PEAK 2024 witnessed substantial growth in attendance and exhibit hall participation as North America's poultry industry gathered in Minneapolis for a highly successful trade show, educational programs and energetic networking events.
With over 3,100 participants from the United States and internationally, this marks the third consecutive year of growth since the pandemic.
"Attendees and vendors from all over the world experienced a perfect mix of familiar show components and several new elements throughout the event that really gave PEAK a fresh, energized feel in 2024,” said outgoing Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) Board President Ross Thoreson of Best Veterinary Solutions.
Partnering events also reported success, with the Organic Egg Farmers of America experiencing record attendance and the North Central Avian Disease Conference organizers expressing satisfaction with their event outcomes.
"It was fantastic to see so many of our industry friends, colleagues, and customers at PEAK 2024,” said Thoreson.
Honoring Long-Time Board Directors
The MPF Board honored five directors who transitioned to emeritus status after PEAK 2024:
- William Claybaugh, representing Nebraska Poultry Industries Association
- Bob Drake, representing South Dakota Poultry Industries Association
- Greg Nelson, representing Kansas Poultry Association
- Kim Reis, representing Iowa Turkey Federation
- Scott Waldner, representing North Central Poultry Association
“These five directors have served on the MPF Board for decades and have been integral to MPF and PEAK’s success as a show and as a nonprofit organization,” said Thoreson. “We honor their service and look forward to their continuing roles as emeritus directors.”
New Board Members
Replacing these directors on the MPF Board are:
- Julie Kelly, DVM, representing Nebraska Poultry Industries Association
- Jordan Woodbury, representing South Dakota Poultry Industries Association
- Brent Nelson, representing Kansas Poultry Association
- Sheila Larson, representing Iowa Turkey Federation
Additionally, MPF welcomed its 11th state poultry association member, with Ohio Poultry Association joining the fold. Justin Kremer will represent OPA on the MPF Board.
New Slate of Officers for 2025 and 2026
A new slate of officers was approved for the 2025 and 2026 show years:
- Lisa Henning moves up to president; she represents North Central Poultry Association
- Blake Van Denburgh moves up to vice president; he is an allied director with Feliz
- Jason Luedtke steps into the treasurer role; he represents Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Industries Association
- Ross Thoreson shifts to past president; he is an allied director with Best Veterinary Solutions
Upcoming Event
PEAK 2025 is scheduled for April 8-10 (Tuesday-Thursday) at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
For more details, visit midwestpoultry.com. Follow PEAK on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Contact MPF with any questions at [email protected] or 763/284-6763.
