The annual World Pork Expo is the industry’s largest gathering of producers, suppliers and agricultural media. The 2010 World Pork Expo will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 9, 10 and 11. Participation from the international community is key to Expo’s success and provides a unique opportunity to learn from producers and suppliers around the globe.
International companies are a welcome addition to the trade show that features more than 450 suppliers. National Pork Producers Council’s Director of Trade Show Marketing Doug Fricke says, “World Pork Expo is one part public relations and one part business development. Exhibitors come to Expo to meet new producers and strengthen relationships with current customers. Suppliers want to let producers know that they are there for them during good times and bad.”
Dick Danielson, Business Development Director at Newsham Choice Genetics, has exhibited at the show for the past twenty years and he believes World Pork Expo is the best place to showcase their products. Danielson says, “Expo always draws a great crowd. We speak with more producers during the two-and-a-half day trade show than we typically reach in six months time. The amount of leads generated is proof that the event offers a great return on investment.”
The key to making Expo successful is to drive traffic to the booth. Fricke suggests that companies send a mailer to their current and prospective customer lists to alert them that they will be at the trade show. “Companies that send their customers an attendance voucher will see a much higher return rate. The producer may not make a purchase at the trade show but they will probably stop by and say hello which gives salespeople the chance to promote new products.”
Another strategy is to set up appointments with key customers. “Don’t wait for producers to stroll past your booth, take a proactive approach and arrange a meeting ahead of time to ensure you make contact with them,” says Fricke. Scheduling face-to-face meetings with customers will increase an exhibitor’s return on investment and help them use their time at Expo more effectively.
World Pork Expo celebrates the camaraderie of the international pork industry. Exhibitors come to increase their businesses, but they stay to develop relationships with their customers and colleagues from around the world. Companies still have the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the trade show. To purchase exhibit space, visit www.worldpork.org/exhibitors.
Connect with World Pork Expo
This is the first year that World Pork Expo is using social media to reach exhibitors, producers and the media. Interact with World Pork Expo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WorldPorkExpo and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nppcwpx for the most up-to-date entertainment, hotel, transportation and sponsor information.
