Schedule

Board, Committee and Council Meetings

By invitation only

Networking Breakfast

General Session: State of the Industry

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

Hear from IFPA CEO Cathy Burns as she explores the latest in emerging innovations and consumer trends, and what these mean for IFPA members and the global produce and floral community.

Speaker

Education Festival

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

Say goodbye to traditional workshops! In between the general sessions, join us for a few hours of fast-paced live speakers, self-guided information, casual conversations, and more in this unique setting. We’ll inspire you, help you imagine the possibilities, and apply them to your priorities.

10:15 am – 10:45 am

The State of Science

Dive into the latest scientific trends impacting the industry. Learn how advances in biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated pest and pollinator management are greeted by retailers and consumers. This session provides insights into leveraging scientific discoveries for operational profitability, making it essential for growers and shippers seeking a competitive edge.

Moderator

Vonnie Estes
VP, AgFood Tech Innovation
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Sarah Davidson Evanega, Ph.D.
Vice President of Business Development
Okanagan Specialty Fruits

Hans Sauter
SVP of RD, Agricultural Services and CSO
Del Monte Fresh Produce

Grant Williams
Director of Product
Ohalo Genetics

 

IFPA’s Impact: Advocacy Wins for Fresh Produce

More than affecting the outcome of individual laws and regulations, IFPA establishing a seat at the political table is key to our Association - and our members - being effective advocates for fresh produce. Learn more about what we've accomplished and what's on the horizon - and how we're strengthening our voice and increasing our impact in Washington through our Government Relations team's expertise and pivotal relationships.

Host

Jenny Werwa
Principal
Invariant

Guest

Chris Butts
Executive Vice President
Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

Dante Galeazzi
President & CEO
Texas International Produce Association.

Dana Brennan
VP, External Affairs & Corporate Responsibility
Grimmway Farms

 

10:50 am – 11:20 am

Increasing Demand in the Retail Space

Across the supply chain, our industry is brimming with expertise and creativity - and helping everyone work together and benefit from each other's experience and perspectives is part of IFPA's work as an Association. Join an intimate panel representing retail buyers and marketers - shepherded through a discussion of how retail stores can more effectively reach out to consumers, breaking down barriers to and increasing the demand for healthy fresh produce and floral.

Moderator

Joe Watson
VP, Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Yan Branco
Lead, Produce Sourcing Innovation & CEA Development
Sobey's

Tristan Simpson
Founder & CEO
Tristan Michele Marketing

Unwrapping the Impact of Global Packaging Regulations

Explore the latest global regulatory trends in fresh produce packaging. Learn to navigate compliance challenges and adapt strategies to meet the demands of international markets. This session is perfect for growers, shippers, and packaging companies involved in international trade.

Moderator

Dr. Max Teplitski
Chief Science Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Jeffrey Brandenburg
Founder/President
Qfresh Labs/JSB Group LLC.

Judy Clark
CEO
Fresh Texas

Wyatt Maysey
Director of Sustainability
Taylor Farms

Lessons from Elsewhere

Join Chris White of Fruitnet as he explores the latest fresh produce trends emerging across Europe and Asia and examines their potential impact on the North American market. This interactive session goes beyond a presentation—Chris will actively engage the audience, encouraging participants to share their own experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Together, we will spark a lively discussion on how lessons from abroad could shape the future of fresh produce in North America, and what steps we can take to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Speaker

Chris White
Managing Director
Fruitnet Media International

Winds of Change: Food Safety Influences & Outcomes

Food safety - essential to our industry and of course to the consumers of fresh produce - is affected by so many factors. Explore the headwinds we face and the tailwinds we're dealing with, guided by IFPA's Food Safety team, our Food Safety Council, and experts from around the world. We'll also engage our audience for valuable perspectives on how we can best deal with the winds of change for long-term success.

Moderator

Natalie Dyenson
Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Jennifer Pulcipher
Director of Food Safety & Compliance
North Bay Produce

Mathilde Rivera
Director of Food Safety
GoodFarms

 

11:25 am – 11:55 am

Real Intel on AI for the Fresh Produce & Floral Industries

Join us to explore AI's transformative impact on our industry. We'll cover practical applications today in areas such as marketing and production, and the revolutionary potential for tomorrow in supply chain management, smart farming, consumer engagement, and an evolving workforce. Learn strategies to adopt AI, overcome challenges, and turn it into a competitive advantage.

