More than 24,000 poultry, meat and feed industry stakeholders attended the event despite the bad weather conditions, the US Poultry & Egg Association reported. Additionally, the show had 1,148 exhibitors with more than 410,000 net square feet of exhibit space. IPPE put its initial attendance projections at 28,000 registrants, but inclement weather impacted a significant portion of drive-in traffic. Commutes normally measured in minutes turned into an overnight ordeal as drivers were stranded on major highways for 15 hours or more.
However, most of the attendees who flew to Atlanta were already in the city before the storm hit, including a strong international contingent, USPOULTRY noted. Final numbers will be released after the registration database has been audited for duplications. USPOULTRY, American Feed Industry Association and the American Meat Institute sponsor the trade show.
"It speaks to the strength of integrating these three shows together that attendance held up so well in spite of the inclement weather," the three trade associations stated.
The College Student Career Program drew approximately 500 students from 30 universities throughout the United States, while the new International Student Career Program brought in 24 students from 14 universities.
In addition to the large exhibit floor, other featured events included the International Poultry Scientific Forum, Pet Food Conference, VIV International Pork Production Summit, Tech XChange program, Meat Me in @LANTA activities and publisher-sponsored programs.
