Atlanta's International Poultry Expo, one of Tradeshow Week's 200, is expected to grow even larger thanks to a new partnership between the American Feed Industry Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. The two groups announced this week they will co-locate their respective trade exhibitions, beginning in January 2007, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Under the arrangement, the International Poultry Expo will devote space for a separate and distinct feed industry component as part of its annual exposition in
Atlanta.

"Atlanta is a great place to conduct a trade show," said Don Dalton, president of USPOULTRY. "We look forward to sharing the excellent Georgia World Congress Center facilities and the city's top-notch restaurants and Southern hospitality with our newest exhibitors."

Dan Graveline, executive director of the convention center, explained that the city and the facility are committed to the success of shows held in Atlanta. "Whether it is assisting in driving attendance to shows or providing the ultimate in customer satisfaction, we are dedicated to providing the best service in the industry. The growth and expansion of IPE is a great example of the success shows experience in our city."

The New Partnership

AFIA will explore opportunities in developing and conducting educational venues in conjunction with upcoming IPEs, beginning with a feed manufacturing program at the 2006 show.

AFIA President Joel Newman says that the cooperative arrangement maximizes the strengths of both organizations. "This partnership offers a number of synergies including increased attendance, enhanced educational opportunities and expanded marketing outreach for our respective exhibitors. In a time when exhibitors are trying to become more efficient, the opportunity to exhibit in a combined show benefits them and attendees alike. It's truly a
win-win situation for both," Newman stated.

Dalton sees the joint venture as also enhancing domestic and international attendance. "This partnership greatly strengthens the feed manufacturing component of IPE and immediately broadens our appeal to that audience. With the role feed plays in poultry production, the action should significantly increase interest by international visitors, particularly those from Latin America and Asia. Since the feed sector goes across swine and cattle sectors, this paves the way for new technologies to migrate into the poultry sector."

The far-reaching agreement was approved after considerable research and discussion. It follows a trend that is occurring in numerous industries. Under the proposal, USPOULTRY will provide AFIA with a section of exhibit space in BHall of the Georgia World Congress Center. The groups will cooperate on all facets of meeting production and will market the event both jointly and individually through their respective channels of communication. Further details of the arrangement are being finalized by the associations. Both USPOULTRY and AFIA report that initial feedback from their respective memberships has been overwhelmingly favorable.

"We looked at this in great detail," Dalton says, "and it simply is the right thing to do for attendees, exhibitors and our organizations." Newman agrees wholeheartedly. "Far and away, it represents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen our shows and turn them into a truly dynamic agricultural event," he says.
AFIA's Expo 2005 will continue as planned for Sept. 19-21 in Kansas City, Mo. The next annual International Poultry Expo will take place Jan. 25-27, 2006, in Atlanta, Ga.