The Packer’s 2020 West Coast Produce Expo won’t be under the sunny skies of the California desert, but the virtual event promises networking opportunities, a virtual expo experience and a robust slate of education sessions.
The event, with online registration available, is set for Nov. 9-13.
BizMatch sessions, a premium option matching buyers and sellers, will be Nov. 9-12.
“In transitioning West Coast Produce Expo from a live event to virtual, we prioritized the features that are most valuable to our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors,” said Matt Morgan, executive vice president of produce for The Packer’s parent company, Farm Journal. “We’re excited that the virtual format will deliver more time to visit the expo, to hear directly from retailers and industry experts, and to facilitate sales via our BizMatch meeting scheduler service which pairs buyers and suppliers based on specific matching criteria.
“In addition, the value of digital content like we’re offering at WCPE is that it lives on beyond the event dates, delivering on-demand education and continued exposure for our speakers and sponsors,” Morgan said.
Education sessions are:
Nov. 10:
- Keynote Panel: Adapting Your Business Plan and Goals for 2021 and Beyond; Tom Karst of The Packer visits with Cindy Jewell of Jewell Marketing, Julie Krivanek of Krivanek Consulting, Mike O’Brien of O’Brien Innovations LLC, Bruce Peterson of Peterson Insights and Dick Spezzano of Spezzano Consulting Service;
- Lessons From Retail — Online Grocery and What’s Ahead; Ashley Nickle of The Packer with Bill Bishop of Brick Meets Click; and
- Lessons from Retail – Walmart’s Regenerative Approach and What It Means for Suppliers; Tom Karst of The Packer with Anabella de Freeman of Walmart about the company’s sustainability goals;
Nov. 11:
- Lessons from Retail — Developing Your Produce Teams; Nickle visits with Jeff Cady of Tops Friendly Markets; and
- Lessons from Retail — Shifting Shopper Behaviors Present and Future: Karst visits with Steve Lutz of Category Partners.
Nov. 12:
- Keynote Panel: Post-Election 2020 — Discussion of Political and Legislative Issues; Karst visits with Robert Guenther of the United Fresh Produce Association, Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Dave Puglia, president of Western Growers and Jim Wiesemeyer of Pro Farmer;
- Lessons from Retail — Community, Events and Fresh Produce; Nickle visits with Rob Ybarra of Rouses Markets; and
- Lessons from Retail — Continuing to Create Excitement in Stores; Nickle visits with Scott Bennett of Jewel-Osco.
How 2020 should inform your strategy and goals for 2021
Conversations at WCPE: Jewel-Osco’s Scott Bennett on creating excitement in stores
