MONTEREY, CA - Have you ever watched the X Games? Well, I’m here to tell you there’s an event more fearless, more extreme, more daring, and you, yeah you, can participate! With its Tech Knowledge Symposium, PMA isn’t just teaching old dogs new tricks. Rather, the association is making sure all dogs can do triple axels on a halfpipe—I don’t know if that’s possible in the world of sports, but it sounds cool, right? On May 1-2, PMA is gathering the produce industry in Monterey, California, as a means of helping the entire supply chain adopt, navigate, and take advantage of the flood of new technology solutions.

I had the chance to speak with PMA's Johnna Hepner, Director of Technology, and Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, to find out why everyone on the supply- and buy-sides should be signed up and raring to go to this one-of-a-kind event.

“Tech Knowledge is unique in that it touches technology and innovation in all parts of the supply chain from growing, harvesting, post-harvesting, and distribution,” Vonnie shared with me. “The event is really about getting the right people in the room together. This year, we will include how innovation will be financially supported to provide solutions across the supply chain in the produce industry.”

This year, the event is all about education and conversation. Between high-profile speakers and roundtable sessions, PMA is ensuring attendees leave Monterey with a notebook full of products, applications, trends, and strategies all related to how to find, fund, and implement the latest tech solutions. This year’s speakers include an all-star lineup, with the likes of Microsoft’s Chief Scientist Ranveer Chandra, Harvest CROO Robotics’ CEO Paul Bissett, and PMA’s own CEO Cathy Burns, Chief Science & Technology Officer Bob Whitaker, and Vice President, Technology Vonnie Estes, and more taking the stage to share their industry knowledge.

When I ask Johnna what attendees should be sure to put at the top of their to-do list for the symposium, she emphasizes the roundtable sessions as the prime spot to network. Specifically, roundtables give attendees the chance to chat face-to-face with technology solutions companies about actionable insights.

“Over the years, Tech Knowledge has evolved from a trade show type of symposium with vendor booths and less education opportunities to the event it is today. This year’s event is packed with education around innovation and ways to provide solutions across the supply chain along with opportunities to network, build connections, and learn with each other,” Johnna explained. “We continue to look at how we can bring more value to the event for our members who are looking for solutions and opportunities to have meaningful connections in a small, intimate environment. The feedback we get from attendees and members alike has led to some of the changes and additions to the event that have evolved into what it is today.”

PMA Tech Knowledge Roundtables are by application only, business solution providers are encouraged to apply until March 22.

So, how can those in produce take advantage of the latest technology? The answer awaits you and your company at this year’s PMA Tech Knowledge Symposium! Register here before it’s too late!

To stay apprised of the latest produce events, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

PMA Tech Knowledge