Lenexa, Kan., (Nov. 5, 2020) – The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expo (WCPE) kicks off next week, offering exclusive educational content from industry thought leaders as well as expertise and information from some of the biggest names in retail. The free online event is set for Nov. 9-13, 2020, with educational content featured on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Headlining the event is three keynote panels that will tackle timely topics and include interactive Q&A during which attendees may participate in conversation with the panelists and fellow fresh produce industry professionals. Topics and expert panelists include:
- Adapting Your Business Plan and Goals for 2020 and Beyond with leading business experts Cindy Jewell, Julie Krivanek, Mike O’Brien, Bruce Peterson, and Dick Spezzano.
- Fresh Produce Marketing and PR in the Time of COVID with Dan’l Mackey Almy of DMA Solutions, Mary Coppola Heslep of United Fresh Produce Association, Diana McClean of Ocean Mist Farms, and Nick Pasculli of TMD Creative
- Post-Election 2020 – Discussion of Political and Legislative Issues with Robert Guenther of United Fresh Produce Association, Lance Jungmeyer of Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Dave Puglia of Western Growers and Jim Wiesemeyer of Pro Farmer
Each day of education will also include Lessons from Retail, featuring representatives from Walmart, Rouses Markets, Tops Friendly Markets, Jewel-Osco, Raley’s, Brick Meets Click and Category Partners. These sessions are designed to showcase real-life examples and actionable insights regarding some of the most pressing issues in fresh produce and retail. Session topics can be viewed at www.westcoastproduceexpo.com/schedule.
In addition to this full slate of education WCPE will offer virtual exhibits, farm and facility tours and a featured products showcase, as well as an interactive lounge where participants can connect and network.
“In transitioning West Coast Produce Expo from a live to online event, we prioritized the features that are most valuable to our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors,” said Matt Morgan, executive vice president of produce for Farm Journal. “The online format will deliver more time to visit the expo, hear directly from retailers and industry experts and facilitate sales via our BizMatch meeting scheduler service, which pairs buyers and suppliers based on specific matching criteria.”
Following the success of the recent, fully-virtual Sustainable Produce Summit, which drew 1,300 registrants from 55 countries, show organizers expect even larger numbers for WCPE. In addition, the digital content will be available on thepacker.com after the conclusion of the event, delivering on-demand education and continued exposure for speakers and sponsors.
Learn more about the program or register for free at www.westcoastproduceexpo.com.
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 144 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences, seminars and tradeshows; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile-text-marketing business; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal also is the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.