Moderator

Vonnie Estes
VP, AgFood Tech Innovation
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Matthew Hoffman, Ph.D.
Plant Health Technology Lead
Driscoll's 

David Karwacki
Co-Founder & CEO
BloomIQ Technologies

Erin Logan
Vice President, Retail Strategy
Merkle

Ballot Box Impacts from Around the World 

Election outcomes are watched with great interest, and for good reason—knowing what's influencing elections around the world is not only interesting, it is essential to our industry's success. Join IFPA members with global business interests and government relations thought leaders for this engaging session on policy trends, political cycles, and the impact of media, the internet, and emerging information technology. This interactive discussion will provide you with practical insights into the intersection of business, policy, and politics, enhancing your readiness to advocate for the fresh sector

Speaker

Rebeckah Freeman Adcock
Vice President, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Prof. Patrick Vizzone
Co-Founder & CFO
Vertical Oceans and Executive Director
DiMuto

Getting Climate Smart About Climate Change

Join us for a compelling session that explores how climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is reshaping the produce industry into a key player in climate solutions.

Highlights:

• Discover CSA: Learn how smart agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
• Innovative Project Spotlight: Explore our climate-smart project with 100 US growers, revealing effective techniques and their benefits.
• Global Insights: See how CSA is making a difference worldwide and its connection to regenerative agriculture.

Gain practical insights on how to implement these practices and contribute to a greener future. Be inspired by real-world examples and learn how agriculture can be part of the climate solution.

Speaker

Tamara Muruetagoiena
Vice President of Sustainability
International Fresh Produce Association

Peter Wells
Strategy Director
Elevated Foods

Feeding Those in Need: Innovative Partnerships in Global Food Distribution

Presented in partnership with Feeding America, this session explores how innovative food distribution partnerships can reshape our approach to addressing hunger and reducing food waste. Discover strategies for increasing access for fruits and vegetables to better serve those in need and learn how to manage large volumes of product to ensure efficient and effective distribution. Be inspired by real-world success stories and discover how collaborative approaches throughout the supply chain, in the US and around the Globe, can make a meaningful impact to your business and in feeding those in need. Powered by The Foundation for Fresh Produce

Moderator

Sherri Atwell,
Director, Commodity Director of Produce,
Feeding America

Panelists

Brian Greene,
President & CEO, Houston Food Bank;
Board Member, Global FoodBanking Network

James Peterson,
Chief Operating Officer,
Wish Farms

Dwaine Stevens
Director of Community Relations
Publix Super Markets, Inc.

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

Labor Challenges and the Future of Fresh Produce Consumption

Explore the critical connection between global labor challenges and increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in this session. Learn how unresolved agricultural labor issues can impede the affordability and availability of fresh produce and flowers. Join us to explore the extensive impact of delayed action on the labor crisis and discuss strategies to secure a steady, affordable supply of nutritious produce globally.

Speaker

Jon Baselice
Vice President, Immigration Policy
US Chamber of Commerce

John Hollay
Director, US Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition and Health
International Fresh Produce Association

FSMA 204 Challenges & Solutions

Dive deep into the intricacies of FSMA 204 compliance. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the FDA's expectations. Get clarity on what the FDA is expecting and the critical timelines you need to be aware of. Learn which processes, procedures, and systems you will need to update to meet the new requirements. Discover the tools available that can assist with the smooth implementation of FSMA 204. And gain strategic insights on how to approach the implementation process effectively.

Introducer

Wendy Logan
Supply Chain & Sustainability Manager
International Fresh Produce Association

Moderator

Angela Nardone
COO
Shar-ify

Panelists

Andy Kennedy
Chief Traceability Officer
iFoodDS

Angela Fields
Senior Consumer Safety Officer
Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network
(CORE), CFSAN, FDA

Growing Healthy Habits: Transforming Children's Diets Through Early Education

Fostering a love for produce among the nation’s youth is essential for building healthier generations and for growing produce consumption. Join us for an insightful panel discussion on innovative strategies for nutrition education aimed at young children. Learn how industry leaders are shaping children's eating habits in schools, why early intervention is key, and discover how contributing through volunteering, funding, or donating excess produce can drive revenue growth and boost brand equity. This session is perfect for those passionate about increasing produce consumption, supporting sustainable revenue models, and promoting wellness through food as medicine. Powered by The Foundation for Fresh Produce

Moderator

Alex DiNovo
President & Chief Operating Officer
DNO Produce

Panelists

Alex DeSorbo-Quinn
Executive Director
Pilot Light

Rich Dachman
CEO
Brighter Bites

Gabriela D’Arrigo
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
D'Arrigo New York

Sustainability Buyer Requirements Forum

Join IFPA's Tamara Muruetagoiena along with global sustainability experts to share clarity on the current landscape of buyer requirements, global sustainability standards, and how an effective benchmarking process can help streamline the sustainability reporting process and strengthen the audit process. The audience will enjoy learning from SSCI, the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative and the work of the Consumer Goods Forum.

