Schedule

Registration Open

Board, Committee and Council Meetings

IFPA Retail Tour

Stops include: Grocery Outlet, Super King and Gelson’s Markets.

Offers an insider’s look at what’s new in merchandising, packaging, technology and fruit and vegetables. After visiting exciting retail stores in the local area, expect to walk away with plenty of innovative ideas and strategies that can be applied to your own business.
*Separate registration required and limited space available.

Registration Open

Food Safety Specific Item

ACC North 200 Level

General Session: State of the Industry

ACC North 200 Level

Hear from IFPA CEO, Cathy Burns as she explores the latest in emerging innovations and consumer trends, and what these mean for IFPA members and the global produce and floral community.

Introduction

 

Speaker

Education Festival

ACC North 200 Level

Say goodbye to traditional workshops! In between the general sessions, join us for a few hours of fast-paced live speakers, self-guided information, casual conversations, food, and more in this unique setting. We’ll inspire you, help you imagine the possibilities, and apply them to your priorities.

 

10:15AM – 10:45AM

Fresh Produce Packaging: The Demand, The Technology, The Reality
Room A
In this live, expert-led session, discover what consumers are expecting, the alternatives to plastics that are being developed, and explore the sustainable options available around the world now, what’s on the horizon, and which ones will be the most likely contenders to replace plastic packaging across the supply chain.

Panelist

 

 

 

 

 

10:15AM – 10:45AM

Government Relations: The DC Top 5
Room B
What is the government up to? How does it impact our industry? Become DC-savvy as you get the latest insights and intel from IFPA’s advocacy experts, and find out how IFPA is working for you, wherever you are in the supply chain. You’ll also discover how you can become part of our unified voice on behalf of fresh produce and stay confidently up to date on policy – now and in the future.

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10:50AM – 11:20AM

2024: What You Need to Know to Play by the Rules
Room A
As sustainability, social, and other environmental certifications are demanded by consumers and buyers, there are many parallels, and some key differences, that can be applied from food safety world as organizations work to ensure the alignment of 3rd-party standards and avoid future audit fatigue. Join a panel of industry leaders to hear about these ongoing efforts, lessons learned from harmonization efforts of food safety standards, and how these standards can be used to increase market access, support regulatory compliance efforts, and protect consumers and the environment alike.

Moderators

 

 

Panelists

 

 

 

10:50AM – 11:20AM

What Do They Really Want?
Room B
Every move consumers make is closely monitored, and IFPA develops and maintains extensive reporting on their choices when it comes to fresh produce and floral. The reason we do so is to help you, regardless of where you are in the supply chain, to be aware of and respond to what consumers really want. From increasing demand for fresh produce and floral to providing the latest products in the most technologically expedient, cost-effective, and sustainable way, join our experts as they help you access, interpret, and utilize must-see consumer data.

Moderator

 

Panelist

 

 

 

10:50AM – 11:20AM

Essential Conversations: FSMA 204
Essential Conversations Stage
The FDA has released regulations on traceability that are effective now and will be enforced on January 20, 2026. These regulations require lot level tracking from packing to the retail food outlet. Join experts as they explain the FSMA 204 Final Rule and highlight the resources that will assist your company to be compliant with the regulations.

Speaker

 

 

11:25AM – 11:55AM

ACC North 200 Level

Ask the SMEs
Room A
Room B
Room C
Room D
Essential Conversations Stage
Subject matter experts continue the conversation from live sessions and take questions from the audience about topics ranging from advocacy to sustainability to talent.

 

12:00PM – 12:30PM

ACC North 200 Level

Generation-based Produce & Floral Marketing
Room A
As Gen Z becomes a significant portion of the consumer base, nobody concerned with selling fresh produce and floral can ignore how shoppers with different perspectives on healthy eating, the economy, and sustainability will decide which of our products to purchase. Gain essential insights on what influences consumers from all the active generations – from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha – and learn new, effective ways to capture their hearts and minds.

