IFPA announces full speaker lineup for Global Produce and Floral Show

The International Fresh Produce Association says a lineup of keynote speakers at its 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show are set to inspire and inform attendees.

The keynote speakers will provide insights into the future of the industry, a nonpartisan peek into political trends, entrepreneurship and the positive impact of women’s leadership on the world, according to a news release.

The Global Produce and Floral Show features three keynote addresses and two key conversations for attendees with all-access passes, which also will include the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast this year.

"The keynote sessions at the Global Show are a signature component of the convention offerings. Learn what’s just a flash in the pan and what’s here to stay,” Nelia Alamo, vice president of marketing for Markon and show committee chair, said in the release. “It’s a time for members of our industry to gain new insights and find inspiration that will advance their careers, their companies and our industry.”

“The State of the Industry” session Oct. 17 features IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. The presentation will cover:

• The future of tech, innovation and the consumer, in the context of the industry.
• The interconnectedness of issues and trends not found anywhere else.
• The insights that give an edge to differentiate one's business from the competition.

Also on Oct. 17, the afternoon keynote features Marc Randolph, co-founder and the first CEO of Netflix, on “That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea.” During this session:

• Hear how a handful of dreamers with no money and a bad idea created the company that eventually brought down Blockbuster.
• Understand the value of innovation, persistence and optimism.
• Learn about the importance of analytics and testing, a novel corporate culture and an obsession with focus.

Attendees can glean insights on retail and politics Oct. 18 at a two-act session, “Key Conversations: Insights on Challenges, Opportunities and Change Ahead,” the release said. Join two leaders as they explore the evolving landscape of the fresh produce industry:

• Act 1 features a dynamic conversation and valuable insights from Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of The Kroger Co.
• Act 2 features a discussion with A.B. Stoddard, columnist for The Bulwark and contributor and guest host for Sirius XM's POTUS Channel, exploring how the election could impact policies, regulations and trade, among other issues.

On Oct. 19 at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, attendees will hear from Reshma Saujami, a leading activist and founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First. She will speak on “The Future of Women and Work (and Why It’s Different Than You Think)” addressing: 

• Why “having it all” is a myth.
• The burden placed on women to be primary caregivers and to work around a system built for and by men.
• Four key steps for creating lasting change.

"Only attendees with an all-access pass can attend these presentations," Alamo said. "We are excited to include the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast and speaker in the All-Access Pass this year. I encourage everyone to maximize their Global Show experience by joining us at these sessions.”