United Fresh Produce Association Shifts Again to Reimagine Industry Events
April 22, 2021 With continued limitation on conventions and expos due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Fresh Produce Association is launching “Reimagine Connections,” a new program bringing members together in-person at smaller regional events, and online for education, networking, and innovation events.
According to United Fresh, Reimagine Connections will deliver:
- A series of smaller in-person regional events where members can gather and build relationships;
- An online education and networking portfolio that truly serves the business needs of the industry; and,
- A new opportunity for companies to host their own Innovation Spotlight Broadcasts to connect with clients and colleagues about new products, business solutions and services.
“We’re very disappointed California requirements will not allow us to host our trade show in Los Angeles this June,” says United Fresh Chairman Michael Muzyk, President of Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc. “We had looked forward to partnering this year with the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, and appreciate their collaboration and hard work in building what might have been our largest show ever.
“But once again, United Fresh is re-inventing the member experience to connect in new ways. Combining a new portfolio of top education, networking and innovation sessions with a series of in-person regional events allows us to Reimagine Connections across our industry.”
In-Person Regional Events
As local conditions permit, United Fresh will host safe education and networking events in several cities this summer. “We know that members are anxious to see each other, so we’re bringing that opportunity to them,” says United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel.
A schedule of dates and locations for United Fresh regional events will be forthcoming, together with information about how to register and/or sponsor these events.
Online Education/Networking
Registration will open May 1 for a series of online education and networking sessions that complement the in-person events. Online education and networking will take a deep dive into five unique tracks throughout the spring and summer, including:
- Produce 101 – Orientation to the Fresh Produce Supply Chain
- Key Issues in Produce Safety
- BrandStorm™ Continued – Marketing as Key to Increasing Sales
- Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges to Profitability
- Top-to-Top Retail-Foodservice Dialogues for Success
Each track will have a minimum of five individual one-hour sessions, for a total of 25 sessions. Registration will be available for each track for $400. Access to all five tracks is $1,500, a $500 savings. Companies can receive three full packages for members of their team for $4,000, an additional $500 savings. And for those companies who want to make this a total team event, a $10,000 package enables a company to have unlimited staff access to these programs.
Innovation Spotlight Broadcasts
“We know that everyone is tired of virtual expos, where “exhibitors” have to wait patiently for someone to visit their “booth,” says John Toner, United Fresh’s Vice President of Convention & Industry Collaboration. “But we also know that new product development and innovation are the lifeline to the future – and buyers want to see what’s new. So, we’re offering companies the opportunity to host their own live, interactive presentations online.”
The Innovation Spotlight Broadcasts are a more creative way for companies to connect personally with buyers who want to see new produce items, what’s new in packaging, or even future technologies to streamline operations. A limited number of Innovation Spotlight Broadcasts will be available at a cost of $4,000 for a 45-minute session.
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