Events: PMA Fresh Connections: Australia

View larger images of the event.

Thank you for attending PMA Fresh Connections:  Australia!

On August 14 and 15, 2008, fresh produce industry leaders from Australia and New Zealand gathered at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Sydney to network, learn, and enhance their competitive edge.  Horticulture Australia (HAL) partnered with PMA to offer this two-day event to individuals from PMA member companies, as well as non-member companies.

PMA President Bryan Silbermann kicked off the event by sharing insights on industry trends currently impacting businesses, while interactive workshops followed up to delve deeper into how these trends are impacting Australia and New Zealand.

Highlights of the event included informative and energetic presentations punctuated with networking receptions.  Speakers and topics included:

• ConsumerTrends: Kris Walker, Director, Product Leadership, The Nielsen Company, helped attendees understand emerging consumer trends in Australia and New Zealand and how to use those trends to profitably position products.
• Packaging: Showcase of the latest packaging innovations and how sustainability is impacting packaging from Dan'l Mackey-Almy, President & Managing Partner, DMA Solutions.
• Marketing: Lorna Christie, Senior Vice President, PMA discussed the shift in marketing products from a sales-based to a consumer-based philosophy and how it can work for your company.
• Conference Review with Michael Simonetta, CEO of Perfection Fresh Australia Pty. Ltd.
• Closing Dinner with Keynote Speaker: Michael Luscombe, CEO, Woolworths.

An informative—and fun—two days was had by all!