Beyond the Case Connect
First-Time Attendees

Welcome First Timers!

We’re excited to welcome you to your first Annual Meat Conference (AMC). AMC’s mission is to serve as a gathering point where professionals from all corners of the retail meat industry can connect, collaborate, and expand their knowledge and expertise.

Preparing for a Successful Conference

Preparing for AMC ensures you arrive with a clear focus on the insights, connections and innovations that matter most to your business. With a strategic plan in place, you can maximize every session, conversation and opportunity to advance your category goals and drive stronger results for your organization.

Can I review the AMC Attendee list in advance?

Yes, and you absolutely should! Think of it as your pre-game strategy for an unbeatable AMC experience. Scan the list for job titles and companies that can help you find the right solutions. Reach out in advance via the AMC mobile app, or LinkedIn so you can meet up at AMC. With 2,500+ attendee you can’t rely on running into them.

How should I decide what education session to attend?

Take a look at the whole agenda. Let your business objectives guide you. Select sessions that will help you make better decisions, solve problems and bring fresh ideas back to your team. Mark your selections in the AMC mobile app. When in doubt, choose the sessions led by experts you’ve been wanting to learn from. Sessions aren’t recorded, so make intentional choices that will give you the greatest return.

How should I prepare for the Welcome Reception?

It’s your first big opportunity to connect. Expect casual conversations, early takeaways from the Power of Meat, and a chance to meet people across the industry. Even if you have other evening plans, stop by for a few minutes. The drinks are free and the energy is high—and you never know who you’ll run into.

How can I make the most of my time in the AMC Exhibit Hall?

The Exhibit Hall is open only on Tuesday, March 3, from 11:45 AM to 5:00 PM. Plan ahead. Bring a list of booths to visit, pace yourself, and prioritize what matters most. It’s easy to lose track of time once you’re tasting, sampling, and seeing new tech in action.

What is the Networking Luncheon?

The Networking Luncheon is a popular AMC tradition that blends meaningful connections with expert-led learning, thanks to programming sponsored by the Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN). It’s open to all full-conference attendees, and because it fills up quickly each year, you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance.

What to Expect

Prepare for three high-energy days filled with fresh insights, new products and meaningful connections across the meat industry. From the Power of Meat reveal to the excitement of the Exhibit Hall, AMC delivers the ideas and relationships that can move your business forward.

Connections

AMC provides you with the connections you need to spark new ideas, build stronger partnerships and grow your business.

Discovery

Expect to discover the newest innovations shaping the future of meat retail, all packed into one energetic Exhibit Hall experience.

Insights

Expect to discover the newest innovations shaping the future of meat retail, all packed into one energetic Exhibit Hall experience.

Man and woman talking at conference

First-Timers Webinar

Join us on Tuesday, February 24 at 1:00 PM ET  for a brief webinar that walks you through what to expect at AMC. We’ll share tips, timelines, and ideas to help you prepare and feel confident heading into your first conference and a recording will be shared with everyone that registers.

Sign up for the Webinar
Featured

Must-Attend Events and Sessions for First-Time Attendees

AMC’s signature sessions and high-energy events deliver the full experience.

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Featured

Featured Speakers You’ll Hear at AMC 2026

At AMC 2026 you can find speakers on stage from a variety of companies sharing their insights.

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Winning at AMC Networking

Connecting with peers, suppliers and industry leaders is one of AMC’s biggest advantages, and these tips will help you spark valuable conversations and leave with relationships and ideas you can use right away.

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Ask the Same Question to Many

One effective networking tip is to ask other attendees what they’re currently testing or learning in their meat department. “What’s one thing you’re testing or learning in your meat department right now that’s showing promise?” is a great conversation starter that sparks shared problem-solving, and often leads to ideas you can bring home and try right away.

Connect Beyond Your Circle

A smart networking move at receptions is to step outside your usual circle and introduce yourself to at least three new people. It’s the easiest way to broaden your perspective, hear fresh ideas, and build connections you might not otherwise make if you stick with familiar faces.

Arrive at the Exhibit Hall Early Tuesday

Create your plan in advance, based on the innovations, ideas, and solutions you are seeking, as well as the operational issues you aim to address—and bring your appetite!

Follow Up with People You Meet

After AMC, use LinkedIn and/or email to follow up with the connections you met to keep the conversations going.

Navigate AMC on Mobile

Build Your Schedule

Use the mobile app to create a personalized agenda so you never miss the sessions and events that matter most.

Find Exhibitors Fast

Search the Exhibit Hall map and bookmark must-see booths to make the most of your limited time on the floor.

Real-Time Updates

Enable the mobile app notifications to stay informed about schedule changes, announcements, and important on-site reminders.

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Don’t Miss AMC 2026

If you’ve never attended the Annual Meat Conference, now’s the time. First-time retailers get a special discount to experience the event shaping the future of meat retail.

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