Meat Institute Programming

2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)
January 26-29 | Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Maximize Your IPPE Experience with Meat Institute Programs

Join us at the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) for a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends and innovations shaping the meat and poultry industry. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable practices, we've curated a series of programs to provide actionable insights and practical strategies to drive your business forward. 

Don't miss these must-attend sessions:

  • Foreign Material Workshop: Gain in-depth knowledge on foreign material prevalence, detection, and mitigation strategies.
  • AI & Automation Workshop: Learn how to leverage cutting-edge technologies to improve performance, safety, transparency and animal care in your facilities.
  • Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop: Gain a basic understanding of how to control the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in meat and poultry processing environments in this hands-on workshop.
  • Sustainable Packaging Innovations: Explore the latest advancements in packaging that reduce environmental impact while ensuring product quality and safety. 

These programs offer invaluable opportunities to network with industry leaders, learn from subject matter experts, and gain a competitive edge. Add these programs to your main IPPE registration to secure your spot and make the most of your IPPE experience. Scroll below to explore more about each of these programs. 

Featured Sessions & Programming

Gain expert insights, practical knowledge, and valuable connections. As a Meat Institute packer/processor member, you're eligible for complimentary registration to IPPE 2026 through the M2A program. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your IPPE experience by adding these programs and exclusive networking functions to your event registration and calendar. 

Monday, January 26, 2026
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop (Registration Fee: $499)


Gain a basic understanding of how to control the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in meat and poultry processing environments. This course will provide learners with background knowledge of Listeria and listeriosis, as well as fundamental concepts of sanitation, facility design, sampling, and environmental monitoring to address Listeria at their facility.

Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop (Registration Fee: $499)
Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop (Registration Fee: $499)
 
 
Felix Dietz Matt Henderson Katie Walker
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Smart Systems, Stronger Operations: Harnessing AI and Automation in Meat and Poultry Processing (Registration Fee: $299)


AI, and automation are transforming the meat and poultry industry—improving performance, safety, transparency, and animal care. This two-day educational workshop, hosted by Meat Institute and showcasing expertise from Infor and Lumachain, will explore how these technologies are being applied in real-world processing environments to solve persistent challenges and position companies for long-term success. 

 
 
 
 
Hassene Benammou
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop Cont'd


Gain a basic understanding of how to control the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in meat and poultry processing environments. This course will provide learners with background knowledge of Listeria and listeriosis, as well as fundamental concepts of sanitation, facility design, sampling, and environmental monitoring to address Listeria at their facility.

Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop Cont'd
Foundations of Listeria Control Workshop Cont'd
 
 
Felix Dietz Alex Brandt Scott King
Foreign Material Control: From Reaction to Prevention (Registration Fee: $299)


This interactive workshop introduces a structured Foreign Material Control to help food safety and quality professionals assess and strengthen their foreign material prevention programs. Participants will explore real-world case studies, evaluate their current maturity level, and leave with a practical 12–24 month improvement roadmap. Topics include detection technologies, frontline training, supplier management, and data analytics—culminating in a live expert panel and collaborative action planning.

Foreign Material Control: From Reaction to Prevention (Registration Fee: $299)
 
 
 
Kye Luker Jill Stuber Tushar Verma
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sanitation Essentials: Building the Foundation for Food Safety (FREE)


Proper sanitation is the cornerstone of food safety in meat and poultry processing. This free educational session, hosted by the Meat Institute, provides a practical overview of sanitation fundamentals—perfect for those new to the industry or looking to reinforce their understanding of best practices.


Participants will learn the core principles of effective cleaning and sanitizing, the importance of sanitation in regulatory compliance and public health, and how a strong sanitation program supports product quality, worker safety, and operational success. Whether you're on the floor or in a support role, this session will help you better understand how sanitation contributes to a safe, efficient, and responsible food system.

 
 
 
 
Katie Walker Richard Walsh Scott King
Smart Systems, Stronger Operations: Harnessing AI and Automation in Meat and Poultry Processing Cont'd

This workshop, hosted by the Meat Institute and featuring insights from Infor, offers an in-depth exploration of AI technologies in real-world processing environments. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of AI, practical applications across demand forecasting, supply chain management, quality control, and automation, as well as strategies for driving digital transformation through organizational change. With case studies highlighting successful industry transformations, this session equips attendees to leverage smart systems and foster stronger, future-ready operations. 

 
 
 
 
Hassene Benammou Mikael Bengtsson
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Unwrapping Sustainability: Innovations and Strategies in Meat and Poultry Packaging (FREE)


Packaging plays a vital role in product safety, shelf life, and consumer satisfaction—but it also presents unique challenges in the drive toward sustainability. This session explores the latest innovations, strategies, and practical solutions for making meat and poultry packaging more sustainable without compromising performance or compliance.

Industry experts will share insights on recyclable and compostable materials, packaging reduction strategies, labeling transparency, and how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is reshaping packaging design and end-of-life management. Learn how companies are responding to shifting regulatory landscapes and customer expectations with proactive EPR strategies and circular economy thinking.

 
 
 
 
Sarah Paleg Ronald Cotterman
WMIN Educational Session: Building Connections, Empowering Growth (FREE)


Join the Women Meat Industry Network (WMIN) at IPPE for an inspiring session focused on connection, mentorship, and professional development across the meat industry. Learn how WMIN is helping women at all career stages grow through community, support, and shared experience.
This year’s session will highlight exciting updates to the WMIN mentoring platform, including the addition of Guided Conversations and Communities—new features designed to make mentoring more accessible, impactful, and engaging.


Come see what WMIN accomplished in 2025 and get a first look at what’s in store for 2026. Whether you're already involved or looking to get connected, this session offers valuable insights and opportunities to engage with the WMIN community.

 
 
 
 
Sharon Beals Alicia Shoulders Sammy Bredar Suzanne Finstad
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Happy Hour at Meat Institute Booth #BC38119


Join us for Happy Hour at the Meat Institute booth! Enjoy refreshing drinks, appetizers, and great conversation. It's the perfect way to unwind and connect with industry peers, and discover how we can help you succeed. 

 
 
 
 
 

Exclusive Meat Institute Member Discount: Register Free for IPPE

Don't miss out on exclusive benefits! As a Meat Institute packer/processor member, you're eligible for complimentary registration to IPPE 2026 through the M2A program. Register now and be sure to add any of the Meat Institute programs to your schedule for a comprehensive experience! Questions? Please contact events@meatinstitute.org, and we'll be happy to assist you!

Need Expert Advice? 

The Meat Institute team can answer your questions and provide tailored solutions. Whether you're facing operational challenges, looking to improve efficiency, seeking guidance on industry trends, or simply want to learn more about Meat Institute membership, we have the expertise to help. Visit our booth (#BC38119) to learn more and discover how we can support your business goals. 

Booth #BC37119

IPPE: Your Global Hub for Innovation in the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Industries

IPPE brings together industry professionals globally to showcase cutting-edge products and services in processing equipment, ingredients, packaging, and more. Watch below to discover why it's the must-attend event of the year and get a glimpse of what you'll see and learn about on the show floor. 

Thank You to Our Program Sponsors