This year’s state trade show and convention season delivered on attendance, conversations, and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s processors.

Across multiple events nationwide, enthusiasm and engagement underscored the value of these in-person connections.

Sales Consultant Andy Pearson represented Excalibur at several key shows, including MAMP in Minnesota, AMC in Maryland, MMAP in Montana, and WAMP in Wisconsin, with plans to attend the AAMP convention in Milwaukee next month. Reflecting on the season so far, Andy noted the consistency in turnout.

“I felt all the conventions I attended this year had good attendance, both on the processor and supplier sides,” he said.

Beyond the turnout, the conversations themselves revealed important trends. Processors remain focused on innovation but continue to rely on the products that built their businesses.

“They’re always looking for new and innovative blends,” Andy explained, “but the conversation often comes back to their best sellers. That’s where I focus: helping them expand those core products with inclusions or by applying those same blends in new ways.”

A major topic across multiple shows was the excitement surrounding Excalibur’s R&D Center and Meat Processing Kitchen.

“The innovation building was a big topic at all the conventions,” Andy said. “Customers are excited to see what we’ll be able to offer once it’s open and we can start working on projects with them.”

Market trends were also front and center. Andy pointed to continued growth in snack sticks and increasing interest in co-packing, especially among larger processors. At the same time, rising costs remain a concern.

“Processors that rely heavily on retail are getting pushback on pricing,” he noted. “There’s been a lot of conversation about creating value-added products that can be offered at a lower price point.” He added that this will be a key focus heading into the AAMP show.

Trevor Hall, who attended shows in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, echoed many of these observations. “Attendance was very good. There was a lot of enthusiasm, and numbers were up across all three shows,” he said.

Trevor also highlighted economic concerns as a key theme in conversations.

“Processors are watching beef prices closely and wondering how long that will last, along with broader economic pressures,” he explained. “That’s why so many are looking at value-added options.”

From innovation and product development to pricing strategies and growth opportunities, this year’s trade show season provided valuable insight into where the industry is headed. We’re excited to continue these conversations and support our customers with solutions to help them succeed.