expansive show floor, engaging with experts, and participating in the robust educational program.

A Feast of Solutions: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at IPPE is a massive and diverse display, segmented to reflect the integrated nature of the protein industry. Visitors can explore a comprehensive range of products, technologies, and services across various critical sectors:

• Animal Food / Feed Manufacturing:
  • Feed ingredients, additives, and nutrition
  • Feed milling equipment and technology (grinders, mixers, pellet mills, extruders)
  • Grain storage and handling systems
  • Quality control and testing for animal food
  • Pet food ingredients and production equipment
• Live Production & Animal Health:
  • Genetics and breeding stock (poultry, swine, beef)
  • Hatchery equipment and incubation systems
  • Housing and environmental control systems for livestock and poultry
  • Animal health products and pharmaceuticals
  • Animal welfare solutions and equipment
• Meat, Poultry & Egg Processing:
  • Slaughter and evisceration equipment
  • Further processing equipment (cutting, deboning, grinding, mixing, forming, cooking, smoking, chilling)
  • Portioning and slicing machines
  • Value-added product technologies
  • Egg collection, grading, breaking, and processing equipment
• Packaging Equipment & Supplies:
  • Primary and secondary packaging machinery (form-fill-seal, vacuum packaging, tray sealers, flow wrappers)
  • Packaging materials (films, trays, bags, labels, casings)
  • Coding, labeling, and marking systems
  • Automated packaging lines and robotics for end-of-line solutions
• Food Safety & Quality Assurance:
  • Inspection systems (X-ray, metal detection, vision systems, checkweighers)
  • Sanitation and cleaning equipment (CIP/SIP systems, high-pressure washers)
  • Hygiene and personal safety equipment
  • Laboratory testing equipment and rapid diagnostics
  • Traceability and serialization solutions
  • Food safety management systems and consulting
• Logistics & Material Handling:
  • Conveying systems (belts, spirals, pneumatic)
  • Forklifts, palletizers, and material transport solutions
  • Refrigeration, freezing, and temperature control equipment
  • Warehousing and storage solutions
• Sustainability & Environmental Management:
  • Wastewater treatment and rendering equipment
  • Energy efficiency solutions
  • Waste reduction and recycling technologies
  • Air quality management systems
• Automation, Controls & Software:
  • Robotics and automated systems
  • Process control systems (PLCs, SCADA)
  • Data analytics and IoT solutions for plant optimization
  • Software for inventory, production planning, and supply chain management
• Support Services:
  • Facility design and engineering
  • Consulting, research, and educational institutions
  • Financial services, insurance
  • Industry associations and media

This comprehensive display ensures that attendees from every segment of the animal protein production and processing chain can find the technologies, solutions, and expertise they need to enhance their operations.

The Global Convergence: Visitor Count and Demographics

IPPE is consistently recognized as one of the largest trade shows in the United States, attracting a truly global audience of industry professionals. The 2025 IPPE, for example, reported a robust turnout of nearly 31,000 attendees from more than 130 countries, featuring an impressive 1,386 exhibitors spanning over 598,000 square feet of exhibit space. These figures firmly establish IPPE’s dominance in the animal protein sector.

The attendee profile at IPPE is highly targeted and influential, comprising key decision-makers and technical experts from a wide array of roles within the industry:

• C-Level Management: CEOs, Presidents, Owners, and VPs from processing plants, feed mills, and integrated operations making strategic investment decisions.
• Plant & Live Operations Managers: Individuals responsible for daily operations, production efficiency, and implementing new technologies.
• Engineers & Facility Managers: Professionals focused on equipment design, line integration, maintenance, and infrastructure.
• Quality Assurance & Food Safety Professionals: Experts ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety.
• Research & Development Specialists: Scientists and innovators exploring new products, processes, and ingredients.
• Purchasing Agents: Responsible for sourcing equipment, ingredients, and services.
• Sales & Marketing Professionals: Seeking to understand market trends, competitor offerings, and forge new business relationships.
• Veterinarians & Animal Health Specialists: Focused on animal welfare, health management, and disease prevention.

A striking characteristic of IPPE’s audience is the high level of purchasing power and decision-making authority. Statistics from previous shows indicate that a significant majority (over 80%) of attendees are involved in purchasing decisions, and a substantial percentage are at management level or above. This makes IPPE an incredibly efficient and valuable event for both exhibitors and attendees seeking to conduct serious business. The strong international presence, particularly from Latin America and Canada, further underscores its global significance.

