Are you headed to the Global Produce & Floral Show?

Offering connections, business-building speakers and a dynamic produce and floral expo, the Global Produce & Floral Show is slated for Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, Calif. Registration and hotel bookings for the event, from International Fresh Produce Association, open June 26.

“The excitement is accelerating around the global show’s return to Anaheim, broader experiences in education and the expo, and the unparalleled networking,” Paul Kneeland of Gelson’s Markets and the co-chair of The Global Produce & Floral Show Committee said in a news release. “Our committee has worked hard to take this event to the next level, and attendees will see that on the show floor, from the speakers, and in the business connections they can’t get anywhere else. As a retailer, when I look for new products, technologies, and innovations to help me differentiate my stores and satisfy my shoppers, I find them at the global show.”  

Although the event follows a typical pattern, IFPA says there is nothing typical about this year’s global show that is set to offer: 

• Greater opportunities for networking on a broad scale throughout the event and a more intimate scale at community receptions and a networking breakfast, networking lunch, and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast. 

• A solutions-based approach whether on the expo floor; from keynote speakers, including the annual State of the Industry presentation; or the Education Festival. 

• Expanded focus on technology, innovation and operations solutions, especially on the show floor. 

“Mucci Farms exhibits because this is the show that attracts top-quality buyers, decision-makers and influencers,” Ken Paglione of Mucci Farms, a member of the global show committee, said in the release. “The expo is segmented to help us all find the products and services they need in the most-important sectors: produce, floral, business solutions (including technology), and complementary items. Not only are we looking to meet our buyers and potential buyers, but we’re also looking at booths that offer solutions we need.”  

The global show attracts more than 20,000 attendees from more than 40 countries, making it the meeting ground for the global produce and floral supply chains, according to a release. 

“The Global Show is fantastic,” Lam Lin of Joy Wing Mau said in the release. “It is a great gathering for us to meet with key business partners to discuss challenges, share new growth ideas and generate confidence for the coming year. The general sessions and seminars are well prepared and organized, providing the opportunity for great ideas and knowledge sharing which is very valuable.” 

IFPA CEO Cathy Burns encourages attendees to make the upcoming show their own. 

“With the global show, attendees can truly make the experience their own,” Burns said in the release. “It’s exciting to see how the global show serves our members and advances their success, whether it’s a handshake confirming a business deal, seeing an attendee’s eyes light up after listening to a speaker or thought leader, or watching the joy of fresh come to life on the show floor.

"This signature event is by no means the only value members get from IFPA, but there’s a visibility and intensity here you get nowhere else when it comes to finding creativity and innovation in the global produce and floral community,” she added.