The Annual Meat Conference (AMC), sponsored by the Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), will be held in the Sunshine State at the World Center Marriot in Orlando, Fla., from March 24-26.

The event is expected to draw meat and poultry company representatives from across the country, with more than 120 exhibitors ready to shine the spotlight on their latest products and services.

During the three-day event, the conference will feature hours of education sessions that cover a wide range of topics designed to inform and educate meat retailers.

One of the most popular presentations during the AMC occurs on March 24 when Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics details the annual study, “The Power of Meat.” The session will examine the retail meat industry’s trending themes, including affordability, permissibility and favorability. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the study. Like every year, Roerink will answer questions about the findings and trends over the past two decades following the session, during a separate workshop.

Another breakout session later in the day will address regulatory and policy updates as experts discuss issues facing the industry, like the Farm Bill, state animal welfare laws, greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotic residue and packaging and labeling issues.

At the same time as those breakout sessions, an emerging issue presentation will focus on nutrition, sustainability and labeling and how the industry can communicate the concepts more clearly to consumers when they buy meat and poultry products at retail outlets.

Market Outlook

On the second day of the AMC, sessions will kick off with “2025 Market Outlook for Meat and Poultry.” Presenters will discuss the economic conditions in the United States and the world, along with import-export issues and the status of supply and demand. The session will break down all those factors for the beef, pork and poultry markets and how they could impact the industry moving forward.

Following the first speaker of the day, the next workshop, “Engaging Critics in Constructive Conversations,” will address communication strategies to help meat industry professionals gain confidence when engaging with consumers and the broader public about the meat industry.

Part of the presentation will focus on the roles social media, news outlets and animal rights advocates play in shaping the beliefs of today’s consumers.

Another workshop will be held concurrently, titled “The AI-Informed Meat Department.” The session will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) will address challenges and provide opportunities for the meat supply chain. Meat industry professionals will share how the technology can be applied while also discussing how to combine human management with AI-generated insights.

The final panel discussion on March 25 is “Meat the Future: CEOs Navigate Retail’s Evolving Landscape,” which features industry executives looking at the future of the meat and poultry retail segment. The strategy-focused session will explore opportunities for innovation and look at omnichannel consumers who are expected to help meat suppliers and adapt to future demands.

The next large event at the AMC will be in the exhibit hall, which will provide a snapshot of the future of meat and poultry retailing. Some of the areas covered will be artisanal and specialty meats from exhibitors like Certified Angus Beef, Bilinski’s Sausage, Crescent Foods and Superior Farms.

The hall will also feature some exhibitors focused on ethical and sustainable practices like Farmer Focus, Organic Valley, and High Plains Bison that are designed to appeal to shoppers interested in regenerative farming or organic options.

Conference finale

On March 26, a pork carcass fabrication demonstration will be held after the success of the 2024 beef fabrication session in Nashville. The behind-the-meat counter segment is designed for industry newcomers while also suggesting marketing strategies for unique cuts and flavor profiles.

After a short break, interested attendees are invited to attend “Regenerative Agriculture 101: A Beginner’s Guide,” which is designed for the retail meat industry to explore the principles and benefits of regenerative agriculture. The workshop will detail regenerative practices and discuss the customer appeal of meat products that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

To finish the AMC, Ron Elving, senior Washington editor for National Public Radio, will look at the national political environment, including inflation, regulations, and incoming changes from the Trump administration and how it could impact the meat industry in 2025 and beyond.