SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Amid fragrant jasmine, intense sunshine and Camelback Mountain backdrop, produce and social media marketers and retail dietitians mingle at Produce for Better Health's Consumer Connection Conference.
The first event was an April 10 VIP party hosted by Newark, N.J.-based indoor vertical grower AeroFarms.
Anna Fagan, social media marketing association at AeroFarms chatted with Kelvin Beachum, offensive tackle for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
Beachum popped in for the event because he's an AeroFarms investor who believes in the company's community-building and sustainability mission — plus he likes the greens. He's also Feeding America's entertainment council member.
"I've been a fan of AeroFarms since I played with the Jets," Beachum said. "When you think about all things sustainable, it's what they do. Plus I like the nutrition and efforts at improving communities."
Check out some other produce, retail, nutrition and marketing professionals spotted at the show. (Photos: Amy Sowder)
At the end of the AeroFarms VIP party, guests posed for a group shot before heading to the main PBH Produce Party.
Michael Morris and Micheline Cormier of Sodexo attended the VIP party.
The party had a beautiful landscape backdrop of Camelback Mountain.
VIP party guests included Marc Oshima, co-founder and chief marketing officer of AeroFarms; Robin Plotkin, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Board Mama; Christy Wilson, registered dietitian; Shelby Thurau, registered dietitian for Wakefern Food Corp.; and Meredith McGrath, registered dietitian for Redner's Markets.
The Omni Resort in Scottsdale had a gorgeous entrance, and the whole campus felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert. And it literally was that.
At left is Katie Calligaro, marketing and communications director of PBH, or Produce for Better Health Foundation, which is now called IFPA's Foundation for Fresh Produce. Calligaro chatted with Emily Gee, marketing director for AeroFarms.
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