What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas
WASHINGTON -- On the eve of its first Las Vegas trade show in 20 years, the United Fresh Produce Association, headquartered here, said that it plans to return to Las Vegas for its 2009 annual trade show and will continue expanding its reach to foodservice buyers and focus on produce innovations.
United Fresh 2009 will be located at the Sands Expo Center and the Venetian Hotel, headquarters for the April 22-24, 2009, event.
The Food Marketing Institute partnership has benefited the trade show for five years, but now United can continue expanding its foodservice and other marketing channels, said John Toner, director of convention sales and services at United.
The group is hoping to expand on the 280 exhibitors signed up for the 2008 show - especially the 100 new exhibitors who are participating for the first time - with a return to Las Vegas without FMI. The association that represents food retailers is hosting its supermarket trade show next year in Dallas.
"We're excited that United Fresh 2009 will be able to forge its own unique platform in highlighting produce innovations, fresh meals and technology solutions, rather than being viewed only in its connection with one retail channel," said United President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel. "Already, a number of foodservice providers are stepping up their attendance at the show, and we see our expanded fresh meals focus in 2009 serving both in-store supermarket needs as well as traditional restaurants and facilities where fresh produce and fresh foods are served."
The 2009 show will feature a new Meal Solutions Showcase that will allow attendees to view 100 to 150 of the latest combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables sold as snacks and prepared foods, such as apple and cheese snacks and soup kits.
There's so much innovation in the deli counter, and fresh produce is the next step, said Mr. Toner.
The group said that the two expos -- United Fresh Marketplace and United FreshTech -- will feature their own show floor learning centers, where attendees can focus on business strategies.
"We want to drive business meetings back to the floor," said Mr. Toner. United Fresh 2009 will continue to expand its offering of business suites for show-floor meetings and will encourage exhibitors to offer afternoon happy hours on the floor.
Other items planned include an international visitor's lounge, a Featured Product Center that will allow attendees to evaluate new products, and the Food Safety & Research Pavilion.
Later this summer, the group will launch United Fresh 2009 Online that will allow potential buyers to search an interactive exhibitor database -- a virtual trade show -- for new products, services and business opportunities leading up to the Las Vegas show. Exhibitors who sign up for the 2009 show will automatically participate in the marketing database, said United.
More details of the 2009 show will be shared with current exhibitors in Las Vegas, who can sign up for next year's show starting May 3.
With FMI planning to return to Las Vegas in May 2010, it is unclear whether the two __groups will again host an expanded meeting.
"We are only announcing plans for 2009 at this time, but we really do like the feel of Las Vegas and the energy that this site is bringing to our show," said Mr. Stenzel.
United Fresh 2009 will be located at the Sands Expo Center and the Venetian Hotel, headquarters for the April 22-24, 2009, event.
The Food Marketing Institute partnership has benefited the trade show for five years, but now United can continue expanding its foodservice and other marketing channels, said John Toner, director of convention sales and services at United.
The group is hoping to expand on the 280 exhibitors signed up for the 2008 show - especially the 100 new exhibitors who are participating for the first time - with a return to Las Vegas without FMI. The association that represents food retailers is hosting its supermarket trade show next year in Dallas.
"We're excited that United Fresh 2009 will be able to forge its own unique platform in highlighting produce innovations, fresh meals and technology solutions, rather than being viewed only in its connection with one retail channel," said United President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel. "Already, a number of foodservice providers are stepping up their attendance at the show, and we see our expanded fresh meals focus in 2009 serving both in-store supermarket needs as well as traditional restaurants and facilities where fresh produce and fresh foods are served."
The 2009 show will feature a new Meal Solutions Showcase that will allow attendees to view 100 to 150 of the latest combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables sold as snacks and prepared foods, such as apple and cheese snacks and soup kits.
There's so much innovation in the deli counter, and fresh produce is the next step, said Mr. Toner.
The group said that the two expos -- United Fresh Marketplace and United FreshTech -- will feature their own show floor learning centers, where attendees can focus on business strategies.
"We want to drive business meetings back to the floor," said Mr. Toner. United Fresh 2009 will continue to expand its offering of business suites for show-floor meetings and will encourage exhibitors to offer afternoon happy hours on the floor.
Other items planned include an international visitor's lounge, a Featured Product Center that will allow attendees to evaluate new products, and the Food Safety & Research Pavilion.
Later this summer, the group will launch United Fresh 2009 Online that will allow potential buyers to search an interactive exhibitor database -- a virtual trade show -- for new products, services and business opportunities leading up to the Las Vegas show. Exhibitors who sign up for the 2009 show will automatically participate in the marketing database, said United.
More details of the 2009 show will be shared with current exhibitors in Las Vegas, who can sign up for next year's show starting May 3.
With FMI planning to return to Las Vegas in May 2010, it is unclear whether the two __groups will again host an expanded meeting.
"We are only announcing plans for 2009 at this time, but we really do like the feel of Las Vegas and the energy that this site is bringing to our show," said Mr. Stenzel.