Moderator

Tamara Muruetagoiena
Vice President of Sustainability
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelist

Janis McIntosh
Director of Marketing Innovation and Sustainability
Naturipe Farms

Didier Bergeret
Director of Sustainability
The Consumer Goods Forum

 

Networking Lunch

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

General Session

That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

Netflix Founder and startup CEO Marc Randolph shares the unlikely story of how a handful of dreamers with no money and a bad idea, created the company that eventually brought down Blockbuster. Packed with dozens of stories that trace the dramatic ups and downs of those first exciting years, Marc weaves an inspiring story that shows the value of innovation, persistence, and optimism. Along the way he shares some of the many values that he believes made Netflix successful, including a focus on analytics and testing, its novel corporate culture, and its almost fanatical obsession with focus. Equal parts inspiration, start-up.

Speaker

Retailer Sponsor VIP Reception

Georgia Aquarium

This reception, preceding the Welcome Reception, offers an exclusive networking opportunity for Global Show sponsors at the Silver Level and above, domestic and global retailers, IFPA Volunteer Chairs and Board members, and their invited guests. 

If you have questions about this event, please contact Peter Wilder or Joe Watson for more information. 

Welcome Reception

Georgia Aquarium

All Access Pass or separate registration required. Register in your IFPA account.

Race for a Healthier World 5K

The Foundation for Produce is gathering friends and colleagues from the industry to join the Race for a Healthier World 5K. Enjoy a 3.1 mile course around the Midtown area while supporting our vision to grow a healthier world through increased access to fruits and vegetables.

Register Now

Networking Breakfast

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

General Session: 
Key Conversations: Insights on Challenges, Opportunities
and Change Ahead

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

Join us for an enlightening two-act session as we navigate the evolving landscape of the fresh produce industry. Act One features a dynamic conversation with valuable insights from Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of the Kroger Co. Act Two features a thoughtful discussion with A.B. Stoddard, Columnist for The Bulwark and Contributor & Guest Host for Sirius XM’s POTUS Channel, exploring how the election could impact policies, regulations, and trade, among other issues.

Opening Remarks

 

 

Moderator

 

Speakers

 

Expo Open

GWCC Halls B-C, Level 1

Food Safety & Tech X-Change Sessions

Booth BC 1300, Innovation Hub

Join likeminded colleagues in the discussion of the hottest technology, food safety, sustainability and supply chain topics during X-Change sessions. These 30-minute sessions are aimed at sharing challenges and solutions in an informal setting. Expand your network, horizons, and possible solutions at these interactive sessions.

Sponsored by

IFPA Booth Office Hours

Stop by the IFPA booth for an informal opportunity to ask questions of our subject matter experts.

Fireside Chat
Cultivating the Future: Innovation in the Produce Industry
Booth BC1300, Innovation Hub

Join us for an enlightening fireside chat where we explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the produce industry. This session will delve into global trends, showcasing real-world use-cases of how data and AI are revolutionizing agriculture. We'll discuss the current applications of data analytics and AI, and project how these technologies will transform the industry in the future. Attendees will gain insights into the potential challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the journey towards a more efficient and sustainable produce industry.

Speakers

 

 

AgTech Celebration

Booth BC 1207, Innovation Hub

Head to the Innovation Hub, the home for all things tech, for a celebration where attendees can continue the conversation and share peer-to-peer.

Open to anyone on the show floor.

 

Sponsored by

Community Receptions

GWCC Georgia Ballroom, Building C, Level 3

Anyone with a badge can attend the community receptions.

• Floral
• Retail Awards Reception
• Food Safety, Science, Technology & Sustainability
• Talent

General Session: Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast

The Future of Women and Work (and Why It's Different Than You Think)

GWCC Hall C1, Level 1

We told women that to break glass ceilings and succeed in their careers, all they needed to do is dream big, raise their hands, and lean in. But data tells a different story. In this urgent and rousing conversation, Reshma Saujani dismantles the myth of “having it all” and lifts the burden we place on individual women to be primary caregivers and to work around a system built for and by men. Through powerful data and personal narrative, Saujani shows the cost of inaction and lays out four key steps for creating lasting change: empower working women, educate corporate leaders, revise our narratives about what it means to be successful, and advocate for policy reform.

Moderator

 

Speaker

 

Expo Open

GWCC Halls B-C, Level 1

Produce Safety Immersion Program Graduation

Booth BC 1300, Innovation Hub

Head over to the Innovation Hub to celebrate IFPA's fifth cohort of the Produce Safety Immersion Program! Join us in honoring their successful completion of this transformative 6-month journey. This year's ceremony will be followed by a reception, where you can congratulate and connect with the graduates and mentors.

Sponsored by

Food Safety & Tech X-Change Sessions

Booth BC 1300, Innovation Hub

Join likeminded colleagues in the discussion of the hottest technology, food safety, sustainability and supply chain topics during X-Change sessions. These 30-minute sessions are aimed at sharing challenges and solutions in an informal setting. Expand your network, horizons, and possible solutions at these interactive.

Sponsored by

IFPA Booth Office Hours

Stop by the IFPA booth for an informal opportunity to ask questions of our subject matter experts.