“Celebrating Fresh” is the theme for the 2015 New York Produce Show and Conference, being held in New York City on Dec. 1-3.

In addition to the trade show with over 400 exhibiting companies, this year’s three-day event offers networking opportunities, a retail “thought-leader” breakfast panel, educational micro-sessions and tours of the region’s industry of local retailers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, urban farms and unique eateries.

The schedule also includes an outreach to students and faculty at regional opportunities and culinary schools. The “Connect with Fresh” media immersion program involves print, radio, television and online outlets. A “Consumer Influencer” luncheon and show tour will reach out to bloggers, consumer editors and folks who work in all forms of social media.

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Global Trade Symposium will provide attendees the latest insights on produce importing and exporting to and from the Northeast region.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, “Ideation Fresh,” a foodservice forum, will cover the role of produce in culinary innovation.

The event officially kicks off with the Opening Cocktail Reception on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., at the New York Hilton hotel, the show’s hotel headquarters.

Wednesday is packed full of activities. Registration at the Javits Center North is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 7:30-10 a.m. the keynote breakfast and thought-leader panel will be presented at the Javits Center River Pavilion.

Also on Wednesday, the Spouse/Companion program will be held from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the New York Hilton.

The trade show floor opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, also at the Javits Center North, and closes at 5 p.m.

Other activities and programs are offered throughout the day on Wednesday, including chef demonstrations, educational micro-sessions and fresh media immersion, all at the Javits Center North.

Thursday is packed full of interesting tours that include Manhattan retailers, New Jersey retailers, Brooklyn retailers and urban agriculture. Tour options also include Hunts Point Terminal Market, and the Philadelphia Produce Market and Wegmans.

A post-show event will also take place on Thursday, along with the Ideation Fresh foodservice forum.

Early December is a wonderful time to visit New York City, so be sure to allow some extra time for viewing the holiday window displays and decorations, shopping, visiting museums and parks, Broadway shows and much more, including enjoying the city’s culinary offerings that include cuisines from virtually all over the world.

The Jacob Javits Center is now easier to reach than ever with the opening of the new subway station across the street from the facility.

The new station opened just this past summer. Now, in addition to taxis, busses, shuttles and car parking garages, the number 7 train — the purple line — will deliver visitors to the show in an efficient and fast way.

Any way you go, the New York Produce Show and Conference is an opportunity for the industry’s produce and floral suppliers, as well as service providers, to meet and interact with buyers from around the world.