July 10, 2023 Newark, DE. and Washington, D.C. – If a late-night talk show married IFPA’s BB #:378962 Foodservice Conference, they’d give birth to Monterey Bay Live!, a fun, energetic session with thought-provoking interviews, a lively chef demo, and recognition of the best of the best in foodservice.
The conference is July 27-28 in Monterey, Calif.
“This is one of the most popular sessions at The Foodservice Conference,” said IFPA vice president Joe Watson. “This year we have speakers that strive to drive our industry forward in ways that make a big difference – innovation and operations; creative plant-based dishes; and sustainability, access, and stewardship.”
Moderated by Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning author, speaker, consultant, and television host, the July 27 session features these high-powered foodservice professionals:
• A conversation with Art Kilmer, COO for P.F. Chang’s. He is responsible for supply chain and procurement, training and development, and culinary and beverage innovation and operations for more than 200 U.S. restaurants. A restaurant industry veteran, Kilmer’s first job was at McDonald’s when he was 16.
• A plant-forward chef demo from Nazim Khan, CEC, WCEC, WCMC, executive chef of nutrition and dining services at Bryan Health, Lincoln, NE. He has developed popular plant-based dishes for both retail and patient meal service. Khan shares his passion for healthy, locally sourced food, culinary demos to help people eat healthfully, and efforts to help those struggling with illness to nourish body and spirit.
• Melissa Melshenker Ackerman, CEO of Planet Harvest, which strives to optimize the produce supply chain to ensure that as much usable produce is consumed, that whoever wants access to fresh nutritious food has it, and that stewardship of the planet is improved. Planet Harvest endeavors to change the landscape for all stakeholders in the ag ecosystem – growers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and the healthcare industry.
Following these segments, Sbrocco will moderate audience questions for the three culinary professionals as the attendees enjoy a taste of Khan’s recipe.
“The Foodservice Conference is the place to have these conversations,” Watson said. “This event gathers the who’s who of produce in foodservice. These are the right people to engage in conversations around the issues most important to our industry as we all strive for solutions.”
Honoring the best in produce foodservice
The session also features recognition of IFPA’s Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards winners. “These awards pay special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in their use and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables in the culinary arts,” Watson said. “Awards go beyond simple recognition, though. When we highlight the best of the best, others are inspired to up their game as well.”
Innovations, networking, and a 1:1 buyer ratio
Beyond this game-changing session, Watson noted the conference is notable in many ways:
• A 1-to-1 buyer-seller ratio (half of the attendees are buyers). “We always have a hefty buyer turnout, which ensures participants will do business with existing and new partners,” Watson said.
• The latest in produce and service innovations at the expo and Fresh Ideas Showcase, including many first-time exhibitors and kid-friendly items for the K-12 schools. “Buyers are hungry for the latest in fresh produce options,” Watson said. “From distributors to schools to operators, from chefs to menu planners to consumption drivers, they’re coming to The Foodservice Conference to find it.”
• A strong education program. Beyond Monterey Bay Live!, attendees will hear from and about an award-winning chef panel, K-12 school programs, sustainability market trends, and supplier diversity and inclusive procurement.
• Exceptional networking with a reception at The Barns, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception (separate ticket required) a networking breakfast, and general networking at the conference and the expo.
“This is the pinnacle of the produce foodservice year,” Watson said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to Monterey later this month.”
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)?is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to?take action?with purpose and confidence.? While IFPA is built on the legacy of United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, it is not just a combination. It is transformational. Recognizing the industry required an even more powerful and unified voice, the leaders of the former United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association chose not to merge, but rather to create an entirely new organization to supersede their organizations, effective January 1, 2022.
Contact: Ashley Sempowski, ASempowski@freshproduce.com +1 (202) 303-3406
