2 DAYS OF Processing smarter, not harder
Innovation and Resilience in Meat Processing will be the focus of our 2026 convention, taking place May 1–2, 2026, in Fargo, North Dakota. This event is for anyone passionate about strengthening and supporting the meat industry across our state and region. We’re excited to welcome butchers, producers, plant managers, vendors, and people who are invested in the future of meat processing who value connection, education, and forward-thinking solutions.
This two-day conference will feature keynote speakers, a product show, a plant tour, a bags tournament, a social hour, and more. We’re packing the event with innovative ideas, practical insights, and engaging experiences designed to inspire resilience and growth within the industry. Register today!
WHEN
MAY 1-2
2026
WHERE
FARGO
HOLIDAY INN & NDSU
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
SPEAKERS
PRODUCT SHOW
TRADE SHOW BANQUET
ANNUAL MEETING
BAGS TOURNAMENT
SPEAKER LINEUP
We’ve got a solid speaker lineup that includes industry leaders across the state and country who will cover many of the issues facing small and medium sized meat processors today. LINEUP COMING SOON!
LOCATIONS & ACCOMODATIONS
The convention will primarily take place at the Holiday Inn in Fargo (3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103).
The sleeping room block is open for reservations. The cutoff date for reservations is March 31st.
Please see the options below for booking:
- Online Reservations: Use this link to access the custom reservation page: ND Association of Meat Processors
Click the “View Prices” button at the top of the screen, then select your desired dates of stay. - Phone Reservations: Attendees may call the hotel directly at 701-282-2700 (Option 0). Please ask for the North Dakota Association of Meat Processors Room Block to secure your reservation.
About the venue
The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. We have a block of rooms available to book starting Thursday, May 1st. Reservations may be made directly with the hotel at 701-660-8063.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: May 2
8am-12:30PM
VENDOR TRADESHOW SETUP
Suppliers with a booth are allowed to set up starting at 7am. Location TBD.
8:00am – 9:00AM
REGISTRATION
Check in at registration to receive your badge and get your materials for convention. Plant members will also submit your product for the product show here.
9:00am – 9:15AM
WELCOME
Gather as a group to hear from the NDAMP Board.
9:15am – 12:00PM
SPEAKER SESSIONS
- 9:15-10:30: Nathan Kroh and Todd Erickson, State Department
- -10 minute break-
- 10:40-12:00: David Zarling, Niche Meat Processors
- THANKS TO FULL FLAVOR FARMS FOR SPONSORING DAVID’S SESSION!
12:00 – 1:00PM
LUNCH
Toasted Wraps and sides available for those who signed up for lunch while registering.
1:00 – 3:00PM
VENDOR TRADESHOW
Connect with suppliers and see their exhibitions at the tradeshow.
3:00 – 6:00PM
PLANT TOURS
Tours available for those who signed up during registration. We will visit a market and a packing plant. Transportation details to come!
6:00PM
LAUGHING SUN AXE THROWING AND FOOD
Join the board for dinner, drinks and a good time at Laughing Sun.
Day 2: May 3
9:00 – 9:30AM
REGISTRATION
Check in at registration if you’re only attending the second day of convention.
9:30AM – 12:00PM
SPEAKER SESSION
9:30-10:20: Drew Lorenz, We R Food Safety
-10 minute break
10:30-12:00: American Meat Science Assoc., Dr. Robert Maddock, Panel Discussion
12:00 -1:30PM
LUNCH/ANNUAL MEETING
All Plant and Supplier Members are invited to attend the annual meeting. The Wagon Train Buffet also available for those who signed up while registering.
1:30 – 4:00PM
VENDOR TRADESHOW
Connect with suppliers and see their exhibitions at the tradeshow.
4:00 – 5:00pm
BREAK
5:00 – 7:00PM
BANQUET
Attend the banquet for a delicious meal and to see the annual awards, scholarship awardee, auction for the scholarship fundraiser grand champion, and announcing the new board
7:00pm
FUNDRAISER BAG TOURNEY
Compete in the annual NDAMP bag tourney to raise funds for the scholarship program!
Thank you to our bag tourney sponsors!
