TUCKER, GA. — The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) will host its annual event digitally Jan. 25-29, 2021 via IPPE Marketplace.

The organization decided not to host an in-person event next year due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“While we are disappointed that we will not be hosting an in-person event in 2021, we heard very clearly from our IPPE community of attendees and exhibitors that they still want to connect,” IPPE stated.

Through the IPPE Marketplace, more than 1,000 exhibitors will be connected with IPPE’s worldwide audience of 30,000-plus invited participants. The participants will be able to search for exhibitors using product categories and keywords and then review the descriptions and links provided by each matching exhibitor. Through digital personal guides, participants will be able to review all exhibitors and select those matching their individual needs.

The IPPE Marketplace will host live and on-demand, free and paid education programs during the week. These programs will include the International Poultry Scientific Forum, Pet Food Conference, Latin American Poultry Summit, Market Intelligence Forum, International Rendering Symposium, Feed Education Program and more.

On-demand TECHTalks and the opportunity to view innovative products through the Innovation Station / New Product Showcase will be available. Participants will also have access to view the industry trade publications that are typically offered during the Expo through IPPE’s website and the IPPE Marketplace.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) will host a virtually adapted version of its annual Pet Food Conference on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. The agenda includes both pre-recorded speakers and live sessions for pet food processing professionals and industry experts.

Gina Tumbarello, director of international policy and trade for AFIA, Rob Cooper, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), and Erin Bubb, president of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will present pre-recorded lectures on trade policy, an analysis of pet food production and ingredients, and AAFCO’s agenda, respectively.

During the live session, a Euromonitor representative will discuss “Pet Care in a Post-Pandemic World;” Jonathon Kalese, chief executive officer of Northfind Management, will discuss behavioral economics and lessons learned  in supply chain planning throughout the pandemic; Ansen Pond, Ph.D., head of food safety, quality and regulatory at Pilgrims/JBS will discuss “The Impact of Animal Proteins and Fats on the Sustainability of Pet Food;” US Trade Ambassador Gregg Doud will provide an international trade update; Jennifer Essler, Ph.D., will speak on dogs’ role in disease detection; and David Edwards, Ph.D., director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine’s (CVM) Division of Animal Feed, will provide a federal regulatory update for 2021.

Three graduate students chosen by AFIA will close the event by presenting their pet food research to attendees.

Additionally, AFIA will host a free Feed Education Program on Jan. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. ET.