WASHINGTON, DC – Important news was announced this week for those in the produce industry; United Fresh 2017—with its new FreshTEC and FreshMKT Expos—has officially opened its registration, as has the concurrently-held Global Cold Chain Expo.

The three expos, along with the International Floriculture Expo, will be held in the West Hall of the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago from June 13 through 15. According to a press release, attendees will be able to experience every segment of the supply chain in one exhibit hall—with a single ticket.

“We’re excited to welcome attendees and exhibitors to experience the targeted FreshTEC and FreshMKT Expos and Conferences this June,” said President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “These new formats will address the innovative solutions we’re seeing more of in our industry in response to the challenges faced throughout the supply chain. FreshTEC showcases the latest developments in technology, robotics, and other supply chain solutions while FreshMKT will highlight the marketing and product development trends that have consumers adding fresh fruit and vegetables to their carts in grocery stores across the country.”

The four expos will be accessible through a single all-access pass that includes admission to United Fresh’s traditional Opening Night Reception on Tuesday, June 13, as well as the Retail Foodservice Celebration Dinner on Thursday, June 15—honoring outstanding retail produce managers and innovative chefs across the industry. Attendees will enjoy access to morning general sessions—including a joint United Fresh, Global Cold Chain, and International Floriculture Expo Opening General Session on Thursday, and the annual Reception Honoring Women in Produce.

In addition to these events, FreshTEC, Fresh MKT, and Global Cold Chain Expo attendees can attend a half-day education conference on Tuesday, June 13.

The Global Cold Chain Expo’s educational programming promises to educate attendees on specific business challenges and opportunities in the perishable supply chain. With four tracks—3PL Operations, Cold Chain Solutions, Engineering, and Transportation, the sessions are sure to provide a number of benefits to operations managers, engineers, plant managers, transportation directors, and those who buy or lease cold chain services, cooling equipment, cold storage or handling facilities—as well as food manufacturers, fresh processors, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.

“We’re looking forward to the growth of the Global Cold Chain Expo, now in its second year,” added Stenzel. “Building off of the energy of the inaugural year, I’m enthused by the excitement within the fresh foods community as they understand how the Global Cold Chain Expo can truly help increase efficiency and profitability in their facility operations and distribution.”

Registration is currently open through www.unitedfresh.org, with early bird rates are available through April 25, 2017, and the association suggests registering for an All Access Package to ensure the best value and gain unlimited exposure to each Expo. For more information about the 2017 Global Cold Chain Expo and to register, visit www.globalcoldchainexpo.org. 

United Fresh