NEWARK, DE - The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit Convention & Expo has announced that participants at this year’s event will enjoy big timers at four Forums of the Future sessions, where attendees will enjoy inspiring and collective experiences.

The Orlando, Florida-based summit, which takes place October 18-20, will feature voices from inside and outside the produce industry, while keeping the topics close to home and focused on relatable issues for attendees. Bringing fresh produce and floral professionals from all corners of the industry together, the summit’s sessions aim to inspire attendees to approach business in a newly motivated light.

The first of the Forums for the Future speakers to be revealed is Peyton Manning. The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and five-time Most Valuable Player of the National Football League will talk leadership and adversity, with a moderator to bridge his responses with challenges facing the produce and floral industry.

“From the moment you walk in, Fresh Summit will feel different, from the convention format to the expo show floor,” Charles Olins, Concord Food’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Co-Chair of PMA’s Fresh Summit Committee, shared in a press release. “Our committee knows that Fresh Summit can’t rest on its laurels. So much in our business and the cultural marketplace in which we operate is changing, we want to ensure that Fresh Summit is in the best position to help our industry to be ready for those changes.”

The Forums for the Future will occur throughout the day on Thursday, October 18^th, and will be end-capped by one final session on Friday morning, October 19^th.

Much of PMA’s community-focused networking and excitement will gather in the Welcome Reception on Thursday, October 18^th, while the Floral Networking Reception will be on Friday, October 19^th.

“We know you come to Fresh Summit for the business connections, and these changes will help you do more of just that,” Leah Halverson, Black Gold Farms Director of Business Development and Co-Chair with Olins of the Fresh Summit Committee, said. “This year, it will be easier for the people you want to see to reach you, and for you to reach the people you want to see.”

This year’s attendance is set to break records, coming in with over 1,200 exhibitors and over 330,000 net square feet, but Fresh Summit’s well-loved Friday and Saturday expo will stay the same and will run October 19-20 this year.

“Fresh Summit has always been and now will continue to be the epitome of where you come to get the best ideas, the most innovative products and the widest selection of products available,” Debora Coleman, Vice President of Floral for Albertsons Companies and Chair of PMA’s Floral Council.

Those looking to attend can save if they register by September 14^th. There is also on-site registration available in Orlando.

For more information and to register, visit www.FreshSummit.com.

For more information as the event’s details unfold, check back with us at AndNowUKnow.

Produce Marketing Association