TheU.S. Poultry & Egg Association(USPOULTRY) andAmerican Feed Industry Association (AFIA) said they agreed with theAmerican Meat Institute(AMI) to co-locate the AMI tradeshow with the IPE/IFE in Atlanta, annually in January, starting in 2013.

Officials say the three shows will operate under one umbrella and create one of the nation's largest events with more than 1,000 exhibitors and approximately 1 million square feet of exhibit space. Meat and poultry exhibits will be combined on one large show floor, and the IFE will be held in the adjacent hall. One badge will allow all attendees into any exhibit.

"We are very excited about this partnership with AMI, and the co-location is something our exhibitors have asked about for a long time," said John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY. "The consolidation of the tradeshows will allow our respective organizations to build on the synergies of the poultry, feed, and meat sectors, as well as provide a benefit to our exhibitors and members who produce or exhibit across multiple protein sectors."

Officials said all three associations continue to operate independently to serve their respective constituents. Each says it will develop targeted customer education and networking opportunities. Officials said USPOULTRY's offices will handle show details while AMI and AFIA help drive attendance promotion and exhibit sales.

"This partnership will enhance the value of our trade shows to exhibitors and attendees alike," said AMI President, J. Patrick Boyle. "Now we have one show that provides more education, networking and hands on demonstration of equipment and supplies from farm through distribution. Our entire industry will benefit from the reduction in travel expenses, exhibit costs and see an undeniable increase in value."

The next show will be held January 28-31, 2013.

ABOUT USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is an all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today's poultry industry, with a focus on progressively serving member companies through research, education, communication, and technical assistance. Founded in 1947, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is based in Tucker, GA.

ABOUT AFIA
AFIA is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers. AFIA also is the recognized leader on international industry developments. Member-companies are livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies which supply other products, services and supplies to feed manufacturers.

ABOUT AMI
AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Together, AMI's members produce 95 percent of the beef, pork, lamb and veal products and 70 percent of the turkey products in the United States. The Institute provides legislative, regulatory, public relations, technical, scientific and educational services to the meat and poultry packing and processing industry.