The Produce Marketing Association has opened the 2020 Fresh Summit virtual platform for the buyer preview of the produce, floral, solutions and complementary items marketplaces.
The previews will continue to roll out until the event officially kicks off on Oct. 13, according to a news release.
Registration is $99 for members and $199 for non-members, according to the release. Retailers, foodservice operators and distributors can register for free.
“Based on the feedback we’ve received from marketplace participants and the strong buyer activity that has already occurred, I am very excited to see how Fresh Summit 2020 continues to deliver connections and build community among leaders in global produce and floral,” Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, said in the release. “While the pivot to virtual was certainly a shift in terms of delivery, our expectation to deliver a uniquely extraordinary ‘can’t miss’ event did not waver, thanks to the guidance and support of our Fresh Summit Committee and its chairs Angela Fraser and Shawn Peery, other PMA leadership groups worldwide, and the staff.”
Helping hand
PMA has launched its attendee resources page that helps attendees navigate the platform. Those with questions about how to experience the digital Fresh Summit can use the live chat feature 24 hours a day through Oct. 15.
The Fresh Summit Marketplace, which features hundreds of exhibitors, also is accessible day and night.
Attendees will have the added benefit of artificial intelligence-powered matchmaking, the release said. The AI capability uses information from attendee profiles, searches, and bookmarks on the site to provide personal recommendations.
“As someone who spent many years attending Fresh Summit as a member before joining PMA, I know how critical networking is during this event,” Joe Watson, PMA vice president of member engagement, said in the release. “I’ve been connecting with others in the site myself and the feedback I am hearing is how easy and powerful the tool is. I know we’re all ready to come together and I’m looking forward to all of the different ways we’ll be able to do that at Fresh Summit this year.”
A networking tool allows registered attendees to immediately access the attendee list to connect, text chat, or even set up video conferences, according to th release.
Attendees can also connect in community chat rooms and through the exhibitor marketplace.
PMA on track for big buyer presence
