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2014 CPMA Convention & Trade Show highlights

The 2014 CPMA Convention and Trade Show will take place April 2-4 in Vancouver, BC, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Below are some of the highlights of this year’s show. For more details and the full schedule, visit CPMA.ca.

Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 2:

The convention kicks off on Tuesday, April 1 with the Directors and New Members’ Reception, followed on Wednesday, April 2 with the Retail Tour, CPMA Members Annual General Meeting and Chair’s Welcome Reception.

Thursday, April 3:

Thursday opens with the Delegate and Companion Breakfast, anchored by keynote speaker Spencer West.

West will deliver a talk titled “Redefine Possible: Lessons for Tackling Mountains in the Corporate World.”

The Produce News is proud to be presenting the Fresh Health Award at the breakfast.

The delegate luncheon on Thursday brings the Retail Panel Discussion moderated by Reggie Griffin, former senior vice president at Kroger in the United States, and the launch of CPMA’s new Consumer Marketing Program.

Business sessions: 10-11:15 a.m.

Today’s Trends in Fresh Eating

Adam Hart, author of the Canadian best-selling book “The Power of Food.”

Accelerate Growth in Turbulent Times:

Mark Wardell, founder and president of Wardell Professional Development.

Delegates can also take advantage of the first Retail Produce Manager session, which will be aimed at major retail produce managers.

Other Thursday programs include the Food Service Professional session and the Companion program.

The tradeshow will be open from 1:30- 5:30 p.m.

The evening winds down with Variety Night — an entertainment event perfect for getting to know fellow delegates.

Friday, April 4:

Friday’s events begin with the Awards Breakfast 8 a.m., where the Mary FitzGerald Award and the CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented.

Business sessions: 10– 11:15 a.m.

Panel Discussion – What Do Chefs Have to Say About Produce?

Moderated by Carl Svangtun, president, RA Energy Foods Ltd.

Panelists: Chef David Hawksworth, Hawksworth Restaurant, The Rosewood Hotel Georgia; Chef Marcus Von Albrecht, Mava Foods, past president, BC Chefs Association; and Chef Reuben Majors, former director of Culinary and head chef, Earls Kitchen + Bar.

The Business of Produce:

Moderated by Hugh Bowman, president Canada Operations, Misionero Vegetables Ltd.

Panelists: Mark Frey, senior vice president and chief market strategist, Cambridge Mercantile Group and Ananth Krishnan, head of business development — Western Canada, Global Trade & Receivables Finance, HSBC Bank Canada.

The second Retail Produce Manager session will be aimed at independent retail produce managers.

The tradeshow runs from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., followed by the evening reception at 6:30 p.m.

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