TUCKER, GEORGIA, US — The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) will not have the in-person meeting originally planned for Jan. 26-28 in Atlanta, Georgia, US, due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A digital event is being planned instead.

The decision was made on numerous factors, including surveys, direct feedback from the involved industries and other stakeholders and an expected decrease in participation.

“For many decades, our industries have engaged in an in-person event to serve and connect leaders in networking, learning opportunities and experiencing new technology,” IPPE show management said. “However, we concluded that due to the challenges of the pandemic and safety concerns, we could not offer the type of experience the industries have come to expect by bringing key decision-makers from across the globe to Atlanta.”

IPPE show management will offer exhibitor marketplace engagement and a slate of educational programs for attendees and exhibitors during the week the event is scheduled and beyond. Further details regarding the education programs and engagement opportunities are forthcoming.

“We are replicating the elements that can deliver the most value in a digital environment,” IPPE show management said. “While we know we cannot simply transfer the live, in-person experience of IPPE to an online offering, we will provide buyer engagement through an exhibitor marketplace showcase with direct communication options with industry suppliers in addition to online educational opportunities. Even though we cannot offer an in-person event in 2021, we look forward to the global poultry, egg, meat and animal food industries returning to Atlanta for what is expected to be a much anticipated IPPE, scheduled Jan. 25-27, 2022.”