Given the continuing Covid-19 outbreak, the United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) board of directors has made the decision to move from an in-person event in San Diego this June to United Fresh LIVE!, a new, free virtual event that will connect customers, suppliers and colleagues across the industry.
“During these past few weeks, we’ve all learned something about connections,” said United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel. “While we can’t wait to join with industry friends again in person, we’ve also realised that we’re connecting today in new ways. We’re all online, with video streaming, face-to-face chats, and group interactions that, just a month ago, we didn’t know how to do.'
United Fresh 2020 LIVE! will debut the week of 15 June 2020 and will feature live keynote presentations, roundtable discussion groups, networking interaction among different communities, and an expo floor where exhibitors and attendees can share information, view videos and other content, chat live and make the same connections one would at an in-person event.
“United Fresh LIVE! is an innovative solution to an unprecedented challenge,' said Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods and chairman of the United Fresh board of directors. 'Businesses across the supply chain are clamoring for information and connections.
'As we’ve learned to adopt online platforms to conduct our daily business, offering this free virtual event broadens our opportunity to deliver real value to thousands of industry members at a time when they need it most,' he added.
'In the coming days, United Fresh will be working with our exhibitors and sponsors to build out our virtual platform that delivers live experiences, valuable content and new connections to industry members around the world,” said Danny Dumas of Del Monte Fresh Produce, and chairman-elect of United Fresh. “United Fresh LIVE! is a testament to the quick-pivot thinking to ensure that our industry can continue to gather and thrive, even in these unprecedented times.”
