Here are 5 reasons to attend IFPA’s Retail Conference 

The International Fresh Produce Association’s June 7-8 Retail Conference in Chicago will bring plenty of advantages to attendees, organizers say.

The agenda for the event is available online.

A news release said the conference will give retailers and suppliers opportunities to:

• Meet face-to-face and connect on a personal level.
• Hear how suppliers and retailers adapt to current headwinds.
• Network in a relaxed environment, including the golf tournament. 
• Connect with quality attendees: impressive retailer attendance and top vendors and suppliers.
• Gain new insights, supply option, and products for their customers. 

“This conference is a one-stop shop where retailers, suppliers, and solutions providers can get together to connect, do business, and learn,” Joe Watson, IFPA’s vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale, said in the release. “Having a 1:5 buyer-supplier ratio makes this an event where business happens. And because it has limited attendance, it’s easy to make meaningful connections.”  

"The IFPA retail conference is a great way to engage and connect with industry peers and enjoy the multiple educational sessions offered,” Tony Mitchell, vice president of produce for Associated Wholesale Grocers, said in the release. “The golf outing is a great way to network in a relaxed environment. I would encourage anyone that has not attended to come check it out and walk away with some new Innovative solutions and trends.”

Roland Harmon, director of global food sourcing at Walmart, said in the release that the event will be a great opportunity to engage with suppliers.

“I hope to see a lot of suppliers this year — at the conference and on the golf course,” he said.