PMA Foodservice Conference to Deliver Full Plate of Activities

MONTEREY, Calif. -- Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the 2011 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foodservice Conference and Exposition, taking place July 29-31 in Monterey, Calif., will have an eye on the past as well as a focus on the future.

Foodservice 2020, and the goal to increase produce usage in foodservice, will be the emphasis of the event, which is dedicated to fresh produce and the foodservice industry. Attendees will learn operator best practices and case studies for increasing produce usage through such topic areas as flavor/menu innovations, food safety, research and sustainability. Solutions will be offered in the context of Foodservice 2020 think-tank discussions of previous years, PMA said.

"We have a strong program planned this year to commemorate the conference's 30th anniversary, starting with an amazing opening reception," stated Mary Wright-Rana, co-chair of the Foodservice Conference committee and director of marketing for Pro*Act, Monterey. "We plan to celebrate the successes of our industry in foodservice and thank our exhibitors for three decades of dedication to the show."

More than 1,500 attendees and 155 exhibitors are expected to converge to check out the newest products and services, strengthen new and existing relationships and learn about the latest industry trends. The conference brings together foodservice operators, wholesalers, distributors and brokers with grower-shippers, processors, promotional organizations, and other product and service providers.

New this year, sponsors will bring in chefs to create dishes with their commodity, as part of a chef competition. Also, guest bloggers will participate in exhibitor communications leading up to the conference. Attendees will be able to follow conference events on Twitter by following @PMAFSC, on PMA’s Facebook page -- and also new this year, via a mobile app.

Other highlights of the 2011 PMA Foodservice Conference & Exposition will include:
-- Tours of produce fields and facilities, for foodservice distributors, operators and wholesalers only.
-- PMA Foundation's 6th annual Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, benefitting the Foundation’s Career Pathways Program.
-- The Foundation's Fresh Perspective: Women’s Networking Event, an evening reception providing the opportunity for an intimate group of industry newcomers and veterans to come together to learn and network.
-- The Foundation’s 5K Race for Talent.

Attendees can save money by registering by June 24. Foodservice operators also can receive significant discounts on conference registration rates, but space is limited. The deadline to book housing is June 24; the deadline to pre-register is July 15. For more information and to register online, visit www.pma.com/foodservice.

Founded in 1949, the Produce Marketing Association is a trade association representing nearly 3,000 companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain.

 

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