Industry Meetings & Events

While the global dairy industry is meeting in Madison, the city is proud to host the National 4-H Dairy Conference in conjunction with World Dairy Expo.

Expo attendees can also benefit from a variety of special industry hosted seminars and meetings. Most of these events are free with Expo admission and offer an opportunity to meet and talk with fellow producers from down the road or around the globe.

For additional information about these events, please contact the hosting company. To locate these meeting spaces, download the WDE Mobile Event App.

The 2026 industry meetings and events are below! 

Career Connections
Hosted by: World Dairy Expo & National Dairy Shrine
Monday, September 28 in Atrium, Exhibition Hall

Looking for something new professionally or struggling with where to begin? Career Connections is your tool to connect with job and internship opportunities in the dairy industry! Through Careers Connections, high school and college students as well as young dairy professionals will connect with World Dairy Expo's commercial exhibitors, sponsors, Dairy Cattle Show exhibitors.

Registration information coming soon.

National Dairy Shrine Reception and Awards Banquet
Hosted by: National Dairy Shrine
Monday, September 28 in Mendota 1-4, Exhibition Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The annual awards banquet highlights the past, present and future of the dairy world. Students receive numerous scholarships, current dairy leaders are honored for their success and prominent dairy leaders are honored for their lifetime of work by their election into the National Dairy Hall of Fame. 

*Ticket Required. Order tickets here.

Spark '26: Igniting Connection in Dairy Tech
Hosted by: Nedap
Wednesday, September 30 in Kegonsa, Exhibition Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Spark '26: Igniting Connection in Dairy Tech brings together the people, partnerships, and technologies shaping the future of dairy farming. As part of a global series hosted in key dairy regions, this session explores how Nedap is connecting animal monitoring, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and seamless integrations to create smarter, more connected workflows on the farm. Hear firsthand from a leading U.S. dairy veterinarian at the forefront of technology-enhanced lameness monitoring, alongside dairy producers and industry experts, as they share practical insights and real-world experiences. Come curious, leave inspired with new ideas to take technology—and your farm—to the next level.

A No-Withdrawal Strategy for Udder Health throughout Lactation: Data from a US Dairy
Hosted by: OZOLEA Rete Agricola
Wednesday, September 30 in Mendota 3, Exhibition Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

One of the most frequently asked questions on OZOLEA's strategy for udder health is about when to apply it. The answer is: from early postpartum to drying off. There is a deluge of situations for the mammary epithelial tissue requiring a physical support for restored self-defence and production. This year, after introducing the key highlights on OZOLEA-MAST, Prof. Heins of University of Minnesota will show the benefits of intervention with OZOLEA in early lactation. 

Science That Pays: Research to Improve Dairy ROI
Hosted by: BouMatic
Wednesday, September 30 in Waubesa, Exhibition Hall from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

BouMatic and Cornell University are collaborating on research focused on transition cow health and the diseases that can impact cows during this critical period. The study is examining key areas including milk composition, reproductive management, and early indicators of health challenges. By identifying actionable insights and predictive measures, the research aims to improve herd health, productivity, and overall management practices. Ultimately, the goal is to develop solutions that help dairy producers maximize profitability and return on investment.

Julio Giordano is the director of the Dairy Cattle Biology and Management Laboratory at Cornell University, the director of the Cornell Agricultural Systems Testbed (CAST) and Demonstration Site for the Farm of the Future, and a co-director of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture (CIDA).

Dr. Angela Kinney, DVM, is a highly experienced and results-driven veterinarian with over two decades of expertise in dairy production medicine, veterinary practice, and consulting. Dr. Kinney is the on-staff veterinarian for BouMatic.

International Buyers Workshop
Hosted by: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Thursday, October 1 in Mendota 3, Exhibition Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Are you an international guest looking to find a source of high-quality U.S. genetics? Then this event is for you! We will be hosting a matchmaking session with high-quality U.S. Cattle, Semen, and embryo suppliers. You will be matched with the appropriate supplier and have a short meeting to learn more about their products, and how they could better fulfill your needs. Sign-up is required to complete the matchmaking process. 

