Viva Fresh to feature game show, networking event

Let the games begin.

The Texas International Produce Association In Bloom Women’s Committee is set to host a game show-inspired event titled, “Challenge Accepted!” at Viva Fresh on March 31. This year's Viva Fresh event will return to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 30-April 1.

Sponsored by Pure Flavor, "Challenge Accepted!" will feature four female produce professionals as panelists in a game show atmosphere.

The game show event will encourage audience participation through "Jeopardy"-style questions. Attendees are invited to join in and see what happens live as industry women serve as panelists and answer questions about obstacles they have faced throughout their careers as well as the strategies they’ve found helpful in building their networks, expanding their resources and amplifying their voices, according to a news release. 

“After last year’s ‘Speak Easy: Real Women, Real Talk,’ we thought long and hard on how we could try to top its success,” said Michelle Cortez, In Bloom committee chairwoman and sales director at Babia. “We wanted to add a component where the audience was able to get in on the fun and we think ‘Challenge Accepted’ will do just that.”

In Bloom was conceived at the 2019 Viva Fresh and was built to be an organization to empower and advance women in produce through sharing opportunities, networking, mentorship, advocacy and professional development while also offering a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other, the release said.

Its vision is to develop a community of female leaders who are advocates for fresh produce consumption, committed to helping one another, and prepared to lead the industry through opportunities and challenges in a dynamic Texas and international produce landscape, the release said.

“In dreaming up this event, we knew we wanted to allow the audience to help direct the conversation," said April Flowers, In Bloom committee vice chairwoman and marketing director at Lone Star Citrus. "This event really is so much more than a typical panel. It's a genuine conversation and an opportunity for women in our industry to acknowledge and connect over the topics that most affect us."

Registration is set to go live on March 1. Those who have previously registered for Viva Fresh are invited to revisit their registration and add this event, which is free to Viva Fresh attendees with prior registration. Preference will be given to women attendees, but gentlemen are welcome to join the waitlist on-site, the release said.

Related news: TIPA launches a student networking and career development program

This event also receives sponsorship support from London Fruit, Lone Star Citrus, Coast Tropical and Fox Packaging.

After tackling the topics industry women face each day, the event will pivot into a happy hour networking event as a lead into YTIPA’s (Young Texas International Produce Association) networking hour as well as the opening reception.

In 2021, TIPA created a new networking group called YTIPA. This committee is specifically for members under the age of 35 and focuses on building connections, networking and providing education to the newest generation of fresh produce industry professionals. 

At this year’s Viva Fresh, YTIPA will host its second annual networking reception March 31, with the objective of building and training the younger community of TIPA members.

The reception will follow the conclusion of In Bloom’s cocktail event. It will be held in Mission Plaza at the Gaylord and will feature special guest speaker, Tom Thompson, chief revenue officer at Revol Greens, who will share industry insights designed to help attendees accelerate their career paths in fresh produce, the release said.

“YTIPA aims to welcome newcomers into the produce industry with open arms,” said Kristen Davis, food safety coordinator at Tex Mex Sales and YTIPA chair.

Registration for the YTIPA reception will also open on March 1; previously registered attendees under 35 are encouraged to go back into their registration and add this event. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served manner.

“We want to allow our generation and future generations the opportunity to network and educate one another as we go through the same challenges and opportunities we face day to day,” said Rebecca Garcia, sales manager at Origin Fresh Produce and YTIPA vice chair. “And of course, have fun in this beautiful, constantly changing industry.”

For more information on In Bloom, contact April Flowers at aprilf@lonestarcitrus.com or Michelle Cortez at shelly@babia.com.mx.

For more information on YTIPA, contact Rebecca Garcia at rg@origin-fresh.com or Kristen Davis at kristen@texmexsales.com.