Keynote lineup unveiled for IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show

IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show is planned for Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, Calif.
IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show is planned for Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, Calif.
(Image courtesy International Fresh Produce Association)

Drawing from the worlds of big business, athletics, and global technology strategy and innovation, the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show has unveiled its keynote lineup for 2023.

The keynote speakers will inspire attendees to greater heights in their businesses and their careers, IFPA officials said in a news release.

“The global show is a force for discovery and dialogue about trends and topics of importance to our industry,” Doug Bohr, IFPA chief education and programs officer, said in the release. “We bring global thought leaders and influencers to share their perspectives and experiences to inform and inspire our members.”

The global show, planned for Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, Calif., will feature the following speakers.

On Thursday, Oct. 19, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns will give a "State of the Industry" presentation, which will explore opportunities for the global produce and floral community in the areas of technology and innovation, sustainability, talent attraction and workforce development, consumer trends, and advocacy, the release said.

The "Global Leaders Panel" later that day will be moderated by Patrick Vizzone, managing director and head of Agri-Food and Impact Investment at Franklin Templeton, Global Private Equity. Speakers include: 

  • Judith McKenna, president, Walmart International, who will speak about retail consumer trends.
  • Elliott Grant, CEO, Mineral (an Alphabet/Google company), who will address technological innovation in agriculture.
  • Johnny C. Taylor, CEO, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), who will talk about talent trends, including diversity, equity and inclusion.

The general session Friday, Oct. 20, will feature Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, tech entrepreneur and computer scientist, and will examine technological innovation and the future of technology.

At the Saturday, Oct. 21, Women’s Leadership Breakfast, attendees will hear from Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history and champion for gender equity, the release said. She will speak about her career, life experience, and advocacy for gender equity at this limited-attendance event (separate ticket required).

“In our increasingly global and interconnected world, it’s important to look within and beyond our industry to find new ideas and inspiration,” Bohr said. “Our business-building keynote speakers and panelists bring a range of expertise, experience and insights on topics ranging from technology and innovation, talent and consumer trends, and advocacy that members across the supply chain and around the world will find engaging and compelling.”

The Global Produce & Floral Show details can be found at its official website.

 

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