SAN DIEGO, CA - From executives to aspiring leaders, and even newcomers like me, this year’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is sure to be one for the books. Lucky for us, the event is less than a week away.

While this may be my second year attending, I still feel like a newbie on my first day of school. Last year’s conference delivered even more than it promised and I truly believe that the 2016 conference will do the same.

As we all prepare for the April 17-19, 2016 conference at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California, I decided that the best way to prep, was to ask some questions of one of the best known faces and voices of the program, Co-Chair Jill Overdorf. And she obliged…

Q: Speaking to first time attendees and fresh faces, what advice can you give them on making the most of this event?  What misconceptions might they have coming in that we can address?

Jill Overdorf, Cooseman’s L.A. Shipping: From its inception, the Center for Growing Talent by PMA’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference has been designed as a conference and learning opportunity by and for women in the produce and floral industries. This is a learning environment like no other, with support and camaraderie and a full two days of unparalleled growth and networking options.  

This is not a spa retreat or a “girlie get-away”; be ready to have your brain hurt from thinking and your cheeks hurt from smiling. These are two of the best days you can devote to yourself and your professional development.

Q:  What have you taken away from your experiences at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference? How have you personally grown from these events?

Jill: I came to this industry as a second career 10 years ago. I was not sure what (or who) I needed to know – I just dove into the deep end and chose to swim. I love this conference because it never fails to teach me something, it never fails to produce a new friend, it never fails to create a positive networking opportunity and it never fails to reinforce the sheer power of women in our industry. Collectively, these two days are filled with some of the best and brightest women in the produce and floral industry, and I leave every conference inspired by the women I have met.

Q: Why is an event like this so important to our industry and to women in produce?

Jill: The Center for Growing Talent by PMA Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is an incredible environment for learning and testing one’s proverbial wings. If a woman has the desire to attend and the courage to ask questions and participate, the learning opportunities are limitless. 

One of my colleagues and dear friends asked to attend four years ago, and her company approved her. English is her second language. She is a critical employee in her organization, but she never attended college and was worried about her education level when compared with other attendees.  Since attending that first year, she has not missed a conference and returns every year. She realized that she has amazing skills that she brings to the table, and that everyone is uniquely suited to contribute to their workplace. This conference helped raise her confidence level and empowered her to realize that she is powerful and capable of contributing to any situation; she is now a key mentor of young women in her office.

Q: What are some of the key issues and discussions that this year’s conference will address?

Jill: Our educational programming is organized into three tracks, customized to an attendee’s level of job responsibility: Emerging, Mid-Level, and Executive. While I am participating in the Executive track, I am always drawn to some of the seminars being taught at the Emerging and Mid-Level. This year for the Emerging and Mid-Levels, there are sessions on Effective Negotiating and Strategic Thinking, these are such important skills. I wish that I could attend all of the sessions! 

Q: Are there any new elements to the program this year or key events not-to-be-missed?

Jill: For new attendees, it’s important to rise early and be at breakfast. On Monday morning, there is the opportunity for every attendee to have a professional headshot taken – for free!  As careers progress and the attendees develop their brand, this is an important expression of who they are in the business world. A valuable extension of every attendee is their professionally-developed headshot, to use for their LinkedIn profiles and other places where they will need an image that they are comfortable sharing. 

Looking forward to seeing you all next week as we join Jill and the rest of this exciting conference in San Diego!

Women's Fresh Perspectives