MPA Annual Convention

Join us for the 89th Annual Mississippi Poultry Association Convention—a chance to reconnect, recharge, and spend time with the people who keep our industry moving. Whether you’ve been coming for years or it’s your first time, the convention offers a laid-back mix of networking, industry updates, and time to enjoy the coast. It’s a familiar tradition for many—and a great opportunity for new faces to jump in and be part of it.

To accommodate the strong interest in this year’s convention, MPA has secured lodging options at both the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and the nearby Luau at Sandestin Resort. The Luau is located adjacent to the Hilton and offers convenient access to convention activities, beach access, and other Sandestin amenities. Attendees may walk to convention functions or utilize the complimentary Sandestin resort tram service available throughout the property. Attendees are encouraged to review both lodging options and reserve accommodations as early as possible.

Agenda Sponsorship Register  Luau Lodging Golf Tournament Club  Fishing Vessel Info  Fishing Vessel Request/Update

Become a Sponsor

Thank you for your continued support of the Convention. There are several ways to get involved as a sponsor—either by selecting sponsorships during registration or by contributing branded items for the Integrator Registration Gift Bags. If you’d like to include an item, please complete the Gift Bag Pledge below. You can also view the Pledged Gifts link for ideas or to check current contribution status.

Gift Bag Pledge  Pledged Gifts Sponsorship

Auction & Giving Back

The Convention Auction supports the Mississippi Poultry Foundation Scholarship Program, helping invest in the next generation of our industry. You can participate by sponsoring an auction item during registration (look for “Sponsor an Auction Item”), having MPA purchase and manage an item on your behalf, shipping or delivering an item to the MPA office, or bringing it with you to Convention.

To contribute an item for the auction fill out the Auction Item Pledge below. To participate in the silent and live auctions, please review the guide below to ensure you are ready when the auction opens. Items being shipped or delivered to MPA must arrive no later than September 4, 2026 for transport to Convention. Every contribution—large or small—helps support students pursuing careers in the poultry industry.

If you’re looking for ideas, some of our most successful auction items have included experiences like beach or weekend getaways, fishing charters, hunting trips, and golf packages, along with outdoor items such as coolers, grills, and tailgating gear. Sports tickets, concert experiences, branded or themed gift packages, jewelry, electronics, and food or beverage bundles also tend to do well. These are simply suggestions—any contribution is appreciated, and a variety of items helps make the auction more engaging and successful.

Auction Item Pledge  Foundation Auction Guide

2026 Keynote Speakers

Meet Sam Goodwin

This year, we’re excited to welcome Sam Goodwin to the MPA Annual Convention. After visiting every sovereign nation in the world, Sam’s life changed forever when he was wrongfully imprisoned in Syria. Today, he shares a powerful message about overcoming adversity, leading through uncertainty, and turning life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth. His inspiring keynote is one you won’t want to miss.

Bring Home the Story

Order Sam’s bestselling memoir, Saving Sam, before Convention and bring it with you—he’ll be happy to sign your copy following his keynote presentation.

Watch Sam Speak  Visit samrgoodwin.com  Pre-Purchase Saving Sam

Welcome Back – Dr. Ashley Peterson

A familiar face to many of our attendees, Dr. Ashley Peterson returns to Convention to provide the latest updates on the federal policies, regulatory issues, and scientific developments impacting the poultry industry.

As Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the National Chicken Council, Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of expertise in food safety, animal welfare, poultry inspection, and legislative affairs. Her practical insights and timely industry updates have made her session a Convention favorite year after year.

Visit the National Chicken Council  Read Dr. Peterson’s Biography

Thank you to our Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

 

 

Diamond Sponsors

 

 

 

 

Gold Sponsors

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors

 

 

 

Bronze Sponsors