Who's attending the Consumer Connection Conference?
The Foundation for Fresh Produce has released the special guest list for its upcoming Consumer Connection Conference, slated for April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.
The list comprises retail dietitians, foodservice tastemakers, and nutrition, lifestyle and agriculture communicators that hit the three major points of influence: point-of-sale, point-of-flavor and point-of-inspiration, says the Foundation for Fresh Produce. Their attendance at the conference aims to help the industry advocate, collaborate and learn from the individuals who can drive purchases for large volume buyers at retail, foodservice and more, according to a news release.
“Ultimately, we’re all working to get consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Yvette Waters, nutrition strategist and corporate dietitian for Raley’s, said in the release. “As a retail dietitian I really recommend this conference because it marries the science-based facts with networking, produce-forward food, and a lot of energy and fun. It gives me the insights and the connections I need so I can have a greater impact on the consumers we reach through our focus on community health. I’m looking forward to doing it again!”
Highlights of the upcoming conference include special guest speakers Evan Gaetano, manager of site merchandising-grocery e-commerce at Walmart, and singer-songwriter Jimmy Yeary, to name a few.
Education sessions will touch on consumer research, reaching consumers through artificial intelligence and a look at nutrition incentive programs, the release said. These sessions, in addition to signature meal experiences, are designed to bring together critical points along the fruit and vegetable supply chain to advocate, strategize and problem-solve for increased consumption and a healthier, plant-forward future.
"The Consumer Connection Conference is unlike any other in our industry,” Mary Heslep, senior vice president of Ten Acre Marketing, said in the release. “The opportunity for produce marketers to build relationships with retail dietitians and influencers who are speaking directly with consumers daily is invaluable. This conference is one of the industry's best-kept secrets, and I hope more marketers begin to see the exceptional opportunity that attending can provide for the advancement of their consumer marketing initiatives."
Influencer guest list
Retail dietitians:
- Big Y, Andrea Luttrell, registered dietitian programs lead.
- Coborn’s Inc., Amy Petersen, digital marketing manager.
- Fresh Thyme, Meghan Sedivy, health and wellness strategy manager.
- The Giant Co., Joni Rampolla, regional dietitian.
- Giant Food, Mandy Katz, manager of healthy living.
- Harmons Grocery, Melanie Taylor, registered dietitian.
- H-E-B, Lorena Kaplan, nutrition services, sales marketing representative.
- Inserra ShopRite, Lynette Hem-Lee, registered dietitian.
- The Kroger Co., Laura Brown, director of nutrition.
- Meijer, Jodie Vander Meer, nutrition education specialist.
- Raley’s, Yvette Waters, nutrition strategist and corporate dietitian.
- Redner’s Markets, Meredith McGrath, nutrition marketing and communications.
- Schnuck Markets, Allison Primo, health and wellness strategy manager.
- Stop & Shop, Allison Delaney, director of healthy living.
- Wawa, LeeAnn Kindness, nutritionist, product innovation.
- Wegmans, Trish Kazacos, corporate nutrition manager.
Culinary and foodservice:
- Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Sanna Delmonico, associate professor.
- Sodexo, Micheline Cormier, registered dietitian.
- Yale Hospitality, James Benson, director of culinary excellence.
Lifestyle, nutrition and agriculture:
- Julie Andrews, The Healthy Epicurean.
- Leslie Bonci, Active Eating Advice.
- Kristen Carli, Camelback Nutrition & Wellness.
- Beau Coffron, Lunchbox Dad.
- Mandy Enright, Team with ME: Nutrition & Fitness Consulting LLC.
- Cara Harbstreet, Street Smart Nutrition.
- Megan McCarthy, Healthy Eating 101.
- Tessa Nguyen, TN Media.
- Nicole Rodriguez, Enjoy Food. Enjoy Life.
- Sarah Schlichter, Bucket List Tummy.
- Kelli Shallal, Hungry Hobby.
- Vandana Sheth, Vandana Sheth Inc.
- Lori Taylor, The Produce Moms.
- Manuel Villacorta.
- Erika Wong, Kaya Health LLC.
Registration is open online for those interested in attending this event.
