Nogales, AZ—The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is putting the final touches on its 45th Produce Convention and Golf Tournament. The Convention will be held November 7 – 9, 2013 in Tubac, Arizona, located just north of the largest port of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico.
“We are really excited about this year’s event. In addition to Bob Worsley of Sky Mall, says FPAA president, Lance Jungmeyer. “Of course with our fantastic weather and our concentration of produce companies for people to network with, the FPAA Produce Convention has been a must on everyone’s calendar for many years.”
The FPAA Convention kicks off on Thursday, November 7, with the afternoon educational opportunities including:
- How to Stick Out In a World that Is Flying By: Bob Worsley, co-founder of SkyMall and an Arizona state legislator, discusses how he made a success out of SkyMall, and offers tips on how marketers can make their products or brands stick out.
- Successful Merchandising Tips for West Mexico Produce: Pamela Reimenschneider, Editor of Produce Retailer magazine, will share photos of successful merchandising examples, and explain how to work with retailers to get them to make a big display out of your produce.
The opening evening takes full advantage of the spectacular weather and networking opportunities. Set in the cozy, inviting Plaza at the Tubac Resort, participants have the opportunity to meet with old friends, make new business relationships, and discuss the Mexican produce season.
The FPAA’s Golf Tournament kicks off on Friday morning, and the FPAA Convention Committee has designed a fun, two-day golf event where players can pick their own partner and win great prizes.
To enhance the experience of the event for non-golfers, the FPAA will be offering 2 alternative activities on Friday afternoon. There will be a birdwatching excursion from 1 – 5pm, and helicopter rides from 2 – 5pm, starting on the putting green at Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, down produce row, to the border and back.
Based on positive attendee feedback, the format will remain the same as last year, with the Gala Event and “Pillars of the FPAA” Award Ceremony being held on Friday instead of Saturday. In its fourth year, the coveted “Pillars of the FPAA” award honorees will be recognized during the Friday evening dinner, dancing and networking event. The “Pillars of the FPAA” award recognizes excellence and service to the FPAA and honors individuals who have excelled in the industry. The award highlights members’ accomplishments in the industry.
“We strive to give everyone a great backdrop as they interact with their clients, suppliers, and friends in the industry. The produce business is very much based on relationships, and this is the event to nurture those relationships,” says Jungmeyer.
The FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, which is located a few miles north of Nogales, Arizona. Tubac is also conveniently located just 45 minutes south of the Tucson International Airport. Companies interested in registering for the event or that have more questions are encouraged to contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707 or to visit the convention website at: http://www.freshfrommexico.com/view.php?pg=6
Source: The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA)