We have just returned from the Produce Marketing Association – Fresh Summit. One of the largest international events solely dedicated to fruit, vegetables and floral, Fresh Summit drew more than 19,000 attendees from 50 countries at their annual meeting in Anaheim last month. It was our outstanding honor and a little good luck to have many exhibits on the show floor – ((PMA 2009|please click here)), and to be a part of a great show with an incredible energy – and the words “current economic situation,” did not seem to be blaring across the show floor.
The scope and energy of Fresh Summit is astounding. There are few shows like it in the United States. Attendees – from the entire supply chain – pack the convention hall to experience all that Fresh Summit has to offer including a sold-out exhibition hall featuring the latest products and services in produce and floral . An insightful educational program covers the hottest issues facing the industry and numerous networking opportunities with key decision-makers, receptions, tours and more. This is what a truly great annual convention should be.
Granted we all have to eat – and the products must be sold to the suppliers in some manner. However, we can say that about most product-served trade shows and that is what we are looking at right now. We just finished the Solar Power show in Anaheim, and then the AAPEX/SEMA shows in Las Vegas. Those shows were seemingly very successful. What makes a great show? Less lookie-loos and more buyers. Pretty simple – we saw that at PMA. Also the inclusion of the entire supply chain as exhibitors resulting in networking chances with prospects going full circle within an industry. From packaging, to shipping, to crating, no aspect should be left out of a show. Exhibitors themselves should be able to shop their own shows. Making each show an opportunity for exhibitors and attendees alike to walk away fulfilled by the show floor, the seminars, the social interconnecting – that is what makes a great show. PMA – Fresh Summit is one of those shows.
