Seen on Day 1 at PBH’s Consumer Connection Conference

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Amid fragrant jasmine, intense sunshine and a Camelback Mountain backdrop, digital marketers and retail dietitians mingled at Produce for Better Health’s Consumer Connection Conference.

Anna Fagan of AeroFarms and Kelvin Beachum of NFL Arizona Cardinals
Anna Fagan of AeroFarms and Kelvin Beachum of NFL Arizona Cardinals
(Amy Sowder)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Amid fragrant jasmine, intense sunshine and Camelback Mountain backdrop, produce and social media marketers and retail dietitians mingle at Produce for Better Health’s Consumer Connection Conference.

The first event was an April 10 VIP party hosted by Newark, N.J.-based indoor vertical grower AeroFarms.

Anna Fagan, social media marketing association at AeroFarms chatted with Kelvin Beachum, offensive tackle for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

Beachum popped in for the event because he’s an AeroFarms investor who believes in the company’s community-building and sustainability mission — plus he likes the greens. He’s also Feeding America’s entertainment council member.

“I’ve been a fan of AeroFarms since I played with the Jets,” Beachum said. “When you think about all things sustainable, it’s what they do. Plus I like the nutrition and efforts at improving communities.”

Check out some other produce, retail, nutrition and marketing professionals spotted at the show. (Photos: Amy Sowder)

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(Farm Journal)

At the end of the AeroFarms VIP party, guests posed for a group shot before heading to the main PBH Produce Party.

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(Farm Journal)

Michael Morris and Micheline Cormier of Sodexo attended the VIP party.

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(Farm Journal)

The party had a beautiful landscape backdrop of Camelback Mountain.

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(Farm Journal)

VIP party guests included Marc Oshima, co-founder and chief marketing officer of AeroFarms; Robin Plotkin, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Board Mama; Christy Wilson, registered dietitian; Shelby Thurau, registered dietitian for Wakefern Food Corp.; and Meredith McGrath, registered dietitian for Redner’s Markets.

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(Farm Journal)

The Omni Resort in Scottsdale had a gorgeous entrance, and the whole campus felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert. And it literally was that.

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(Farm Journal)

At left is Katie Calligaro, marketing and communications director of PBH, or Produce for Better Health Foundation, which is now called IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce. Calligaro chatted with Emily Gee, marketing director for AeroFarms.

Related news: PBH to gather retail nutritionists for conference

Upcoming Event

Jan. 28–30, 2027  •  Miami Beach, FL

East Coast Produce Expo 2027

Three days of BizMatch+ meetings, trade show and networking at an iconic new location. Plan your trip:

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Sessions, speakers and the first look at the Fresh Trends Consumer Report.

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Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Discounted $409 room rate through Jan. 5.

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