NEWARK, DE - Folks, it’s time to dig up your business cards, pull out your work attire, and brush up on your networking skills, because the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 2021 Foodservice Conference and Expo is almost here. Taking place July 21–22 in Monterey, California, the event’s registration is now open, welcoming industry members to get in on the action for the chance to grow their connections and explore innovative new ideas.

“For 40 years, the PMA Foodservice Conference has brought together the vibrant produce and foodservice community to do business and gain insights and ideas to increase the use of fresh fruits and vegetables on menus,” said Chief Strategy and Membership Officer, Lauren M. Scott. “After a year away, I am very excited to return to Monterey and be inspired by the innovation and collaboration operators and suppliers are known for, as well as celebrate those who make this incredible industry what it is every day.”

This year’s event will mark the 40^th anniversary of the conference, having served as a meeting place for industry members throughout the foodservice supply chain to form new partnerships and share ideas over the last four decades. According to a press release, the 2021 conference will feature a compact schedule, but promises to deliver innovative ideas, old friends, and new connections for an industry sector that was hit especially hard by the pandemic.

PMA has already released the schedule for the event, including its general session, Foodservice Insights, and Innovations to Thrive. Following a welcoming message, Robert Danhi, Executive Chef and CEO of Chef Danhi & Co., will introduce keynote Lauren M. Scott. Throughout her presentation, Scott will focus on innovation and collaboration, which will prepare the audience for smaller peer-to-peer discussions. The session will then launch into Foodservice Produce Expo and networking opportunities.

The Foodservice Produce Expo is already sold-out and will feature 125 booths. With the shift in consumer demand toward health and plant-forward menu items, the conference and expo will provide attendees with the latest products, services, menu ideas, and companies that can help to fulfill this need.

For those unable to attend in person, they can watch the general session online, see the online exhibitor directory, and reach out to suppliers to learn more about products.

To accommodate foodservice buyers who may not have flexibility for travel in their budgets after the past year, PMA has created an opportunity for industry members to host buyers that may not have otherwise been able to attend in person. The organization recently updated its list of buyers to include Hello Fresh, In-N-Out Burger, Sysco Corporation, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Texas Roadhouse, Zoës Kitchen, and more.

Overall, current registrations are showing the attendee to buyer ratio to be 2:1, with almost 33 percent of registered attendees representing buyer companies.

Registration for all attendees is now open. To register, click here. For a schedule of events, click here.

For more updates regarding exciting industry opportunities for networking, keep clicking on AndNowUKnow.

Produce Marketing Association