ARLINGTON, VA – The Meat Institute is offering special programming featuring key industry topics including artificial intelligence, automation, Listeria control, sustainability and more at the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), January 26-29 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

“IPPE is the global hub for addressing the most complex challenges and opportunities in the meat and poultry sector, including AI-driven innovation, automation, and food safety priorities like Listeria control,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. Don’t miss the chance to learn in person from industry leaders.”

The Meat Institute is also hosting a member reception at its booth (#BC38119) from 4 – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28 for all IPPE attendees to unwind, connect with industry peers, and discover how the Meat Institute can help your business grow.

Meat Institute packer/processor members are eligible for complimentary IPPE registration through the M2A program.

Learn more at IPPE 2026 and add the following programs to your registration here. Reach out to events@meatinstitute.org with questions.

Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, 2 – 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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. 
Sponsored by: Neogen and bioMérieux.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

8 – 10 a.m. 
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.

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
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. 
Sponsored by: FlexXray.

The Meat Institute is hosting additional complimentary sessions on Wednesday, Jan. 28, including:

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2025

8 – 10 a.m. 
Sanitation Essentials: Building the Foundation for Food Safety (FREE)

This free educational session 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.

8:30 – 10 a.m. 
WMIN Educational Session: Building Connections, Empowering Growth (FREE)

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. Join the Women Meat Industry Network (WMIN) at IPPE for an inspiring session focused on connection, mentorship, and professional development across the meat industry.

Registration for these programs is through IPPE registration here.

About IPPE

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.