IPPE 2026: Bigger, busier, even better

Planning a smart, efficient International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) 2026 starts long before you hit the show floor. We break down the must-see sessions, the most valuable networking spots, and the tools that will help you navigate 665,000 square feet of exhibits and nearly 1,400 companies without missing the moments that matter. We talk with Victoria Broehm of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) to find out more about a free AFIA Feed Production Education Program delivering fast, useful updates on FDA’s new ingredient review and consultation processes, GRAS reforms, EPA’s approach to formaldehyde, and OSHA’s heat injury and illness prevention rules. Add in practical mycotoxin management and you’ve got a crisp briefing to align your team on compliance, quality, and operational risk. From there, the AFIA nutrition program reframes “old” ingredients with new data on animal health, feed efficiency, and sustainability, plus micro and macro ingredient trends that inform modern ration design and clear consumer communication. Pet food leaders will find an all-day conference that digs into AI for recipe design and kibble production, along with the rise of black soldier fly larvae as a credible protein option. Expect regulatory perspective from FDA and fresh insights from students shaping the future of pet nutrition. On the Tech Talks stage, AFIA and iFeeder share new research on vitamin and amino acid supply chains, showing how disruptions can ripple across species and how to plan resilient procurement. The Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit connects the dots between ingredient innovation, feed efficiency, and measurable progress across poultry, meat, and feed. We also map the lighter, high-value touchpoints: a show-floor happy hour with a country vibe, courtyard meetups, and the return of the hot wing challenge. First-timer or veteran, bring a buddy, download the app, plan your routes, and bookmark lunch spots near your sessions to keep your energy up and your calendar tight. Subscribe, share this guide with your team, and leave a review telling us which session or technology you’re most excited to explore. For more information, visit ippexpo.org.