2026 International Rendering Symposium to Explore Communication, Sustainability and Resilience in the Rendering Industry

The rendering industry plays a critical role in supporting animal agriculture through sustainability, innovation and responsible resource use, yet its value is often underrecognized in broader food and feed discussions. The International Rendering Symposium, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, will focus on strengthening science-based communication across animal agriculture, optimizing rendered ingredients for a sustainable feed future and addressing the risks and resilience challenges facing the industry. Hosted by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the symposium will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in room B-312 / B-313a. Registration is $250.

The symposium is organized into three sections. The first, “Building Bridges – Communicating Science Across Animal Agriculture,” emphasizes effective communication and transparency in the rendering and animal agriculture industries, covering topics such as the state of the rendering industry, NARA strategic insights, science-based communication efforts, the updated NARA Buyer’s Guide, communication strategies in China and how industry media translates science into meaningful stories. The second section, “Optimizing Rendered Ingredients for a Sustainable Feed Future,” focuses on the role of rendered ingredients in sustainable feed solutions, with sessions addressing feed ingredient consumption, upcycling and environmental impacts, maximizing rendered protein meals in poultry diets and global perspectives on the use of rendered animal proteins in aquaculture. The symposium concludes with “Resilience and Risk – Navigating Today’s Toughest Industry Challenges,” which explores key risks and future opportunities for the rendering industry, including used cooking oil theft, science and safety models for industry accountability and a forward-looking discussion on emerging challenges and opportunities, followed by a closing panel discussion. To view the agenda, click here.

The 2026 IPPE will be held Jan. 27 – 29 and is a collaboration of three trade shows – the International Feed Expo, International Poultry Expo and International Meat Expo – representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by USPOULTRY, the American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute.

For more information about IPPE, including registration details, lodging and other education offerings, visit ippexpo.org.