When the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) opens its sixth annual Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo on 17-18 August, attracting, developing and retaining industry talent will be a major focus. The conference and expo will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA), previously known as the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To ensure it can meet industry needs over the next 10 years, CGTbyPMA will be upscaling its program investments to attract more top university students to careers in the fresh produce and floral industry; further develop leadership programs for workers at all stages of the career continuum – young professionals, mid-level managers, emerging leaders, senior executives and women – and redefine its retention strategies to aid companies looking to retain current employees.
Once again, this year’s conference will feature the CGTbyPMA Young Professionals Reception, taking place on Wednesday, 17 August. The reception is an ideal platform for professionals aged 35 and younger who aim to expand their professional network by connecting with peers.
Another key focus will be CGTbyPMA’s Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, on 18 August. Focused on inspiring women and men to gain career insight, assist in advancing their leadership skills and foster meaningful relationships.
Aimed at cultivating the potential of women, the seated breakfast session is a great opportunity to for women and men working in the fresh produce and floral industry to share their success stories, inspire others and gain career insight.
Monhla Hlahla - Director for Solitron Holdings, Ruta Thari Holdings and Royal Bafokeng Holdings - is the keynote speaker for this compelling breakfast session. Hlahla will provide her perspective on the challenges women face in business, in the industry and how individuals and business can address those challenges.
Limited tickets are still available for PMA’s Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo, and can be purchased via the event website.
For more information, please visit www.pma.com.