Fresh Produce Association Rebrands Events to United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT
November 28, 2016
United Fresh, the association for the fresh produce industry, will not only expand its innovation platform, but also it will move its annual conference and expo June 13-15 into the larger West Hall at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The event will debut new expo features in convenience and fresh foods, robotics and supply chain technology, and conference sessions bringing attendees and exhibitors together with subject matter experts to help grow their businesses.
“We’re excited to launch a new format and programs in 2017 to serve specific needs in the fresh produce industry, segmenting the event into United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT,” said President and CEO Tom Stenzel.
He added, “These new branded events respond to the innovation driving our industry in marketing and product development, but also in new technology, robotics and other supply chain solutions. Moving beyond simple workshop tracks, attendees will find value in separately focused educational and expo events that address the unique needs of each sector, helping to drive collaboration and growth.”
John Toner, vice president, convention and industry collaboration, said the new branding wasn’t “so much a change, but a refreshment.”
He added, “We have previously had two co-located expos Fresh Marketplace and FreshTech, but have taken a back seat to the United Fresh branding in recent years. We are changing course in this era of highly personalized content and “what’s in it for me?” We still offer the United Convention who want to come to their association – but we are re-branding to attract new audiences given the changing marketplace.”
He said the re-branding was unveiled United BrandstormTM Conference in San Francisco – the “who’s who of fresh produce marketers.”
Toner added that so far, feedback has been “overwhelming positive, it’s going to really help us drive growth as we can now clearly identify audiences.”
The day before the expos open, a separate FreshMKT Conference and FreshTEC Conference will allow attendees to focus on the specific business challenges and opportunities in each sector.
Then, on June 14-15, the traditional trade show will be more clearly defined between the FreshMKT Expo and the FreshTEC Expo, each featuring unique exhibits, demonstration areas, thought-leader collaboration space and events designed for each specific business sector.
“The Joint General Session that includes the Global Cold Chain Expo and International Floriculture Exposition is going to be really cool – and is included in the trade show fee – so we are looking to turn out thousands of attendees that can be our brands ambassadors in the future,” Toner said.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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