Fresh Summit Deadlines You Need to Know

July 22, 2015
8:37 pm

Posted by DMA Solutions Team

‘Tis the season to focus our fresh produce marketing minds towards the planning and execution of….wait for it…Fresh Summit. Paying close attention to important dates and deadlines is an essential component of achieving success at our largest tradeshow for fresh produce companies each year.

With a global reach and an anticipated audience exceeding 18,000 people in attendance, this year’s show in Atlanta is sure to benefit exhibiting companies seeking to elevate their brands and accelerate their businesses before, during and after the big show.

Use these tips and resources to help you plan and adhere to the proper deadlines and plot your course to a successful show in October.

Important Dates You Need to Know NOW:

July

1. Start crafting a plan for communicating your key messages for the show and inquire about advertising rates with fresh produce industry trade publications.

2. Take advantage of promotional opportunities that come with your booth RIGHT AWAY.

3. Contact Dorothy Siefried at PMA to inquire about available sponsorship opportunities that you can use to elevate your brand during the show while quantities are available.

4. Ride or sponsor the Tour de Fresh cycling event that will raise funds to put salad bars in schools while space is available here: http://www.tourdefresh.com/.

5. Submit applications to participate in 2016 virtual booth assignments by July 31.

August

1. Begin laying out design concepts for your booth, if you haven’t already.

2. Complimentary exhibitor webinar on August 13 at 2 p.m. EDT.

3. Submit booth sharing form so affiliated companies can be included in the printed directory by August 14.

4. Update company/product information for the printed directory by August 28 (by 5:00 p.m. EDT). Changes made after this date will only appear online and in the mobile app.

5. Begin making travel arrangements and make dinner reservations for your team and your customer dinners.

September

1. Confirm product and booth shipping dates with your vendors to ensure that you have a smooth experience during the show.

2. Finalize catering plan and submit contract to the supplied contractor for the show.

3. Access attendee list and identify current and prospective customers RIGHT AWAY.

4. PMA members save $500 on attendee registrations before September 18.

5. Register badges to be mailed in advance (continental U.S. only) by September 18. Badges will be mailed via FedEx on October 7.

6. Confirm room reservations, flight plans and dinner reservations.

October

1. Make final calls to all vendors, partners and suppliers that will be supporting you during the show to ensure that all contracts have been received and timelines are confirmed.

2. Ensure that plans are made for returning your booth to its home base after the show and secure transportation.

3. Communicate key booth messages and expectations with booth staff and share a “booth worker” plan to keep the team on track.

4. Register exhibitor appointed contractors not on official vendor list by October 9.

5. Redeem registration credits, purchase tickets/upgrades, or edit badges/passes that were not mailed by October 16.

6. Booth material direct shipments will be accepted at convention center from October 20-23. Perishable product shipments will be accepted at convention center from October 20-24.

Where Important Deadlines are Posted:

1. Under the Important Dates column on the Fresh Summit Exhibitor Resources page here: http://www.pma.com/events/freshsummit/exhibit/exhibitor-resources.

2. The full exhibitor checklist to keep you on track with important deadlines and dates for the show here: http://www.pma.com/~/media/pma-files/fresh-summit/service-kit/2015-exhibitor-checklist.pdf?la=en

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