With Day 1 of the World Dairy Expo in the books, trade show exhibitors had the chance to sit back and relax for a few minutes at the Exhibitor Party hosted by Hoard’s Dairyman and World Dairy Expo. This Tuesday evening event has been an annual tradition for more than 20 years, beginning shortly after the Exhibition Hall was built on the World Dairy Expo grounds.

John Mansavage, Hoard’s Dairyman Director of Marketing, welcomed attendees and thanked them for their continuous support of the dairy industry. After that, the evening was filled with discussions between co-workers and friends. People were able to catch up with old acquaintances and make new connections within the dairy sector.

Guests also enjoyed food and drink, including grilled cheese sandwiches featuring Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery Sark cheese. This cheese is made from the milk produced by the Guernsey cows on the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm.

Trade show booths are located in several places on the grounds. There are, of course, booths in the Exhibition Hall. More booths can be found in the Coliseum, and there are companies located in the Outdoor Trade Mall with space to display larger equipment. New for this year was the addition of the Trade Center, a large, airy structure filled with company displays.

Just as dairy cattle breeders prepare all year for a trip to show their cattle on the colored shavings, companies put months of preparation into their exhibits for World Dairy Expo. It’s a time to connect with customers and showcase their products, and companies go to great lengths to ensure a farmer’s trip through the trade show is a valuable use of time.

Our staff looks forward to hosting the trade show exhibitors each year, and this year was extra special after last year’s absence. The exhibitors and attendees we have met so far this year are especially enthusiastic about the chance to be at World Dairy Expo again, and we hope everyone has a memorable week at the show.

Hoard’s at Expo is sponsored by Agri-Plastics Group of Companies

Abby Bauer

The author is the senior associate editor and covers animal health, dairy housing and equipment, and nutrient management. She grew up on a dairy farm near Plymouth, Wis., and previously served as a University of Wisconsin agricultural extension agent. She received a master’s degree from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.