Did you miss the boat, either literally (the yacht tour!) or figuratively (attending GOPEX!)?
Well, you can look at these photos to catch some of the sights and people there on the first two days of events.
Even many people at the Global Organic Produce Expo, held Jan. 20 to Feb. 1, in Hollywood, Fla., who didn't make it on the yacht still had tons of fun. And yes, networking, business opportunities and learning happened too. And dancing.
"We're here for the networking, to say hi to our clients and vendors," said Maria Najar, who attended with Ivonne Padres, both of Frutto Foods, based in Miami.
Marc Oshima, co-founder and chief marketing officer of AeroFarms, Newark, N.J., participated in a panel discussion and education session Jan. 31. The topic at hand: the conversion of organic and indoor agriculture.
He and some colleagues also joined the opening evening reception. "The Packer really knows how to throw a party," Oshima said.
Check it out:
There were multiple pools at the resort for attendees who made time to enjoy them. Photo: Amy Sowder
Yes, this produce conference was held at a resort with quite an extensive casino. Photo: Amy Sowder
Maria Najar and Ivonne Padres of Frutto Foods, based in Miami, attended the opening night party with a live band, bar and dancing. Photo: Amy Sowder
The live musical entertainment was quite danceable at GOPEX's opening reception Jan. 30. Photo: Amy Sowder
The keynote speaker at GOPEX 2023 was Paul Rice, founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Photo: Amy Sowder
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has the Oculus, a sound and light show with a circular water fountain that synchronizes to music. Photo: Amy Sowder
One GOPEX panel focused on imports and exports, including (from left) Manolo Reyes of ProducePay, Martha Montoya of AgTools, David Posner of Awesum Organics, Bob Harrington of Specialty Produce and moderator Allison Myers of Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. Photo: Amy Sowder
Heather Hart of The Fresh Market talks with Jay Guzman of Fair Trade USA at GOPEX 2023. Photo: Amy Sowder
Martin Casanova of Thx! Dreams, a social impact brand, talks with Paul Rice of Fair Trade USA at GOPEX 2023. Photo: Amy Sowder