Beyond our responsibilities on the tradeshow floor or in the booth, there are many opportunities for marketers attending Fresh Summit to develop and progress their skills. Educational sessions and workshops are offered throughout the weekend that all marketers can attend, and we highly recommend that you do! Topics range from current trends driving the fresh revolution in produce marketing to understanding your consumers. There is something for everyone no matter how long you have been in the industry. Here are our top picks we think you shouldn’t miss:

All Together Now: Innovative Marketing Tactics to Grow Sales                                                        
Friday, October 23
Workshop Series 3:  2:35 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Moderator: Robert Verloop- Executive Vice President/Marketing, Naturipe Farms, USA
Panelists: Karen Caplan- President/CEO, Frieda’s Specialty Produce, USA, Bart Minor-President/CEO, Mushroom Council, USA and Ryan Shadwick Wilson- Chief Strategy Officer/General Counsel, Partnership for a Healthier America, USA

Whether focused on broad product groups, individual lines or brands — marketing initiatives are successful when they are supported by consistent messaging. This session brings together a panel of marketing leaders with expertise in creating consumer demand through innovative marketing strategies. Uncover the essential tools of category, channel and brand marketing, with a focus on the consumer’s role in making it all happen.

Who’s the Key to Building Sales? Meet Your Produce Manager
Friday, October 23
Workshop Series 2:  12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Moderator: Harold Lloyd- Vice President, Harold Lloyd Presents, USA

Who affects produce sales the most: the consumer? The buyer? The store manager? How about the produce department manager? These retail employees are more critical to your sales growth than you may think. From choosing items, to creating eye-catching displays, to recommending your product to store shoppers, the produce manager is an essential ally for your business. In a lively panel discussion, you’ll hear from four highly accomplished produce managers from across North America about how you can increase consumer demand for your product.

Psychographics 101: Unlocking Opportunities with Consumer Insights
Friday, October 23
Workshop Series 1: 8:45 a.m. – 10: 15 a.m.
Speakers: Steve Longley- CEO, TPG Direct, USA and Rob Freeberg- President, c2b Solutions, USA

How well do you understand the customer who’s browsing the produce aisle and deciding whether to purchase your product? To effectively reach that buyer, you need to understand what motivates her shopping behavior and decision making. This session will show you how the different personality traits, values, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles of consumers influence their buying behaviors. You’ll experience how these insights can be applied to current, real-world marketing strategies to maximize and focus your marketing ROI and increase sales.

The Art of Innovation
Saturday, October 24
Breakfast General Session: 7:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Speaker: Guy Kawasaki, Evangelist, Author and Speaker

If you want to stay ahead of the pace of change—or direct its course— you need to innovate. Technology evangelist and renowned keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki will inspire you to leverage innovation, take strategic risks and capture bold ideas. He’ll share practical techniques for leading your organization to create in-demand new products and services that will change the future of the global produce industry. You’ll leave this session energized and ready to reinvent your business.

These are just four of our top pics. Make sure to check out all the sessions being offered at freshsummit.com/workshops. Don’t miss your chance to make the most out of your 2015 Fresh Summit experience.