The annual United Fresh Expo is just one week away and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s in store for attendees and exhibitors this year. The United Fresh team worked to provide a more personalized experience for 2017, and as a result the United FreshMKT and United FreshTEC conferences and expos were born. Personally, the DMA Solutions team is most excited about the newest feature of the United Fresh event: the FreshMKT and FreshTEX X-Changes. These sessions are more of a roundtable discussion than presentations, encouraging the open exchange of ideas and collaboration. That’s speaking our language!
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new this year in Chicago and what you should expect and make note of in your daily calendar.
For fresh produce marketers, we recommend focusing on the following FreshMKT conference sessions and expo events:
United FreshMKT Expo
This is the fastest growing segment of the annual United Fresh event and this year offers even more with the addition of the Organic Showcase, where 50+ organic products will be on display. Centralizing these products allows buyers to explore one location on the floor, then choose to journey to the product’s booth to further engage.
Attendees also will find the United Fresh Innovation Awards at the FreshMKT Expo, which is a can’t miss for fresh produce marketers.
FreshMKT X-Change
These X-Change destinations offer an opportunity for attendees and exhibitors who share common interests and challenges to connect and exchange perspectives on key issues and topics. At the FreshMKT X-Change, topics included: organics, branding, merchandising, innovative product development and more! The sessions will take place during trade show hours (Wednesday, June 14 from 10 AM – 4 PM; Thursday, June 15 from 10 AM – 4 PM) with four X-Change sessions per show day. The X-Change discussions are lead by a Discussion Leader and they’re dialogues, not presentations! We look forward to being a part of these discussions with our fellow fresh produce marketers. Check here for a full schedule of the sessions.
FreshMKT Conference
New to the expo this year: this conference takes place from Noon – 5 PM and offer attendees five hours of general session presentations from industry experts. The FreshMKT Conference is designed specifically for produce and fresh foods buyers, executives and trading partners across all retail and foodservice channels looking to jump start their business models and programs with innovative ideas, concepts and lessons from the future! FreshMKT kicks off with a keynote from Ready Pac Foods’ CEO Tony Sarsam followed by thought-provoking marketing inspiration:
- Consumer Trends Shaping Food Today
- How Innovative Companies Are Shaping Food Culture
- How Retail/Foodservice Execs Can Spot Oncoming Growth Opportunities
- The Next Generation – Consumer Panel
For professionals focused on food innovations, technology and food safety, we recommend focusing your concentration on the FreshTEC expo and events:
United FreshTEC Expo
This side of the expo has grown from the equipment side of the trade show floor to a true tech expo focused on innovations in fresh foods technology from field harvesting to packing, packaging, processing, and refrigerated delivery to customers worldwide. At the FreshTEC expo, operations, production and fresh-cut processing executives will find new equipment and solutions for automation, engineering, supply chain management, food safety and more.
Make sure not to miss the FutureTEC Zone, an opportunity to explore more than 40 start-up companies with limited commercialization that are ready to solve business challenges with their innovative solutions.
FreshTEC X-Change
At the FreshTEC X-Change, topics include: food safety, sanitation, product development, packaging, supply chain management and more. Check here for a full schedule of the sessions.
FreshTEC Conference
The FreshTEC Conference features expert discussions focused on Pre- and Post-Harvest Automation, Food Safety in Packing and Processing Operations, and an intense look at Controlled Growing Environments.
FreshTEC kicks off with a keynote from Taylor Farms’ CEO Bruce Taylor followed by sessions like:
- Automation: The Robots are Coming!
- Rapid Response: The Future of Pathogen and Illness Identification Technology
- From Seasonal to NOW: Controlled Environment Growing
- Closing Keynote: Investing in your Future
Keep in mind there are also learning centers throughout the tradeshow floor featuring 45 minute educational presentations taking place during show hours on Wednesday, June 14 and Thursday, June 15. Check the full schedule for more details.
In addition to the exciting new format and additions, you can expect to enjoy these anticipated United Fresh events:
- The Opening Party, taking place in Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
- The Opening General Session, featuring Doug Rauch, Co-CEO of Conscious Capitalism and former president of Trader Joe’s.
- The Reception Honoring Women in Produce, taking place Wednesday afternoon and will honor Lorelei DiSogra, D., R.D., [retiring] Vice President, Nutrition and Health at United Fresh Produce Association.
- The Produce Forum for School Success, where 50 top school foodservice directors will join us in Chicago to explore fresh options for our nation’s children.
- The Retail- Foodservice Celebrations Dinner where the industry gathers to honor those on the front lines.
Make sure to take note that ALL opportunities are still available if you want to feature your products or business in any way (Organic Showcase, Featured Products Showcase, FutureTEC Zone, Food Safety Pavillion).
We get it; there’s SO MUCH to cover and so many different topics and expert features! That’s why it’s best to plan ahead to prepare your time and team for success. Take a look at our secret weapon for tradeshow success to help you navigate this event from start to finish. See you in Chi-town!
