NEWARK, DE – The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced that Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack founder, will be the keynote presenter at PMA’s 2018 Foodservice Conference & Expo.

With 32 years in the hospitality industry and a widely recognized business and humanitarian leader, innovator, and influencer in the foodservice world, Meyer will address innovation in his keynote address, kicking off a refreshed conference and expo that features the new theme, “Growing Appetites,” a new schedule, and new format in the recently renovated Monterey Conference Center.

“We are so thrilled Danny Meyer is joining us as our keynote speaker,” said Brent Scattini, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Mission Produce and Co-Chair of PMA’s Foodservice Conference volunteer committee. “Danny is a well-regarded, dynamic, savvy business person, a veteran in the restaurant industry, and will have much to offer our conference participants in the way of inspiration and actionable ideas.”

In the span of his career, Meyer has earned the prestigious Julia Child Award in 2017; made TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list in 2015; is a best-selling business author of the 2006 book “Setting the Table,” which examines the power of hospitality in restaurants, business, and life and was featured on CBS News’ 60 Minutes; and is a leader in the fight against hunger in the United States.

Union Square Hospitality Group is comprised of some of New York City’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Union Square Café–which Meyer founded in 1985 at the age of 27–Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and more. Collectively, Meyer and chefs at his restaurants have earned an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards.

Meyer, as an active national leader in the fight against hunger, also serves on the board of Share Our Strength and has long supported hunger relief initiatives, including City Harvest and God’s Love We Deliver.

According to a press release, this year’s Foodservice Conference and Expo is a consolidated two-day program chock full of general sessions, networking receptions, an expanded Buyer Roundtables program, a Hands-on Training session, the Center for Growing Talent’s (CGT) Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception, and endless floor space with exhibits and lounges where attendees can connect with peers and see and experience the latest innovations and trends in foodservice.

“PMA and our Foodservice Committee are excited and energized by the fresh, new, bold approach we are taking at this year’s conference and expo,” said Jill Overdorf, Co-Chair of PMA’s Foodservice Conference volunteer committee and Director, Business Development with Naturipe Value Added Fresh. “New activities are planned. Our speakers are dynamic. The committee has worked to design this event to elevate our game, and each change has been implemented to help participants–buyers and suppliers alike–grow their appetites for fresh produce in foodservice.”

This year’s show will also feature the return of traditional favorites like the CGT Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, Bocce for Talent Tournament, 5K Race for Talent, and CGT’s Career Pathways program activities, which introduce university students to industry career opportunities, with some schedule changes from past years.

Registration opened March 8, and additional information will be released soon. Set for July 28-29 and held in Monterey, CA, don’t miss out on the 2018 Foodservice Conference and Expo. For more news like this, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

PMA