The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) will hold its annual convention and exhibition in Charleston, SC, this summer.

Processors, packers, retailers, wholesalers, HRI operators, caterers, deli operators, home foodservice dealers and catalog marketers, as well as both members and non-members of AAMP, are encouraged to attend the event from July 13-15 at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

Attendees can kick off the show with a day-long pre-convention workshop on July 12, that will include a presentation from a series of AAMP members.

Additionally, AAMP will host a regulatory roundtable discussion with senior Food Safety and Inspection Service leaders about industry issues. Other US Department of Agriculture agencies will participate to highlight USDA grant and loan opportunities to expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

The first full day of the convention, Thursday, July 13, will start with the Welcoming Session at 8 a.m. The event’s keynote speaker is scheduled to be Oliver Lee Mincey, co-founder of S+O Coaching. Mincey has led several labor-focused AAMP webinars on topics like finding, onboarding and engaging employees.

The American Cured Meat Championships (ACMC) will start later that day. Processors are invited to bring their best cured meat products to have them judged against other processors from around the country. The ACMC will have a total of 29 classes of products including this year’s featured class, Specialty Loaf Product. The ACMC awards will be held on Saturday, July 15. Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, Champion and Reserve Champion will be named during the ceremony.

Educational sessions are open to all attendees throughout the convention and feature topics such as grant funding solutions, legal issues, flavors and pet treats manufacturing.

The exhibit hall will be open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 14. The exhibit floor will be open each day – July 13-15 – for 3 to 3 ½ hours.

Various networking opportunities will also be part of the annual convention. Don’t miss the night event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 at Citadel Beach Club at Isle of Palms, SC. Charter buses will depart from the convention center at 5:30 p.m. There is limited parking available onsite.

On Friday, July 14, the convention will kick off with a session called “Tumbling and Value-Added Machinery” during which three speakers will discuss how small processors can make value-added products.

Saturday, July 15, begins early with the ACMC Awards, including the Clarence Knebel Best of Show and the Cured Meat Excellence Award. During this time, AAMP will induct the newest member(s) into the Cured Meats Hall of Fame.

During the Closing Banquet, AAMP’s annual awards will be presented, and a drawing will be held for a trip for two to the 2024 American Convention of Meat Processors & Suppliers’ Exhibition in Omaha, Neb. The prize will include airfare, accommodations, convention registration and tickets to the social events during the 2024 show.

For more information on the convention, go to www.aamp.com.