Refreshed Focus on Education and Networking Drives 2015 PMA Foodservice Conference Numbers to a Record Breaking High

Fresh produce and foodservice industry professionals drove another consecutive year of record-breaking numbers in attendance and engagement at the 34th annual PMA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California, organizing officials say. 1,870 attendees, including more than 480 foodservice distributors and more than 200 operators convened in the Salad Bowl of the United States to connect with emerging trends, new products and old friends. “The PMA Foodservice Committee, comprised of industry members from across the fresh produce and foodservice supply chains, took this conference back to its roots. The objectives of the conference, established years ago by foodservice pioneers Joe Stubbs, Tom Church, Joe Brennan and others, is truly to serve as an incubator of ideas – and to encourage attendees to put the learnings into action,” says Bryan Silbermann, PMA CEO. “I tip my hat to the committee co-chairs, Fritz Stelter and Jeff DeBoer, who realized that innovation can honor the past while preparing us for the future.” The conference’s education sessions and networking receptions including the conference’s annual opening reception and the PMA Foundation Women’s Fresh Perspectives reception, and PMA Foundation Joe Nucci Golf Tournament and 5K Race for Talent attracted an all-time best number of attendees, officials add, providing the following numbers:

“The people that powered this year’s show managed to refresh the conference while maintaining the sense of community and family we all know and love,” says Cathy Burns, PMA president. “I’m so grateful to Robert Verloop of Naturipe, the conference’s emcee, along with the education team on staff and the efforts of the PMA Foodservice Committee. They were able to highlight research and insights so pertinent to our industry through celebrity chefs, industry experts and thought leaders. I look forward to seeing the industry translate the insights shared into actions across the foodservice sector.” Several exhibitors were awarded for their innovative products and showmanship including:

The annual Chefs Talk: Strolling Lunch event featured seven local chef and produce company partnerships – each yielding an innovative produce-centric recipe. Guests were encouraged to vote for their favorite. The winner of the 2015 contest was the Mushroom Council and Chef Domenica Catelli with the Ultimate Burger 2.0. “The PMA Foodservice Committee put in a lot of effort and new ideas into this year’s conference - including refreshing ways for industry members to connect to new ideas and peers. The Hand-On Fruit and Vegetable training session was one of the new activities – and allowed for industry members to learn about handling, prepping and using different commodities,” says Fritz Stelter, vice president of Field Fresh Foods. “It’s great to see a show that’s been in the works for 34 years come out with a rejuvenated spirit.” PMAtv episodes highlighting this year’s conference include: