IDFA and the American Meat Institute hosted an educational briefing and luncheon in Chicago last week to foster increased international interest in both exhibiting and attending Worldwide Food Expo 2009. The briefing drew 29 senior trade representatives from more than 20 countries, including Austria, Canada, Croatia, Egypt, France, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain and Thailand. IDFA and AMI are co-sponsors of Worldwide Food Expo.

"The excellent turnout demonstrates growing international interest in exporting dairy equipment to the United States, as well as purchasing products from U.S. dairy companies," said Neil Moran, IDFA senior vice president for finance, administration and trade show. "We expect the number of international attendees to continue to grow at Worldwide Food Expo 2009, because it truly is the best place learn about new dairy technologies and products, exchange ideas and discover new vendors."

According to past show statistics, 66 percent of the qualified decision makers who attend Worldwide Food Expo spend at least $100,000 while they're at the show and 10 percent spend over $5 million. What's more, 96 percent of attendees have purchasing authority and 73 percent have indicated that they plan to make purchases in the next 24 months.

Worldwide Food Expo, the largest food, dairy and beverage technology event in North America, will be held October 28-31, 2009, in Chicago. Visit www.worldwidefood.com for details, or contact Robin Cornelison, IDFA trade show manager, at rcornelison@idfa.org.