24-26 June, New Zealand

Unprecedented line-up of speakers from around the globe to take stage at PMA Fresh Connections 2014

When the Australasian region’s largest pan-industry fresh produce conference and trade show convenes for the first time in New Zealand on 24-26 June, an unprecedented line-up of speakers from around the globe will take the stage, organisers of PMA Fresh Connections 2014 have announced.

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Adam Fraser, Jim Prevor, Prof. Salah Sukkarieh

From cutting-edge technology, to the trends set to shape the future of the global fresh produce industry; speakers at PMA Fresh Connections will provide delegates with the tools they need to innovate, collaborate, and thrive in 2014 and beyond.

The conference’s plenary sessions will open at Auckland’s Viaduct Convention Centre, with Allan Ryan, founder and executive director of Australia’s Hargraves Institute, who has devoted his career to helping companies harness innovation and collaboration to achieve real competitive advantage. Dr. Adam Fraser, Australia’s premier researcher and consultant on human performance, will share his tips for achieving a high-performance work culture.

To explore how technology will shape the fresh produce industry in the next decade, speakers will include University of Sydney Professor Salah Sukkarieh, an international expert on field robotics and intelligent systems.

Founder and editor-in-chief of Produce Business Jim Prevor - a.k.a. America’s “Perishable Pundit”-, will share his insight on the consumer trends that are impacting the global fresh produce market; while Anthony Barbieri, senior vice president at the global Produce Marketing Association with over 30 years experience in the U.S. food retail sector, will explore the role of the Asia-Pacific region in today’s global fresh produce industry.

The conference will also feature smaller, concurrent sessions on topics including traceability, integrated food systems, supply chain collaboration, negotiating, speciality produce opportunities and more. For example, Tim Reid, host of Australia’s #1 marketing podcast The Small Business Big Marketing Show, will offer delegates tips on how to market on a shoestring.

Delegates can also participate in a tour of leading retail outlets on 24 June, and a post-conference tour of top fresh produce companies on 26 June.

The conference also includes numerous networking opportunities, beginning with a Welcome Reception on 24 June, and continuing with a breakfast session, strolling trade show lunches each day, and perennial favourite the PMA Fresh Connections gala dinner on 25 June. The conference will also feature the presentation of the PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) and Produce Plus Magazine 'Marketer of the Year Award.'

This year’s conference is the result of a first-ever trans-Tasman collaboration among PMA A-NZ, the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers (Australian Chamber), Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ), and United Fresh NZ (UF). It will also incorporate HortNZ’s longstanding annual conference.

The 2014 conference is expected to bring 1000 visitors and an estimated NZD$1.3 million to Auckland. New Zealand’s NZD$4 billion fresh produce industry is also its fourth-largest export earner.

For more information and to register to attend PMA Fresh Connections 2014 in Auckland, please visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au. Register by 9 May to receive the earlybird discount.

Exhibition space is selling at record speed; event sponsorships are still available. To learn more about exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au/pages/sponsorship-and-trade-show.php.

For more information:
Erin Hart
PMA Australia-New Zealand Ltd
Tel: +61 3 8844 5536
Email: e.hart@pma-anz.com

Publication date: Wed 30 Apr 2014