Reaping the Rewards: Benefits and Perks of Attending IPPE

Attending IPPE in Atlanta offers a wealth of strategic benefits and invaluable perks for any professional involved in the animal protein industry:

• Unparalleled Access to Innovation: Explore thousands of new products, services, and technologies from over a thousand exhibitors. Witness live demonstrations of machinery, from processing lines to packaging equipment, providing a tangible understanding that brochures cannot match.
• Comprehensive Industry Scope: Unlike other shows that might focus on a single segment, IPPE uniquely covers the entire chain of production and processing for meat, poultry, eggs, and animal feed. This holistic view allows for integrated solutions and cross-industry insights.
• World-Class Education: Participate in over 80 hours of diverse educational programming. From the “TechTalks” on the show floor (free 20-minute presentations by exhibitors) to specialized fee-based workshops and forums like the International Poultry Scientific Forum, Meat Industry Education Program, and Pet Food Conference, there are learning opportunities for every interest.
• Exceptional Networking: Connect with tens of thousands of industry peers, experts, suppliers, and potential clients from around the globe. IPPE facilitates invaluable opportunities to build relationships, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions. Community Lounges provide comfortable spaces for informal discussions.
• Problem-Solving at Your Fingertips: Bring your specific challenges—whether it’s optimizing a production line, improving food safety protocols, or exploring sustainable practices. Exhibitors and industry experts are readily available to provide tailored advice and demonstrate how their solutions can directly address your needs.
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Gain direct insights into critical industry trends such as automation, artificial intelligence, worker safety, animal welfare, food safety advancements, rendering, and sustainability. This intelligence is crucial for strategic planning and staying competitive.
• New Product Showcases: Discover the latest efficiency-enhancing and cost-cutting technologies in dedicated new product showcase areas, highlighting groundbreaking innovations across the industry.
• Professional Development: Many educational sessions offer continuing education credits, contributing to your professional growth and helping you stay updated on regulations and best practices.
• “Giving Back to Atlanta” Initiative: IPPE actively supports the local community through initiatives like the “Giving Back to Atlanta” program, benefiting organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Attending contributes to this positive impact.

Your Atlanta Home Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Atlanta offers a vast array of hotel options to accommodate attendees of IPPE, with many conveniently located within walking distance or a short shuttle/MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit) ride from the Georgia World Congress Center. Due to the show’s massive size and popularity, booking your accommodations well in advance, ideally through IPPE’s official housing block, is highly recommended to secure the best rates and availability.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Georgia World Congress Center include:

• Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Directly connected to the GWCC via skybridge, offering unparalleled convenience.
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta: A downtown landmark, offering excellent amenities and good access to the GWCC via a short walk or quick MARTA ride.
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis: Another iconic downtown hotel with extensive facilities, within walking distance or a short shuttle/MARTA ride.
• Hilton Atlanta: A large downtown hotel, a bit further but still accessible via walk or MARTA.
• Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection: A boutique hotel offering a unique experience, very close to the GWCC.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park: Offers spacious suites and complimentary breakfast, just steps from the park and GWCC.
• Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park: A modern option within easy walking distance of the GWCC and attractions.
• Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown: A newer, vibrant hotel option close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and walkable to GWCC.

IPPE typically partners with a housing bureau (like onPeak) to provide discounted hotel rates for attendees. Booking through these official channels often offers benefits like guaranteed best rates, flexible cancellation policies, and direct support, making your travel planning seamless.

The Investment in Growth: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend IPPE is structured to provide flexible access, with various pass options available to suit different professional needs. While exact pricing for IPPE 2026 will be officially released closer to the event (registration typically opens in October of the preceding year), based on previous editions, you can anticipate the following general framework:

• Exhibit Hall Pass: This pass grants full access to the entire exhibition floor for all three days, allowing you to explore exhibitor booths, live demonstrations, and access the free “TechTalks” on the show floor. This pass is typically priced very affordably, often around $85 USD if you register online by an early-bird deadline (usually mid-January). The fee increases to approximately $135 USD for registrations after the deadline or on-site.
• Education Programs (Paid Sessions): For deeper, more specialized learning, IPPE offers a robust schedule of paid conference sessions, masterclasses, and forums. Prices for these vary significantly based on the program’s length and content. For example, a full-day masterclass or conference might range from $400 to $700 USD. Individual sessions or shorter workshops could be less. These paid passes usually include exhibit hall access.
• “Members to Atlanta” (M2A) Program: A significant perk is the M2A program, which allows qualified attendees from member companies of the three sponsoring associations (AFIA, Meat Institute, USPOULTRY) involved in the production of poultry, eggs, and meat for consumption, or animal food manufacturing, to attend complimentary. This program is supported by generous elite IPPE exhibitors.
• Networking Events: There may be separate fees for specific networking receptions or special industry events, such as award ceremonies.

The investment in attending IPPE is widely considered an excellent value, offering an unparalleled return in terms of knowledge gained, strategic connections made, and cutting-edge solutions discovered to drive business growth and competitive advantage in the global animal protein industry.

Hatch Your Success: Don’t Miss IPPE!

IPPE in Atlanta is the indispensable annual convergence for the international protein production and processing industry. It’s where innovative ideas transform into tangible solutions, and where the brightest minds unite to advance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of global food production. If you’re ready to embrace the latest technologies, optimize your operations, and connect with the visionaries driving progress, securing your place at IPPE is a crucial step. Don’t just keep pace with the industry’s evolution – lead the way and process your path to enduring success!

To learn more and secure your attendance at the next IPPE event, visit: www.ippexpo.org