Dallas, TX – News media are invited to join the American Meat Institute, Food Marketing Institute, United Fresh Produce Association and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture for the largest food industry exposition of its kind. The four shows will be co-located in Dallas for One Big Event with 1,200 exhibitors and one million square feet of the latest food technology and trends on display.

More than 25,000 food industry decision makers will gather in Dallas for this dynamic partnership that will bring inspiring keynote speakers and cutting-edge educational sessions to attendees. Press registration and badges will be available in the on-site Media Center, located in Room C141 April 30 – May 3, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Media Center will be available to working journalists as a work station while covering the exposition, with Internet access and staff on hand to answer questions and facilitate interviews.

The American Meat Institute’s International Meat, Poultry & Seafood Industry Convention and Exposition boasts a fully loaded lineup of events and exhibitors that will connect industry partners like never before. Educational sessions will sharpen attendees’ technical expertise in processing and other specialty areas. The industry will mingle at the Round-Up Reception on May 2, and hear exclusive commentary from CNN Analyst Charlie Cook at the Washington Insiders Breakfast on May 3. The show floor will feature a new exhibitors pavilion and all the latest and greatest in technology for food safety, plant operations and packaging innovations. The interactive format of the show allows for the entire team to see and touch the equipment and discuss practical business applications to increase productivity. Look for the American Meat Science Association, Canadian Meat Council, Southwest Meat Association and countless other networking opportunities.

FMI’s premier show for the food retail industry will emphasize understanding how consumers drive business. The food retail show, FMI2012, will bring the world’s top retailers and wholesalers together to learn the latest for expanding market reach and meeting the demands of busy consumers. More than 40 education sessions will be presented, covering industry trends and innovations, specific merchandising and sales strategies, operational efficiencies, consumer insights and best practices. Special events include store tours, an idea exchange breakfast, a Round-Up Reception and the Supermarket Chef Showdown. The bustling, hands-on show floor will display the latest products and ideas for brand enhancement, profit acceleration and conquering market challenges. FMI will host Solutions Centers, or centralized idea exchange centers, on topics from front-end to sustainability on the show floor, where attendees will meet with industry experts in their respective subject matters, in a non-selling atmosphere, and explore objective benchmarking and related industry research with key providers, including government, suppliers, non-government organizations and other retailers.

United Fresh 2012 will host a dynamic showcase of customized programs for each segment of the produce industry. The market segment workshop series will present tailored educational opportunities for grower-shipper, wholesaler-distributor, fresh-cut processor and retail-foodservice members. The convention will kick off with the United Fresh Opening Party on April 30, followed by keynote presentations by FMI Chairman and Harris Teeter CEO Fred Morganthall and former First Lady Laura Bush on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. The lively show floor will feature new products and innovations in the United Fresh Marketplace, food safety education, fresh-cut/value added technology displays, supply chain logistics, transportation solutions and more.

The U.S. Food Showcase, sponsored by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), includes small and medium-sized food companies aiming to expand their expand their export horizons. As the agency of USDA responsible for assisting U.S. exporters of food and agricultural products, FAS works with NASDA to promote the event globally through its network of seventy offices overseas.

Thursday morning, attendees from all four partner shows will come together for a rousing general session to kick off the final day of the show. Designed to motivate and inspire our combined audiences, join us for what promises to be an exciting start to the day.

Make sure your publication is part of the action! For more information about press registration, please contact:

American Meat Institute – Tonya Allen, 202-587-4221

Food Marketing Institute – Heather Garlich, 202-220-0616

United Fresh – Shelby Rajkovich, 202-303-3417

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture – DeWitt Ashby, 202-296-9680