The half-day Feed Mill of the Future Conference, organized in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed mill technologies and processes that will impact animal feed manufacturing in the years ahead. 
Organized by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines
The 2026 edition will be held on January 27, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Feed Mill of the Future Conference
Call for Innovations: oral presentations
Submission instructions and criteria for abstracts
Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines are seeking abstracts from potential speakers at the upcoming Feed Mill of the Future Conference, held on January 27, 2026. The half-day event is organized by WATT Global Media’s Feed Brands in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) 2026.
Submission deadline: Sept. 17, 2025
Click here to begin the submission process.
What you need to know
All abstracts submitted should be exclusive to the Feed Mill of the Future Conference and be based on new and/or innovative research or information. Potential speakers are invited to submit non-commercial abstracts on the following topic categories:
Topics
- Alternative energy
- Animal health & nutrition
- Artificial intelligence (AI) applications
- Automated systems
- Biosecurity
- Circular economics
- Consumer trends
- Cost reduction
- Energy efficiency
- Feed mill optimization
- Feed manufacturing equipment
- Feed safety
- Labor
- New technologies
- Novel ingredients
- Robotics
- Smart manufacturing
- Sustainability
- Traceability
- Transportation & logistics
- Testing & analysis
Please do not submit an abstract if you will not be able to attend the 2026 Feed Mill of the Future Conference and/or the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta, Ga., USA.
Abstract specifications
If possible, limit the abstract to 300 words; however, the length of the abstract is less important than the need for it to sufficiently explain the topic, especially how it is unique or based on new information.
The potential speaker’s expertise in or knowledge of the topic should also be clear. Finally, it is helpful to include a concise list of three to five useful “take-home points.”
We recommend organizing the body of the abstract as follows:
- Abstract title and name, title and organization of corresponding author/potential speaker
- Select up to three topic categories from the list above
- Purpose/objective of the presentation
- Concise list of 3-4 useful take-home points
- Information presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusions and take-home points, plus how the topic is unique or based on new information
- 50- to 100-word biography of the potential presenter, including expertise on the topic submitted
- Address, telephone number and e-mail address of the corresponding author
Abstracts must be received no later than September 17, 2025. After this deadline, any papers submitted will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They may still be evaluated; or it may simply be too late.
Abstract submission
To submit an abstract, please visit the Feed Mill of the Future Call for Innovations portal. All information regarding must be completed and loaded into Cvent form to be considered.
WATT’s Feed Group has assembled an advisory board of feed industry experts will evaluate all submissions for:
- Relevance of topic;
- Presence of new or innovative information, concepts or research: Originality is key, so please be sure your abstract gives a good idea of how your topic is unique and/or based on new research findings or work not found elsewhere;
- Proposed speaker’s experience or background with the topic;
- Lack of commercialization or promotion — it is crucial that the paper/presentation does not come across as a sales pitch, seeking to promote your organization or product(s);
- Evidence of previous speaking experience.
Each submission is evaluated on its own merits against these criteria but also in relation to other papers received and to how many sessions are scheduled for a given topic area, e.g. it is highly unlikely two papers on the same or a very similar subject would be selected for presentations. We seek to present a balance of timely topics as well as ensure particular areas of high industry importance and popularity are sufficiently covered.
No abstract will be considered if it seems commercial or if it has been published or presented prior to the Feed Mill of the Future Conference. Abstracts similar in title or content to previously presented material should include significant new information.
After submissions are reviewed
If your abstract is chosen, you will receive a PowerPoint template to use to create your presentation, including a set range of slides and recommended amount of information or bullet points to include on each slide. Please use and follow this template.
Authors will be required to sign a copyright release to permit publication of the abstract.
About the Feed Mill of the Future Conference
The half-day event brings together leading feed industry experts to examine emerging feed industry trends and new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), that will impact how animal feed is manufactured in the years ahead. Feed milling professionals will leave with a better understanding of how innovation and early adoption will help their business achieve its sustainability, productivity and profitability goals.
The conference is organized and presented by Feed Strategy and Feed & Grain magazines, in partnership with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE).