Schedule of Events

July 25-26, 2024 – Monterey, CA

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Foodservice Council Meeting (by invitation only)

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Registration Open

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

K-12 School Forum, Welcome Reception (by invitation only)

Thursday, July 25, 2024

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

9:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Buyer Sourcing Meetings and Lunch (separate registration required)

A unique opportunity for foodservice suppliers to connect face-to-face with operators and distributors in a fast-paced, low pressure environment, opening the door for more in-depth conversations. Lunch is included and advance registration is required.

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards

The Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in their use and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables in the culinary arts. Steve and Michael Grinstead will present the awards to this extraordinary group of elite chefs.

 

2:15 PM - 2:35 PM

Opportunities for Fresh Produce in Foodservice

David Henkes will lead us in a discussion of IFPA's latest research endeavor with Technomic to determine the flow of commodities throughout all foodservice channels, shedding light on key trends, challenges, and, most importantly, potential avenues for growth and development. 

Speaker

David Henkes

David Henkes
Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships
Technomic

2:35 PM - 2:40 PM

Move to Breakout Sessions Round 1

2:40 PM - 3:05 PM

Education Breakout Sessions Round 1

Breakout 1:

School Meals 101: A Focus on FRESH
How do K-12 schools plan menus and coordinate their produce procurement? In this session, you will hear from school nutrition leaders, and come away with a better understanding of school foodservice budgets, USDA nutrition requirements, and the ways in which schools are working with industry partners to source fresh fruit and vegetables, offer a variety of kid-friendly and on-trend choices, and ultimately increase children’s access, knowledge, and consumption of fresh produce.

Speakers

Andrew Marshall

Andrew Marshall
Wholesaler-Distributor Relations and External Partnerships
International Fresh Produce Association

 

Kymm Mutch

Kymm Mutch
Consultant
Mutch Better Food, LLC.

 

Breakout 2:

Leveraging Technomic Insights
After David Henkes' research presentation, hear a discussion on how Technomic's findings can impact and benefit your business operations.

 Speakers

David Henkes

David Henkes
Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships
Technomic

 

Joe Watson

Joe Watson
Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale
International Fresh Produce Association

 

Breakout 3:

Maximizing Fresh Produce on Menus
In this session, we will explore innovative strategies for enhancing foodservice menus with a diverse range of fresh produce. We'll also highlight success stories from operators who have successfully expanded their offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Moderator

Michael Grinstead

Michael Grinstead
Vice President of Sales
FreshEdge

 

Panelists

Doreen Mills

Dorene Mills
Hannaford Chef
Hannaford Supermarkets

 

Julie Raway
MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND
Registered Dietitian
Broome-Tioga BOCES School Nutrition Services

 

David Ruiz

David Ruiz
Executive Chef
Scalo Restaurant

3:05 PM - 3:40 PM

Move to Breakout Sessions Round 2

Topics from Round 1 repeat so you have an opportunity to attend a different session.

3:08 PM - 3:33 PM

Education Breakout Sessions Round 2

3:33 PM - 3:35 PM

Closing

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Networking Reception at Custom House Plaza Monterey State Historic Park

Friday, July 26, 2024

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Registration Open

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM

K-12 School Forum, Networking Coffee (by invitation only)

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fresh Ideas Showcase

The Fresh Ideas Showcase, located in the Portola's DeAnaza Foyer, is THE place to see new ideas and be inspired by products/services introduced since last July.

Check out What's New

8:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Empowering Women in Foodservice:
A Panel Discussion on Success, Challenges, and Innovation

Join us for breakfast, networking, and a vibrant panel discussion showcasing the diverse experiences of women in foodservice. Celebrate the multigenerational legacy of women in foodservice and gain valuable insights and inspiration from these trailblazing women shaping the future of foodservice. 

Moderator

Lauren M. Scott

Lauren M. Scott
Executive Director, The Foundation for Fresh Produce
Chief Strategy Officer, IFPA

 

Panelists

Maria DeSarbo

Maria DeSarbo
President
Carbonella & DeSarbo

 

Linette Dodson

Linette Dodson
PhD RD LD SNS FAND
State School Nutrition Director
School Nutrition Division
Georgia Department of Education

 

Lisa Hearne

Lisa Hearne
Senior Vice President of Foodservice Sales and Marketing
Taylor Farms, Inc.

 

Danielle Kuhn

 Danielle Kuhn
Owner
Scratchboard Kitchen

11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Foodservice Produce Expo Open

Location: Monterey Conference Center – 1st Floor – Serra Ballroom
Portola Hotel & Spa – 1st Floor – DeAnza Ballroom

View Exhibitor List
View Floor Plan