If you ask the students at the 2025 National Student Leaders Connecting Conference (SLC), it looks like innovation, opportunity, and strong support from our industry partners. This year’s SLC brought together some of the brightest student leaders in meat science for two packed days of hands-on learning, meaningful networking, and career exploration.

Day one started strong with a welcome at the American Royal Association Complex before heading out to tour Triumph Foods, Daily’s Meats, Multivac, Weber, and UltraSource. Besides the behind the scenes look at each business, Q & A sessions enhance the learning. Lunch was provided by Multivac.

On day two, we joined the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) Conference, where students heard an energizing keynote from Dan Meers, the KC Wolf, mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. Students then dove into "The Evolution of Meat Processing" session organized by AMSA, learning about diverse careers in Production & Continuous Improvement, Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory, and Marketing & Product Development from individuals who gave time to share details about their job role and career path. 

We capped it off with time in the AAMP Exhibit Hall and a visit from Corbion representatives, who shared insight into the company's role in the industry and exciting job opportunities.

To all the companies who opened your doors, shared your time, and invested in the next generation of meat science leaders: THANK YOU!! Your support makes experiences like this possible.