PMA Fresh Summit runs October 14-16 in Florida

More than 20,000 attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors from over 60 countries are expected at the biggest ever PMA Fresh Summit Convention and Expo, being held October 14-16 in Florida.

Once again, this seminal event offers the opportunity to meet with experts, leaders and decision makers from every link of the fresh produce and floral supply chains, as well as to discover how today’s bright ideas are poised to reshape tomorrow’s produce and floral landscape.

The Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, will be the venue for the 2016 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, which the organisers, the Produce Marketing Association, describe as “the most important event of the year for the fresh industry.”

“Fresh Summit has everyone you want to see all in one place. It is the place to make connections, build relationships, see new trends and innovations, and grow your business,” a PMA spokesperson said.

Attendees can personalise their Fresh Summit experience by connecting to one or more of the following communities most closely matching their business interests: Global Connections, Science & Technology, Industry Talent, Issues Leadership, and Floral.

“Once a year our industry reunites in an atmosphere perfect for catching up with our business relationships and developing the proper connections to help this industry grow,” said Scot Olson, who is Grocery Outlet Director of Produce & Floral and also the PMA Fresh Summit Committee chairman.

“Exhibiting is a notable option to take advantage of during an event as widely known as PMA’s Fresh Summit,” said Kevin Steiner, who is director of Business Development of Sage Fruit Company as well as the PMA exhibitor advisory committee chairman. “Exhibitors can have their products and services seen by potential customers and business partners, but ultimately it serves an empowering opportunity to meet with those prospects face-to-face and build those long-lasting relationships.”

Fresh Summit participants will connect with professionals throughout the global supply chain and learn what’s driving today’s produce industry from thought leaders around the world.
Attendees can identify new product innovations, gain new marketing/merchandising ideas that will appeal to today’s consumers and discover solutions that address today’s business challenges.

And this year, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Leadership Breakfast will be offering an unparalleled opportunity for women and men in produce to learn and network together.

The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA will continue its 10th anniversary celebration at Fresh Summit. It’s “attract, develop and retain” mission will be on full display at Fresh Summit, for example in addition to the WFP Leadership Breakfast, the Centre for Growing Talent will host Pack Family Career Pathways to expose leading university students to career opportunities in the fresh produce and floral industry.

The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA will also host a networking reception for young professionals, one face-to-face component of our year-round activities for young professionals. The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA’s fundraising 5K Race for Talent is always a fun event, for individuals or teams; Attendees will want to register early for this too, because it tends to sell out.

“Fresh Summit becomes the center of the produce and floral marketing universe every October. It’s where contacts are formed, trends are revealed, ideas are exchanged and careers are made.

“Don’t miss the future of fresh,” the PMA said.