The Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo is a venue that makes dollars and sense. “More than 70 percent of attendees (including distributors, operators and growers/shippers) influence or recommend purchases,” the PMA website states. “Both buyers and suppliers highly value the opportunity to connect and conduct business during the event.”

The conference will take place in beautiful Monterey, CA, on July 24-26 at the Monterey Conference Center. With everything housed under one roof, it’s the ultimate opportunity to build and strengthen business relationships for all segments of the produce and foodservice industries.Attendees at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo will have the opportunity to find out how the freshest produce makes its way to the foodservice sector. Seen here, attendees have a chance to see the harvesting of organic romaine during the 2013 conference. (Photo courtesy of the Produce Marketing Association)

“In our business, we know that being successful means doing two things: wowing customers with flavorful and distinctive dishes, and managing our operations efficiently and effectively. We know what you’re dealing with — it’s a big order,” said conference chairs Fritz Stelter and Jeff DeBoer. “That’s why we’re excited to invite you to the 2015 PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo, July 24-26, as we ‘Innovate the Plate.’ This is the only event that’s devoted to fresh produce in foodservice, covering the full breadth of the supply chain. Whether you grow, supply, prepare or serve fresh produce, you simply can’t miss this gathering of more than 1,800 professionals in beautiful Monterey, CA — the ‘salad bowl’ of the nation.”

Mike Aiton, director of marketing for Prime Time International, provided his insights from the fresh produce company perspective. “Attendees love the location of Monterey which is the perfect area for a summer getaway,” he told The Produce News. “While the facility is bursting at the seams to accommodate the vendors and the attendees, there seems to be a real reluctance to change the venue to be able to accommodate more people. The entire mood is casual and relaxed, making everyone comfortable and accessible. Historically, this has been one the most important and rewarding conferences we attend.”

The conference kicks off on July 23 with the PMA Foundation Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament. On July 24, a Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Training Session will take place, as well as registration for the PMA Foundation 5K Race for Talent.

The registration desk for the conference will be open on conference days at variable times early in the morning.

Activity begins in earnest on July 25. Robert Verloop, executive vice president of marketing for Naturipe Farms LLC will deliver opening remarks, and a host of educational sessions will be available. Topics include: What’s Hot? A Men Trends Forecast; It’s All About that BASE: Meet Today’s Consumer; Chef Talks: A Strolling Lunch; From Business Intel to Mobile Pay: Tech Trends to Build Your Business; and The New Food Generation Culture: How Consumer Trends Are Shaping Your Business.

The PMA Foundation Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception will take place that evening at the Monterey Marriott beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Attendees will have a chance to visit more than 160 exhibitors who will showcase the latest in products, technology and services on July 26. The Fresh Ideas Showcase will be available in the lobby of the Portola Hotel & Spa, giving attendees a glimpse of products and product lines reshaping the foodservice industry.

Networking opportunities will be available throughout the course of the conference.

For more information, visit http://www.pma.com/events/foodservice.