MAY 2
DAY 1
MAY 3
DAY 2
8:00AM - 12:30PM
9:00 - 9:30AM
Additional Vendor TRADESHOW Setup Time
Suppliers with a booth are allowed to set up starting at 7am on Friday morning.
We are offering EARLY SETUP for any of you coming in on THURSDAY afternoon (specific times TBD). This will allow you to visit with our members during the 8am registration time on Friday.
Registration
Check in at registration if you’re only attending the second day of convention.
8:00 - 9:00AM
9:30am -12:00pm
Registration
Check in at registration table to receive your badge and get your materials for convention. Plant members will also submit your product for the product show here.
speaker SESSION
9:30-10:20: Drew Lorenz, We R Food Safety
-10 minute break-
10:30-12:00: American Meat Science Assoc., Dr. Robert Maddock, Panel Discussion
9:00 - 9:15AM
12:00 - 1:30PM
welcome
Gather as a group to hear from the NDAMP Board.
lunch & Annual Meeting
All Plant and Supplier Members are invited to attend the annual meeting. The Wagon Train Buffet also available for those who signed up while registering.
9:15AM - 12:00pm
1:30pm - 4:00pm
speaker SESSIONS
9:15-10:30: Nathan Kroh and Todd Erickson, State Department
-10 minute break-
10:40-12:00: David Zarling, Niche Meat Processors
THANKS TO FULL FLAVOR FARMS FOR SPONSORING DAVID’S SESSION.
VENDOR TRADESHOW
Connect with suppliers and see their exhibitions at the tradeshow.
12:00-1:00Pm
4:00-5:00pm
lunch break
Toasted Wraps and sides available for those who signed up for lunch while registering.
BREAK
1:00-3:00Pm
5:00 - 7:00pm
VENDOR TRADESHOW
Connect with suppliers and see their exhibitions at the tradeshow.
BANQUET
Attend the banquet for a delicious meal and to see the annual awards, scholarship awardee, auction for the scholarship fundraiser grand champion, and announce the new board.
3:00-6:00Pm
7:00pm
PLANT TOURS
Tours available for those who signed up during registration. We will be visiting John’s Meat Market and M&W Beef Packers Inc. Transportation details to come!
FUNDRAISER BAG TOURNEY
Compete in the annual NDAMP bag tourney to raise funds for the scholarship program!
THANK YOU TO OUR BAG TOURNEY SPONSORS!
6:00Pm
END OF CONFERENCE
LAUGHING SUN AXE THROWING AND FOOD
Join the board for dinner, drinks and a good time at Laughing Sun Brewery.
THANKS FOR ATTENDING!
PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOP
We’re excited to announce our first-ever NDAMP workshop opportunity at the 2026 convention.* We’re bringing back the one and only David Zarling, Program Manager for Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, and speaker at our 2025 convention. The workshop is called “Living Within the Margins: Costing and Pricing for Small Meat Processors: How to price products and services so your business actually makes money”. This will take place on Thursday, April 30th. MORE INFO COMING SOON.
*Workshop sign-up is included within the convention registration form and is open to NDAMP Processor Members ONLY until March 15, 2026. If spots remain after the 15th, registration will open to the public.
PRODUCT SHOW
All Processor Members are welcome to participate in the product show with be recognized at the banquet.
TRADESHOW
All Vendor Members are welcome to participate in the tradeshow with the opportunity to set up a booth and showcase your products to everyone at the convention. Most sponsorship levels include a booth in their sponsorship benefits.
CONVENTION GIVEAWAY
Each plant to register for convention will be entered into a drawing to win a VC999 Packaging Systems (Model: CM1013).*
*RULES: Must be a member in good standing with North Dakota Association of Meat Processors. One entry per registration for the 2025 NDAMP Convention. Must be present to win. Winner to be announced at the 2025 NDAMP members annual meeting.
Conference sponsors
Please review the various sponsorship opportunities at the button below. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you can sign up for a specific sponsorship level within the convention registration form, or you can email us at ndampconvention@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting NDAMP!
PLATINUM
PRIME RIB
THIS COULD BE YOU!
GOLD
T-bone STEAK
THIS COULD BE YOU!
SILVER
SIRLOIN STEAK
THIS COULD BE YOU!
BRONZE
ROUND STEAK