Panelist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12:00PM – 12:30PM

Fresh Produce Saves Lives
Room B
This isn’t a brash statement – it’s a fact that consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables reduces the rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Every day, research reveals new examples of how a healthy diet increases both life expectancy and quality of life. Find out how IFPA’s work on behalf of our industry is increasing demand for and access to fresh produce – creating healthy eating foundations for children and preventing and reducing disease in adults – and find out how you can be part of IFPA’s work to grow a healthier world.

Moderator

 

Panelist

 

12:00PM – 12:30PM

Controlled Environment Agriculture: What’s Next?
Room C
Join experts as they delve into the potential of CEA, shedding light on industry trends, viable financing options, crop diversification possibilities, and the integration of advanced technologies. They will illuminate the pivotal role of retailers and their intricate relationship with consumers in this evolving landscape. Gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, expectations, and perceptions, and tools to navigate the world of Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Moderator

 

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12:00PM – 12:30PM

Getting the Job Done with a Changing Produce & Floral Workforce
Room D
The workforce is shrinking, and from immigration issues to demands by younger workers for very particular workplace conditions, the fresh produce and floral industries face serious human resources challenges in navigating the path from farm to fork. In this live session, hear from government, talent, and technology experts and learn how the changing workforce affects our industry, how to support a shrinking workforce with emerging technology, and build a diverse, inclusive workplace that attracts workers who demand fair, sustainable employment.

Speakers

 

 

12:00PM – 12:30PM

Essential Conversations: Climate Smart Farming Practices
Essential Conversations Stage
Whether you are a grower/shipper or a vendor of agricultural production inputs, learn how you can access funding to participate in the climate smart pilot project - "A Vibrant Future." From improving your company's sustainability through carbon sequestration, to accessing a new market for buyers and consumers, this essential conversation is important for you to attend.

Speaker

 

 

IFPA Comms Conclave Opening Luncheon - AT CAPACITY

(Senior Executives, PR & Communications Professionals Only or By Invitation) By Invitation Only

It's back! An engaging session dedicated to Senior Executives, Public Relations and Communications professionals who champion our industry. Featuring guest speaker Miles Reiter, CEO of Driscoll's. Leave energized to raise the power of our voice to create a vibrant future for all.

*This session is at capacity. For more information or to join the waitlist, please contact media@freshproduce.com.

Networking Lunch

ACC North 200 Level

General Session: CEO Panel

ACC North 200 Level

What do consumers want? How can tech innovate your business? Are your people your most valuable asset?

IFPA presents these distinguished business changemakers at the global show as part of its year-round commitment to offering members the latest on consumer, tech, and talent trends, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). 

Moderator

 

Speakers

 

 

 

 

IFPA Comms Conclave – Practitioner's Intensive

(PR & Communications Professionals Only or By Invitation)

Hands-on working session for Public Relations and Communications professionals work hard each and every day to champion our products and industry. Discuss the latest issues, connect, and galvanize together.

*Separate registration required and limited to IFPA members who are PR communications professionals. If you do not meet the requirement, kindly do not register for this session.

Retailer Sponsor VIP Reception

Grand Plaza

This reception, proceeding the broad Welcome Reception, offers an exclusive networking opportunity for Global Show sponsors at the Silver Level and above, domestic and global retailers, IFPA Volunteer Chairs, board members and they're invited guests. 

If you have questions about this event please contact Peter Wilder or Joe Watson for more information. 

Welcome Reception

Grand Plaza

*All Access Pass or separate registration required. Register in your IFPA account.

Race for a Healthier World 5K

Santa Ana River Trail, 1750 S Douglass Rd, Anaheim, CA US 92806

Shuttles pick up from the Anaheim Convention Center Transit Plaza (Hall E) at 5:30 AM and return after the race at approximately 7:50 AM

*Separate registration required and limited space available.

