PMA CONVENTION WILL BE HELD IN OCTOBER

MINA WILLIAMS

NEWARK, Del. (FNS) -- The Produce Marketing Association's Convention and Exposition will be held October 16-20 in New Orleans. During the event 570 exhibitors in 1,623 booths covering 450,000 square feet of exhibition space will showcase new products, innovations and systems.

To aid retailers in pre-show planning PMA is once again providing its Virtual Trade Show over the Web located at www.pmatradeshow.com. This web site provides buyers with access to exhibitor information year-round with links to exhibitor home pages. Additionally convention center floor plans, conference programs, information on PMA convention registration and housing are included.

The site was developed to not only provide attendees with the tools they need to help them plan ahead, it also serves as a useful post-show reference, according to Duane Eaton, PMA vice president. Retailers say that the Virtual Trade Show is a means of time management as the show increases in size.

This year's Virtual Trade Show has been designed to be more user-friendly than the inaugural version last year.

"The site has been simplified, it is easier to use," said Eaton. "Last year 30 percent of the buyers visited the site to plan their activities. With the newly improved search capabilities and expanded listings we have a more complete presentation than we did last year."

To entice retailers to visit the Virtual Trade Show web site, PMA is holding two monthly drawings for $50 gift certificates from Land's End. To be eligible to win, visitor to the site simply need to register their name.

During the upcoming convention seminars and keynote addresses will fill out the morning activities October 18-20. Seminars will cover such topics as irradiation, food safety, organics and proper handling practices. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Lou Holtz, legendary football coach, and futurist Chip Bell. A retail tour will round out the program.