7 Things to Not Miss at United Fresh 2015

June 2, 2015
6:37 pm

Posted by DMA Solutions Team

For us, each summer is marked by our attendance at United Fresh – both as a support to exhibiting clients and simply as marketers benefiting from all that this expo has to offer. We have seen many evolutions over the years and enjoyed the various hosting cities along the way, but one thing that never changes is the guarantee of inspiration, innovation, education, networking and fun. Check out these seven things we hope you won’t miss at this year’s United Fresh.

1. Opening Party at Navy Pier
Held at The Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier on June 8 at 6:30pm, the expo’s Opening Party always offers a great evening of networking with old and new industry friends and is a great way to kick off the expo. We’re also looking forward to hopping on the Pier’s 150 foot Ferris Wheel and taking in the amazing view of Chicago.

2. Learning Sessions

United Fresh offers two days of interactive, educational sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders on topics ranging from consumer trends and business strategies to food safety and logistics. These sessions are a must for any attendee looking to gain new insights and sharpen their business acumen. We like to divide and conquer when possible to gather as much learning as possible and share amongst the team once we get home.

3. FMI Connect

United Fresh is co-located with The Food Marketing Institute Conference & Exposition (FMI Connect), the most comprehensive food industry event in North America. For marketers, this show provides enormous insights in two uniquely powerful ways. First, attendees get a close-up look at food trends taking shape with CPG products that influence our mutual consumer base. Gaining an understanding of how non-produce items are positioned to consumers better equips produce marketers to help their brands battle for share of plate. Secondly, the 500 exhibitors showcasing their products at FMI are an incredible pool of potential partners for fresh produce brands. Not only do partnerships help give fresh produce brands an exponential reach with consumers, but CPG companies are becoming more and more interested in aligning with fresh brands that can boast a fresh, natural and healthy message.

4. Mike Ditka

While Dallas football greats are always an interest to us, we are truly looking forward to hearing the leadership and teamwork insights that Mike Ditka is slated to share during the Wednesday morning General Session beginning at 7:30 am.

5. Reception Honoring Women in Produce

This reception held Tuesday at 4:30 pm is a must-attend event for us every year as we honor and celebrate the amazing friends and colleagues who get recognized for their outstanding contributions to the fresh produce industry. This year, we are especially excited to be honoring our friend, Karen Caplan, President & CEO at Frieda’s Inc., for her career-long efforts to increase the consumption of fresh produce.

6. New Product Award Finalists

As a group of marketers always seeking inspiration both inside and outside the industry, our team is looking forward to checking out the 2015 New Product Award finalists on display at the United Fresh Membership Booth. Winners in each award category will be selected based on onsite voting through 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 and will be announced that day at 3:00 p.m. Take some time to stop by, be inspired and cast your vote!

7. United Fresh Show Floor

Last, but least, is the United Fresh show floor. While we plan to glean as much knowledge as we can from our friends on the FMI side, there is always much to gain from our fellow fresh produce marketers who are harnessing trends and pushing the boundaries of traditional produce marketing. We can’t wait to see what new ideas are unveiled!

How about you? Did we miss something that you think should have made this list? Comment below so our readers can take advantage of your recommendations as well.