Preparing for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association convention
Preparing for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association convention
Continuing a tradition that has gone on for more than 75 years, the Quebec Produce Marketing Association (AQDFL/QPMA) will present its annual convention, Aug. 17-19 at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
The organizing committee, led by Chris Sarantis, Pota Bountounis, Christian Riopel and Nancy Potvin are excited for all the AQDFL convention has to offer.
This year, approximately 500 guests are expected to attend.
Things kick off with an opening night welcome cocktail party held at Séminaire de Québec from 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, Aug. 17. The next morning, the convention networking breakfast takes place between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
The AQDFL annual meeting will also take place at this time, with election results, highlights, the executive committee report and a conference on water supply issues. Isabelle Charron, president and senior consultant with Groupe Agéco will provide the Quebec perspective on the subject, while Chris Drew, president and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms, will provide the U.S. perspective.
The QPMA will also include some other great speakers with important topics, such as one on biodiversity; and one on the future of food.
Speaker Jean-François Bertholet, a specialist in leadership development and professor with HEC Montréal, will talk about employee engagement in a complex world of work. His talk will be on the subject of human resources engagement and the challenges of managing multiple generations at work.
“The AQDFL shows solidarity with all links in the value chain of the fruit and vegetable sector, especially with Quebec market gardeners affected by the recent devastating weather events caused by climate change,” Perreault said. “Being at the heart of our industry we will continue to work with our members and partners to identify ways to find solutions to minimize negative impacts and reduce food waste.”
From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., attendees will have the chance to take part in some sightseeing around Quebec. There will be a Rally in Quebec City, where guests can explore the surrounding area while taking part in an interactive, personalized and historical treasure hunt. Teams will need to get creative and work together to solve riddles and reach their destination as fast as possible. Along the way, they may even meet a character from another era or taste some local produce.
There’s also an opportunity to visit Aquarium du Québec where guests and their families can discover foxes, birds of prey, polar bears, rays, jellyfish and thousands of other marine animals.
At 7 p.m., a “rock the block” event will be held in the ballroom as the industry is invited for an epic evening of entertainment and rhythmic music provided by the Rhapsody Orchestra.
The participants’ networking breakfast start things off on Saturday, Aug. 19, followed by a seminar entitled, “Water, Winter, Plants and Food” by Boucar Diouf, who holds a PhD in oceanography.
Boucar will offer his humorous take on the role of water and fruits and vegetables play in the world. Following his own immigration journey, he’ll share the story of his encounter with the St. Lawrence, Quebec and Canadian agriculture, and his view of the winter constraints on fruits and vegetable production.
This is followed at 11:30 a.m. by the “I love fruits and veggies movement brunch.” Co-hosted by Julie DesGroseillers, spokesperson for the Mouvement J’aime les fruits et légumes, and Mario Lalancette, director of strategy and communications, this year’s promises to be special.
New in 2023 is a professional platform to provide attendees with a networking experience tailored to their unique needs.
“This is a celebration and gathering from all parts of the business and we are all one for the industry,” said Sophie Perreault, executive director at QPMA. “Attendees get direct contacts with all key partners of the industry, which is great for networking.”
