As a proud Texas-based company, DMA Solutions is eager and excited to experience the Viva Fresh Produce Expo in San Antonio this April! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to attend an industry tradeshow in our own (sort of) backyard, and from what we’ve learned from last year’s attendees – it’s going to be a valuable weekend.
Now in its second year, Viva Fresh is hosted by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and was created in response to the fresh produce industry’s need for better opportunities to create meaningful networking opportunities that highlight products and build relationships.
While we’re learning more and preparing to attend the show, we want to share five compelling reasons we believe YOU should attend Viva Fresh with us this spring.
- Texas Sized Growth Potential
If you are trying to gain distribution and brand recognition in the fast growing Texas market, Viva Fresh is the show for you. Viva Fresh is expecting to host over 950 retail and foodservice buyers from companies like Walmart, H-E-B, Kroger, Whole Foods, Albertsons, Meijer, United Supermarkets, Sysco, Performance Foodservice and more.
- Attendance and Travel is On the House
TIPA sweetens the deal for buying audiences like retailers and foodservice attendees by providing complimentary access to the show, but also pays for travel and lodging expenses. If you are a retailer or foodservice buyer interested in attending, click here to learn more about making arrangements.
- Deluxe Networking Opportunities
Hosted in San Antonio, the weather in April will be warm and conducive to outdoor activities that provide ample opportunities for networking. From the Golf Tournament at the show’s resort to walking or running in the inaugural 5K Fun Run and 1K Wellness Walk, attendees and exhibitors will find plenty of opportunities to have fun and connect on and off the show floor.
- Intimate Show Floor with a Kick
Compared to other national tradeshows, Viva Fresh is a regional show with a big kick when it comes to the quality of people in attendance and exhibiting on the show floor. Last year’s event hosted 140 exhibiting companies and in 2016 and show organizers increased that number to 170 sold out spots this year, giving fresh produce buyers the opportunity to connect face to face with companies ready to supply Texans with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Doing Good Things Locally
In 2015, the “Swing for the Future” golf tournament at Viva Fresh raised $10,000 in support of a local charity. In 2016, the golf tournament is expected to be another successful venture on behalf of a charity in need (to be announced).
- Texas Aggies Seeking Careers
This year, students from Texas A&M University will attend the show to learn more about career opportunities in the fresh produce industry. The student program is made possible by Aggies for Fresh and the Texas International Produce Association. As an attendee or exhibiting company you will have the opportunity to meet with these students face to face and use this as an opportunity to find your next intern, apprentice and talent for your organization. To learn more about Aggies for Fresh or to find out more about the students attending, please contact Dan’l, dalmy@dma-solutions.com.
In order to maximize your presence at the show, make haste when planning your trip to San Antonio. Everything from sponsorships to hotel rooms and booth spaces are selling quickly. To learn more and to book your registration, visit the show’s website: www.vivafreshexpo.com
