Atlanta will host the world’s largest poultry industry show Jan. 28-30, an event that is expected to attract 18,000 visitors from 100 countries.

The International Poultry Expo has been held in Atlanta for the last 61 years, said Charles Olentine, the expo’s executive vice president. The expo is sponsored by the Tucker-based U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. 

About 5,000 of the attendees at the Georgia World Congress Center event will be from outside the United States, Mr. Olentine said. 

“One-third of our international visitors come from Latin America,” he said. Asian countries are also showing increased interest in the expo, said Mr. Olentine. 

Last year’s total attendance was around 20,000, but the economic turmoil of 2008 will probably mean reduced attendance this year, Mr. Olentine predicted.

 “But our international numbers are holding up,” he said.

The poultry industry has not been spared from the effects of the worldwide economic downturn. Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the largest poultry producer in the U.S., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Dec. 1. The Pittsburg, Texas-based company acquired Atlanta-based Goldkist Inc. in 2006.

Poultry producers – given a break on expenses as oil prices decline - are hoping demand for their product will start increasing in 2009 as the world economy begins to improve. With a recovery on the horizon, there will be 900 exhibitors at the expo, promoting equipment, consulting services and feed.

Many of the exhibitors will be selling energy-saving devices for poultry producers, such as heating, cooling and lighting systems.

There will be informational programs featuring industry experts, including economists who will discuss the outlook for 2009. There will be panels on environmental issues such as water conservation and waste management.

A large part of the expo’s appeal, however, is simply networking, seeing old customers and finding new ones, said Mr. Olentine.

“A couple of years ago, an Egyptian company spent $1 million on the floor of the expo,” he said.

Conference registration is available online through Jan. 9, for $30. Mail-in registration is $40, and it is $50 at the door. For more information, go to the expo's Web site.

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