Registration Info and Sign-Up: https://forms.office.com/g/JKX7ebJWpZ

GENEstream Experience: The Future of Dairy is Now
Hosted by: STgenetics
Thursday, October 1 in Kegonsa, Exhibition Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What will it take to build a stronger, more productive future for dairy? Join Juan F. Moreno for a forward-looking conversation on efficiency, profitability, labor, sustainability, and the ideas and technologies shaping what comes next.

Featured presentations include:

• Design the Future Today: Define the genetics that will shape your future herd with Sara Westberry – Genetic Services Leader.
• Invest Where It Matters: Build a sustainable herd with Ecofeed® and genetic traits designed for stronger returns with Jocelyn Johnson, PhD – Livestock Sustainability Manager.
• Multiply Your Advantage: Maximize every breeding decision with advanced reproductive technologies with Kevin Ziemba – Global Applied Genetic Consulting Manager.
• Manage the Future with Farmfit®: Turn genetic potential into lifetime performance through precision management with Mitch Hockett, PhD – Director of Farmfit Products.

Registration Info: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/27zbEWStTQ 

Optimizing Milk to Meet Market Demand
Hosted by: National Young Cooperators Program
Thursday, October 1 in Mendota 4, Exhibition Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Join the National Young Cooperators Program for a session on how dairy farmers are optimizing milk production to meet evolving market demands. As cooperatives and processors place greater value on components like butterfat, protein and other solids, producers must balance herd genetics, nutrition and management to stay competitive. A panel of experts in economics, genetics, nutrition and dairy production will explore strategies to improve profitability, enhance component output and respond to market signals more effectively.

Election Preview: How Shifts in Washington Could Reshape Dairy Policy
Hosted by: National Milk Producers Federation
Thursday, October 1 in Mendota 4, Exhibition Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

As the November elections approach, this session will examine key races and their potential impact on federal dairy policy. It will also explore how shifts in Congress could reshape the policy landscape for dairy farmers and how advocacy strategies, coalition-building and messaging may need to evolve in response to post-election dynamics.

SimpleSynch:  Simplifying Reproduction Without Sacrificing Results
Hosted by: Parnell
Thursday, October 1 in Mendota 2, Exhibition Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How a simplified synchronization protocol can optimize labor while delivering reproductive performance comparable to Double Ovsynch.

Dr. Wiltbank and Dr. Andrade will discuss a study they recently completed on the effect of treatment compliance on pregnancy per artificial insemination in lactating dairy cows enrolled in a newly developed ovulation synchronization protocol, SimpleSynch.

Brad Kolstad will discuss Parnell's part in the newly developed SimpleSynch and how mySYNCH fits into this new synchronization protocol.

The speakers for this session will be:

• Dr. Milo C Wiltbank, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Full Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences
• Dr. JP Andrade, Texas A&M, Assistant Professor of Animal Science
• Brad Kolstad, Parnell, Senior Technical Service Manager

International Dairy Short Course
Hosted by: Global Cow and Global Dairy Outreach
Friday, October 2 in Monona/Wingra Rooms in the Exhibition Hall, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

On Friday, October 2^nd, three experts will talk with international guests about key management topics.  The short course is entirely free, paid for by generous sponsorships from World Dairy Expo, Parnell, Zoetis, Pioneer, Holstein Association USA and Hoards’ Dairyman.  Registration is requested as space is limited in the Wingra-Monona rooms, located on the second floor of the Exhibition Hall. 

At 8:45 AM, Dr. Nigel Cook from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine will focus on “Maximizing a Cow’s Healthspan Through Optimized Cow Comfort.”  At 10:00 AM, Dr. Paul Fricke, professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, will speak on “Foundational Reproduction Programs for Dairy Herds.”  The final presentation is from Dr. Kenneth Katscheur, research animal scientist at the USDA Forage Research Center; it is “Fiber Management for Feed Efficiency and Nutrient Management on Dairy Farms.” 

To learn more and to register visit the Global Cow website.