Learn more and register for the 5K

Registration Open

Global Show Block Party

Grand Plaza

Let’s have some fun! When you have a moment between activities, stop by The Global Produce & Floral Show Block Party! Enjoy food trucks, music, and entertainment throughout the day. Visit sponsor booths and enjoy their activations and play games like corn hole and Jenga. Just show up when it suits your schedule.

Networking Breakfast

ACC North 200 Level

General Session: Steve Wozniak

ACC North 200 Level

From garage to greatness, this IFPA global show keynote speaker is known for his tech prowess, inventions, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Steve Wozniak will speak about technological innovation and the future of technology.

Introduction

 

Speaker

Expo Open

ACC Halls A-D and Arena

Food Safety & Tech X-Change Sessions

Innovation Hub

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

FSMA 204 Traceability Rule Implementation Challenges

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

CEA Food Safety

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

The Basics of Hazards vs Risks and How to Evaluate Them

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Tracking and Measuring Sustainability

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Regenerative Agriculture

IFPA Booth Office Hours

Meet in the IFPA Booth to discuss a range of topics from sustainability to global trends and more. Review the list of times and topics below and plan to stop in for informal conversations with IFPA experts.

Fireside Chat with Dr. Elliott Grant

Innovation Hub - Food Safety Tech X-Change

Dr. Elliott Grant, CEO of Mineral, an Alphabet company using AI and perception technology to contribute to a more sustainable future for the food system. Dr. Grant will join Vonnie Estes, the VP of Innovation at IFPA, on the Food Safety Tech X-Change stage in the Innovation Hub for a conversation about AI's potential to reshape agriculture.

AgTech Celebration

Innovation Hub

Head to the Innovation Hub, the home to all things tech, for a celebration where attendees can continue the conversation with speakers and share peer-to-peer. 

Community Receptions

ACC 3rd Floor

• Floral Reception: Enter the enchanted Mad Hatter’s Wonderworld to network with colleagues and celebrate this year’s IFPA Floral Marketer of the Year. (Ballroom C)
• Retail Awards Reception: Join the retail community for A Night at the Academy. Join in on celebrating the 2023 Retail Merchant Innovation Award and Retail Produce Manager Award winners. (Ballroom E)
• Science, Technology, Food Safety & Sustainability Reception: Celebrating the Fresh Field Catalyst and presenting the Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award and more. (Room 304C)
• Talent Reception: Join us to meet some fresh faces in our industry, our newest group of Career Pathways students! Celebrate fellow program alumni and volunteers while we honor this year's Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future award recipient. (Room 304D)

RSVP

Registration Open

Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast

ACC 200 Level North

*Separate registration required and limited space available. Register in your IFPA account.

Insights from Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field Olympian, entrepreneur and founder of Saysh, will bolster the produce and floral industries’ support for women as part of IFPA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion efforts.

Felix is also a champion for gender equity. She will speak about her career, life experience, and advocacy for gender equity during this highly popular event. Her advocacy spans women in business, mothers in athletics, maternity rights, and other issues supporting women and girls. 

Global Show Block Party

Grand Plaza

Let’s have some fun! When you have a moment between activities, stop by The Global Produce & Floral Show Block Party! Enjoy food trucks, music, and entertainment throughout the day. Visit sponsor booths and enjoy their activations and play games like corn hole and Jenga. Just show up when it suites your schedule.

Expo Open

ACC Halls A-D and Arena

Food Safety & Tech X-Change Sessions

Innovation Hub

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Finished Product Pathogen Testing: To Test or Not to Test

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Tackling Tricky Conversations: Buyers, Auditors and Regulators

12:00 PM -12:30 PM

Improve Access to Produce through Innovation

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Ethical Charter: What is It and Why Should Your Company Adopt It?

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Packhouse and Field Equipment Sanitation: What are We Missing?

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Imperfect Produce: Is It a Food Loss Strategy?

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Climate Change

IFPA Booth Office Hours

Meet in the IFPA Booth to discuss a range of topics from sustainability to global trends and more. Review the list of times and topics below and plan to stop in for informal conversations with IFPA experts.