JOIN US!

The IMPA Annual Convention is focused on improving your meat processing knowledge, relationships, and profitability. Join us for hands-on workshop activities, education on current topics, the opportunity to compete in Iowa's Cured Meat Championships, networking with Iowa's meat processors and key suppliers, and industry celebrations. Register by Wednesday, January 21 to save $35 on your Plant/Operator registration!

Printable/Downloadable Convention Details for Plants/Operators


RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

IMPA has secured a block of discounted hotel rooms at the Gateway Hotel with special pricing of $149 (+ tax) per night, available through January 21, or while inventory lasts. Reserve your room online or call 800-FOR-AMES (800-367-2637) and ask for a room in the Iowa Meat Processors Association block.

Newly renovated sleeping rooms are comfortable and stylish. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and more.


CURED MEATS COMPETITION

The Cured Meats Competition will take place on Saturday of the Convention. Competitors receive valuable feedback on their products from meat scientists and specialists in the meat industry, and winning businesses take home plaques to help market their accomplishments. All products will be registered on site using the AAMP system for $20 each. Convention registration and IMPA membership are required to compete.

2026 IMPA Cured Meats Competition Rules.pdf

2026 IMPA Product Registration Form.pdf


SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

Boost your visibility to meat processors across Iowa by highlighting your business, products, and services! With IMPA's online registration and payment system, you can save time by completing your Membership, Advertising, Trade Show, and Sponsorship purchases all in one transaction as you register for the Convention. Review available advertising, exhibit, and sponsorship packages:

2026 IMPA Supplier Opportunities.pdf


SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

Thursday, February 12, 2026

7:00 PM–10:00 PM
Presidential Welcome Reception

Friday, February 13, 2026



8:00 AM

Shuttle Departs for ISU Meat Lab
8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Workshop at ISU Meat Lab (shuttle departs 8:00 AM)
Featuring hands-on production demonstrations for jerky and dry sausage (pepperoni, Genoa, etc.), lunch, and networking
1:45 PM
–
4:00 PM

General Sessions & Networking
(1) Pet Food – Jesse Smith, Heartland Provisions
(2) Lab Testing & HACCP Controls – Artemese Dolliole, We 'R' Food Safety
(3) USDA Meat Processing Industry Road Show
(4) Bull Session
4:30 PM–7:30 PM
Trade Show Ribbon Cutting & Reception
7:30 PM


Dinner & Entertainment
Dinner buffet followed by casino games including craps, roulette, Texas hold’em, three card poker, blackjack, and money wheel; kids' space/activities will be provided

Saturday, February 14, 2026

7:30 AM–8:30 AM
Cured Meats Competition Check-in
7:30 AM–10:00 AM
Blue-Ribbon Breakfast
9:30 AM
–
10:00 AM

Presentation: Sanitation – Tim Johnson, Ozo Kleen
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Trade Show
10:30 AM
–
11:00 AM

Presentation: Remote Carcass Grading, LSAS Accounts & Labels – Nelson Gaydos, AAMP
12:00 PM
–
1:30 PM

Lunch Available in Trade Show - Grab-and-Go Hot Beef Sundaes
1:00 PM
–
2:00 PM

Trade Show Prize Drawings
2:15 PM–3:30 PM
General Sessions & Annual Business Meeting
(1) Future Livestock Markets & Trends – Dr. Chad Hart, Iowa State University Department of Economics
(2) AAMP Updates – Nelson Gaydos, Outreach Specialist, AAMP
(3) IMPA Annual Business Meeting
5:30 PM–6:30 PM
Evening Reception
6:30 PM


Awards Banquet featuring prime rib prepared by the ISU Meat Lab


REGISTRATION

Choose your ticket type below to begin your registration. You will want to have the following information available to complete your purchase (see below for options to update your registration after purchase):

  • Names of each attendee from your business
  • Number of attendees for Friday's Workshop at the ISU Meat Lab
  • Number of tickets required for each meal
  • Whether your business is interested in donating an item/package for Casino Night and Trade Show prize drawings
  • SUPPLIERS | Preferred booth number and needed supplies
  • SUPPLIERS | Sponsorship & Advertising Package selections

Keep in mind that you may also complete your 2026 membership renewal while registering for the Convention.


ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO YOUR REGISTRATION

You may edit your completed registration online by Setting Up Your Account with the email address provided for your payment details. This is a great way to add or update attendees, meal tickets, etc. While add-ons such as meal tickets can be removed from your order through January 21, your base ticket cannot be canceled. 

TicketsPrice

Processor/Operator

IMPA Members enjoy UNLIMITED attendees with their Processor/Operator registration. Non-member registrations include one attendee with the option to add additional attendees for $50 each. Non-members and those who have yet to renew for 2026 may add a membership to their registration.

$135.00

Supplier/Exhibitor

Displayed booth prices reflect the IMPA Member Discount of $175 per standard booth and $350 per extra-large booth. Non-members and those who have yet to renew for 2026 may add a membership to their registration to access member savings.

*Indicated Booths (#4-10) are along a wall currently being reconstructed -- final door placement will determine where this run of booths breaks for the attendee entrance.

$0.00
Total: $0.00

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