NEWARK, DE – As autumn fast approaches, PMA 2017 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo is just around the corner. This year Fresh Summit 2017 will feature new days, networking opportunities designed to build business connections, plus educational programming and a trade show focused on delivering innovation.

• When: October 19-21, 2017
• Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

 “This year, we’ve made a change to the schedule. We will be convening Thursday through Saturday, rather than Friday through Sunday as we have in the past. Be sure to attend to these details as you book your travel and accommodations,” said PMA Fresh Summit Committee Co-Chair Nick Armano of Robinson Fresh, according to a press release. “Then you can focus on your plans for getting the most ROI out of your time at this year’s Fresh Summit.”

“This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Grow Together’ for very good reason. We have great value planned, from trends and other education to help your business chart a strong future course, to our supply chain’s best networking to bring sellers and buyers together, to the trade show where absolutely the global industry’s best and newest will be on display,” said committee Co-Chair Kori Tuggle of Church Brothers Farms.

Day changes detailed

Beginning this year, Fresh Summit will convene Thursday through Saturday Oct. 19-21, with education and insights Thursday, Oct. 19, and the expo on Friday and Saturday Oct. 20-21. In recent years, Fresh Summit has been Friday through Sunday, with the expo on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are responding to members’ requests,” said the PMA board’s representative to the Fresh Summit Committee, Jim DiMenna of Red Sun Farms. “The day shift ensures that attendees, particularly our exhibitors, can wrap up their activities in time to get home for some family time and be back at their desks on Monday. We are minimizing intrusions on our attendees’ weekend time.”

What’s new or notable

“Fresh Summit is a once-a-year event that highlights the best of what PMA has to offer year-round in terms of connections, innovations and insights,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “We couldn’t make this happen without the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteer leaders. The staff and I are incredibly grateful for the leadership and guidance from Nick, Kori, Jim, and our other Fresh Summit Committee volunteers. Their collaboration shows that we are truly stronger together.”

Here’s what will be new or notable in New Orleans:

• This year’s expo will feature 1,000+ exhibiting companies – including 70+ first-time exhibitors–displaying their best and most innovative products and services.
• The first-ever Bryan E. Silbermann Collaboration award will be presented.
• Keynote speakers: General session speakers include the retail industry’s Content Guy Kevin Coupe, futurist Brian David Johnson, and PMA CEO Cathy Burns’ annual State of the Industry address.
• Trends and other training: This year’s Fresh Summit will feature 15 workshops on topics ranging from consumer trends to talent management.
• Personalize your trade show visit using the MyExpo planning tool and the Fresh Summit mobile app for Apple or Android.
• Floral Buyer Roundtables: Floral suppliers can sign up for speed dating-like meetings with retailers; separate registration required, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Awards of Excellence nominations due Aug. 11

At Fresh Summit in October, PMA will announce winners of its three Awards of Excellence for individuals: the Floral Marketer of the Year Award, the Robert L. Carey Leadership Award, and the new Bryan E. Silbermann Collaboration Award.

PMA members can nominate potential awardees; you can nominate yourself, an individual from your company, or someone from another business. Nominations are due August 11. For more information, visit www.pma.com/Members/Awards-of-Excellence.

New Orleans’ famous hospitality

Fresh Summit is returning to New Orleans for the first time since 2013. The city that is famous for its food, music, and hospitality is ready for the PMA community, the city’s tourism bureau spokesperson says.

“Bring a big stack of business cards, and a big appetite–Fresh Summit and great food, music, art, and sightseeing, the Crescent City has it all,” said PMA’s Burns. For local information, visit the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.neworleanscvb.com/visit/.  

Register early and save

Fresh Summit registration and housing reservations are now open. Attendees can register early by September 15 to save on registration. Fresh produce and floral buyers receive significant discounts on registration.

Fresh Summit’s All Access Pass includes access to all general sessions and workshops, the Welcoming Reception and Fresh Ideas in Action Reception, and all days of the expo. Passes for the trade show only are also available.

For more information and to register for the 2017 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo, visit www.freshsummit.com.

Produce Marketing Association