A Defining Week at PEAK 2026: Leadership, Momentum, and What Comes Next
Wrapping up another powerful week at PEAK, the largest poultry convention in North America, one thing is always clear, this industry is built on people.
When you bring together producers, partners, innovators, and leaders from across the country, something shifts. Conversations deepen. Ideas sharpen. Relationships strengthen. And you’re reminded very quickly just how resilient and forward-moving the poultry industry truly is.
Following a highly successful PEAK 2026, the Midwest Poultry Federation announced a major leadership transition, naming Blake Van Denburgh as its new President.
For Blake, founder of Feliz Inc., the role is both an honor and a responsibility.
“I am incredibly honored to step into the role as President of the Midwest Poultry Federation for the next two PEAK shows. I’m grateful for the team around me and the opportunity to help continue growing something that means a lot to this industry and to me personally.”
More Than a Trade Show
PEAK has never been just about the show floor.
Yes, the turnout matters, and 2026 delivered in a big way, but what continues to set PEAK apart is the depth behind it:
Industry education sessions
Nutrition and research-driven conversations
Collaboration with organizations like the Egg Industry Center
Ongoing innovation in organic and sustainable production
This is where real progress happens. Not just in presentations, but in the conversations between them.
It’s also why the Federation made a major long-term commitment: PEAK will remain in Minneapolis for the next nine years, giving the industry consistency, stability, and space to plan ahead.
Built on Relationships That Actually Move Things Forward
Weeks like this don’t just reflect the state of the industry, they reveal where it’s going.
From a business perspective, PEAK 2026 reinforced something even bigger:
The future belongs to companies that combine strategy with execution.
At Feliz Inc., that means focusing on:
Real operational strategy
Meaningful partnerships
Solutions that work in the field and not just on paper
Whether it’s management support, operational clarity, or animal health solutions, the goal is simple: create impact that actually holds up in real-world conditions.
The Rise of Smarter, More Strategic Marketing
At the same time, another shift is happening, one that’s impossible to ignore.
The businesses gaining traction aren’t just good at what they do.
They’ve caught up with the times and they’re clear about it.
That’s where Studio Cherry Marketing comes in.
Studio Cherry is building a creative engine that helps businesses get clear, get seen, and get chosen by:
Clarifying their message and strengthening their digital presence
Moving businesses and organizations towards modern marketing strategies
Helping brands show up consistently across platforms
Turning attention into actual opportunity
Because in today’s landscape, being good isn’t enough, people need to understand why.
Staying Connected Beyond the Show Floor
One of the best parts of PEAK isn’t just the event itself, it’s what continues after.
Voices like Gretta Irwin and Sheila Larson on the Turkey Talk podcast (Iowa Turkey Federation) are helping extend those conversations year-round, keeping the industry informed, connected, and evolving.
And for those who didn’t connect this year, there’s always what comes next.
Looking Ahead
If PEAK 2026 proved anything, it’s this:
The poultry industry isn’t slowing down, it’s getting sharper, more collaborative, and more intentional.
From leadership transitions to long-term commitments, from operational strategy to modern marketing, the foundation is being laid for what’s next.
And the momentum is real.
Real Strategy. Real Relationships. Real Influence.
Upcoming PEAK Dates (Minneapolis Convention Center)
2027 — April 20–22
2028 — April 4–6
2029 — April 17–19
2030 — April 9–11
2031 — April 8–10
2032 — April 13–15
2033 — April 5–7
2034 — April 4–6
2035 — April 10–12
If you connected this week, thank you.
If not, there’s still time.
Because the most important part of weeks like this…
is what comes next.
