WASHINGTON, DC - The United Fresh Produce Association has announced that registration for the United Fresh 2019 Convention & Expo is officially open. This year, a Convention Committee of over 40 industry leaders are switching things up, revamping the show, and touting the expo as one that will change the way attendees and exhibitors do business—so mosey on over to registration to be sure your name is on the list!

Tom Stenzel, President and CEO, United Fresh“We’re excited to gather with our attendee and exhibitor communities this June to experience the energy of United Fresh 2019 in Chicago,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “The infusion of excitement this year throughout our education, networking, and expo activities allow industry decision-makers to discover a total store solution driven in a dynamic environment. By bringing industry partners together through new programs like the Partner X-Change, we are helping the fresh produce industry grow in consumer impact, direct sales, and consumption, and of course, profitability.”

This year, the show takes place on June 10-12, in the North Hall of McCormick Place in Chicago. The event kicks off at noon on Monday with a Produce Outlook General Session, in which industry leading CEOs will offer their predictions for the future of our industry. The session will then be followed by an afternoon of workshops on buzzy topics relating to job function and business type and the big Opening Party, which this year is held at Chicago’s Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier.

Greg Corrigan, Senior Director of Produce & Floral, Raley’s, and Convention Committee Chairman, United Fresh “This year’s enhancements have been strategically positioned to ensure all attendees see added value in their participation at United Fresh,” said Greg Corrigan, Senior Director of Produce & Floral at Raley’s Family of Fine Stores and United Fresh Convention Committee Chairman. “I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to build new relationships through the Partner X-Change program, and to then further develop those relationships on the show floor.”

According to a press release, a few of the new networking activities that will be featured at United Fresh 2019 include:

• The Partner X-Change, a B2B matchmaking program where buying and selling communities will come together throughout the afternoon for meetings, engaging new retail and foodservice operators to present new products, pitch new programs and develop new relationships
• VIP attendees will depart McCormick Place following the new Partner X-Change, to travel to the United Fresh Opening Party on a VIP Cruise on Lake Michigan
• Tuesday evening, the inaugural United Fresh Late Night at House of Blues is where attendees will gather to celebrate the first day of the expo with an evening of entertainment and energy in downtown Chicago

This year, attendees can also return to the Listeria Learning Lab—a hands-on educational workshop connecting industry peers with the products and services that support their Listeria prevention efforts.

The ribbon cutting ceremony kicking off United Fresh 2018's trade show floor

In addition, prior to each expo day, United Fresh is offering General Session Breakfasts, which will focus on setting the tone for the event before the show floor opens up for business. On Tuesday, attendees will have the opportunity to tip their hats to the graduating United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Class 24 fellows. On Wednesday, attendees will then get the chance to toast this year’s Woman in Produce honoree, hear her story, and learn from a panel of past honorees at the Women in Produce Breakfast General Session.

The press release also noted that the following include a few trade show floor opportunities to look forward to:

• The United Fresh Expo which will continue to address the innovative solutions in the industry in response to the challenges faced throughout the supply chain. The expo will showcase the latest developments in technology, robotics, and other supply chain solutions and marketing and product development trends that have consumers adding fresh fruit and vegetables to their carts in grocery stores across the country
• SmartFood will return to United Fresh as part of the expo floor. This B2B event, focused entirely on better-for-you nutrition across all food and beverage categories, will allow fresh produce companies to find new collaborations and be exposed to more retail and foodservice buyers than even before
• Global Cold Chain Expo, now in its fourth year, provides tech solutions to ensure quality control throughout the cold chain from field to table. Attendees will experience and find innovation throughout the full supply chain, ensuring improved cold chain services and food safety and quality maintenance and accountability
• Enhanced educational opportunities will be taking place during the two days of the expo. In addition to the return of the X-Change Sessions, the facilitated discussions that gather like-minded professionals to a dialogue on industry topics, education enthusiasts will be delighted by an elevation of content to the new Main Stage and Stage Next
• The Main Stage will provide constant engagement and entertainment throughout the event. This destination will bring to life the passionate people, business and energies created in the fresh produce industry, as attendees will enjoy, learn and engage during the expo
• Stage Next is where innovation comes to life. This destination will spotlight new technologies, future-oriented topics, concepts and strategies that will advance the fresh produce industry

United Fresh 2019 will conclude on Wednesday afternoon with the Retail-Foodservice Celebration, which will transform the show floor into a closing celebration for the best-of-the-best. At the celebration, the top 25 produce and chefs will be honored for showcasing excellence in implementing fresh produce strategies on the front lines and in kitchens. The last hurrah will also give attendees the chance to get a sneak peek at United Fresh 2020, slated to be held in San Diego. For the first time, this event will be open to all registrants.

Registration includes the All Access Package, which provides attendees and exhibitors the ultimate show experience, allowing admittance to everything the show has to offer. Early bird rates for 2019 are available through May 10. Explore these details and register for the event at www.unitedfreshshow.org.

For more trade show updates as they occur, keep following AndNowUKnow.

United Fresh