Our congress is the premier conference for researchers and professionals involved in genetic improvement of livestock. Delegates from around the world gather every four years to attend the scientific program and to network with colleagues. This 11th WCGALP builds on previous successful congresses in Madrid (Spain, 1974 and 1982), Lincoln (USA, 1986), Edinburgh (UK, 1990), Guelph (Canada, 1994), Armidale (Australia, 1998), Montpellier (France, 2002), Belo Horizonte (Brazil, 2006), Leipzig (Germany, 2010) and Vancouver (Canada, 2014).