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Spain has officially submitted its application to host IPVS & ESPHM 2028, an event that will bring together two of the leading international scientific meetings for the swine sector in a single edition: the International Pig Veterinary Society Congress (IPVS) and the European Symposium of Porcine Health Management (ESPHM). The proposal foresees the congress taking place from June 20 to 23, 2028 at IFEMA Madrid, reinforcing the Spanish capital as one of the major international meeting points for the sector.
The bidding comes at a particularly significant moment, as it would mark the return of IPVS to Spain 40 years after the congress was last held in the country, reflecting the evolution and international positioning achieved by the Spanish swine sector in recent decades.
Today, Spain stands as one of the driving forces of the global swine industry. With more than 2.65 million sows, making it the largest producer in the European Union, the country has consolidated its position as an international benchmark thanks to its production capacity, high level of professionalization and economic relevance. In this context, Spain presents itself as “a country that lives pig production”, where swine production is not only an economic activity, but an essential part of its identity and production model.
This leadership is built on a unique trajectory that combines tradition and progress. Spain has a strong livestock heritage that, over time, has evolved into a modern, efficient and sustainable production model. From its origins to the present day, the sector has developed highly professionalized systems integrating sustainability, animal welfare and public health principles. This vision is reflected in the proposed congress theme: “Sustainability and One Health: the swine way forward”, which focuses on the integration of productivity, environmental management and global health.
At the same time, the bid highlights Spain’s role as an international meeting point for the swine sector. Its strategic location, connectivity with Europe, Latin America and Asia, and strong organizational capabilities make it an ideal setting to host an event of this scale. As a host city, Madrid offers world-class infrastructure through IFEMA, as well as excellent transport connections and services. The joint celebration of IPVS and ESPHM further strengthens this vision, creating a unique platform for exchange between the scientific community, the production sector and industry stakeholders.
Beyond the scientific program, Spain offers attendees a distinctive experience. Its climate, culture, gastronomy — where pork plays a central role through iconic products such as Iberian ham — and its open and welcoming mindset contribute to making participation in the congress much more than a professional event, turning it into a complete experience that combines knowledge, networking and quality of life.
The official designation of the host city will be confirmed during the next edition of IPVS, to be held from June 16 to 19, 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), where the international swine community will gather to decide the location of the 2028 congress.
With this bid, Spain aims to position itself as the place where the global swine community comes together once again, combining knowledge, innovation and experience in an environment prepared to host one of the most important events on the international calendar.
This bid is supported by ANAPORC and INTERPORC, together with a broad group of representative organizations from the Spanish swine sector, including ASICI, ANPROGAPOR, ANAVEPOR, ANVEPI, ARAPORC, FEPORCYL, VETERINDUSTRIA, ACNV, ANICE, I+PORC, INNOVACC, PORCAT, UAB, CDVE, Universidad de Zaragoza, UAX (Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio), UCO (Universidad de Córdoba), CEU UCH (CEU Cardenal Herrera University).
May 2026 - ANAPORC and INTERPORC
