West Coast Produce Expo turns 10

A decade in the making, this year’s West Coast Produce Expo features a full slate of activities, a keynote presentation from NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, educational sessions and networking opportunities. From farm tours and yoga to pickleball and golf, there are a multitude of worthwhile diversions to pursue.

Excited to reconnect at the 2023 Sustainable Produce Summit and West Coast Produce Expo, May 18-20, in Palm Desert, Calif., here’s what members of The Packer team are saying about this year’s events:

Brock Nemecek, marketing manager, The Packer and Produce Market Guide

This will be my third West Coast Produce Expo, and I’m most excited about many of the activities planned to celebrate the 10th anniversary. The scavenger hunt will be a fun way for attendees to learn more about The Packer and PMG, and I can’t wait to watch the winners grab cash in the money booth at the closing reception.

The opening reception always delivers a terrific setting for catching up with industry friends and will also be the site of the official 10th anniversary toast. Lastly, we’re introducing a new outdoor yoga experience on Saturday morning, which is the best way to start the day. It’s going to be a fun event all around.

Kristin Leigh Lore, western editor, The Packer

I look forward to making memories at my very first West Coast Produce Expo and Sustainable Produce Summit — especially excited about the farm and field tours and connecting with industry leaders, all with the gorgeous desert backdrop.

Brian Burnett, account manager, The Packer and Produce Market Guide

I’m looking forward to attending my fifth West Coast Produce Expo. My favorite memory of years past is, while at our 2021 event in Vegas, the mask mandate changed and there was an instant increase in energy and excitement.

I’m also excited to see Steve Young’s keynote address at this year’s event. Growing up, it created arguments to like the same team as my older brother, so I selected the Niners. Although I have a ’94 Super Bowl ball signed by Steve Young, I’ve yet to see him in person. This will elevate the experience of catching up with industry friends.

Elizabeth Cherry, account manager, The Packer and Produce Market Guide

This will be my sixth West Coast Produce Expo. My favorite memory from past events is everyone gathering in the hotel lobby bar until late night and witnessing the camaraderie and networking. WCPE is a show that industry folks want to be at, and I love that Sustainable Produce Summit is now co-located with WCPE. The trailblazing content at SPS is the best in the industry, and I can’t wait to attend the keynote and sessions.

Denise Sundvold, account manager, The Packer and Produce Market Guide

I’ve been to five previous West Coast Produce Expos and have always enjoyed the variety of keynote speakers. I really enjoyed Bill Walton coming to the reception and chatting and posing for photos with many of the attendees before his speaking engagement the next morning. This year I look forward to reuniting with longtime produce industry friends and meeting new friends who are participating for the first time.

Gary English, national accounts manager, The Packer and Produce Market Guide

I have attended all of the West Coast Produce Expo events. As I used to play basketball, one of my favorite memories was chatting with Bill Walton at our opening party a few years ago. I am most looking forward to seeing all of my industry friends in person in Palm Desert — always a great time.

Amy Sowder, PMG magazine editor and The Packer retail and education editor

I’ve attended two shows and both times was blown away by the gorgeous resort and the view of endless pools and soothing waterfalls, with palm trees and a mountain backdrop. It made the show feel extra enjoyable. I also loved the farm tours — there’s nothing like seeing it firsthand to give you a real understanding of how a product gets from seed to shelf.

I also loved the sessions and how much insight I gathered that I could use in my work back home for months to come. I’m excited about being in that beautiful environment and learning the latest insights from the industry’s key players.