The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has named Alicia Irlbeck as the new general manager of World Pork Expo, the world’s largest pork-specific trade show.
In this role, Irlbeck will oversee the strategic planning and management of all programmes, exhibits and activities starting with the 25th anniversary World Pork Expo, June 5-7, in Des Moines, Iowa. She continues to serve as NPPC’s director of projects and events.
Irlbeck has been actively involved with the planning and execution of World Pork Expo since joining NPPC in 2005, first serving as an administrative assistant, and then becoming meeting coordinator and database administrator. Before that, she worked for the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. She earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institution management from Iowa State University.
“My biggest priority is making sure every last detail is addressed and communicated to make World Pork Expo the best it can be for the nearly 20,000 producers and industry enthusiasts who attend each year,” Irlbeck says. “Expo is a huge team effort, and it’s my pleasure to work with the amazing group of dedicated people who are the backbone of the show.”
Joining Irlbeck on the Expo team are fellow NPPC staffers: Doug Fricke, director of trade show marketing, manages exhibits; Craig Boelling, director of industry resource development, manages sponsorships; Greg Thornton, director of producer services, coordinates pre-Expo tours and special activities; and Lauren Swanson, executive administrative assistant, manages attendee and exhibitor registration.