The Produce Marketing Association will return to SXSW again this year as a part of the organization’s ongoing work to bring the produce industry to center stage. SXSW attracts half a million attendees each year to Austin, Texas for 10 days, and this year will be from March 13-22.
PMA has been attending for three years and growing their presence from attendees, to education session presenters, to activators – engaging thought leaders and consumers alike around The Joy of Fresh™. The PMA programming will connect with members, media, and consumers in three venues March 16-18: the PMA Global Street Farm™, Networking events, and SXSW Education Sessions.
Leading and Learning
SXSW’s education programming is an unrivaled collection of 22 tracks that vary from government and politics to design. This year, PMA will provide 4 sessions as a part of the Focus15 format which is returning for a second year. These are a group of 4 presentations in a one-hour time block that are linked by a common topic, trend, or theme. PMA’s sessions will include:
- Making a Difference: Tech to Feed the Future – March 17, 2020 12:30PM-12:45PM
Vonnie Estes, PMA vice president of technology, will discuss how agricultural technologies offer a pathway to a more sustainable future where farmers can improve yields to feed a growing world and drive down waste.
- Making Farming Fun Again – March 17, 2020 – 12:45PM-1:00PM
Gary Wishnatzki, president & CEO of Wish Farms and co-founder of Harvest CROO Robotics, will speak about how robotics will answer the call to address labor challenges to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Elevating Our Food System with Vertical Farming – March 17, 2020 1:00PM-1:15PM
Mark Oshima, co-founder and chief marketing officer at AeroFarms, will speak about the growing innovations, like vertical farming, that will allow for great nutrition, flavor and minimal water usage.
- Nature Tech Meets Body Tech – March 17, 2020 1:15PM- 1:30PM
Dr. William Li, pioneering physician and scientist focused on food, will share his knowledge about the unique health benefits of eating fruits, vegetables and edible flowers. His research is helping to re-write the book on food and health and driving the conversation on food as medicine.
SXSW registration is required to attend education sessions.
Industry Networking
In addition to sharing insights on center stage, PMA has extended the invitation to industry members to meet in Austin. In addition to a PMA Community Happy Hour on March 16, PMA will also host the Tech & the Food System Networking Dinner on March 17.
Connecting with Consumers
PMA will host a series of events at The Drafting Room, located in the center of things on Rainey Street. For the third year, PMA’s Global Street Farm™ will be a place to share how produce and floral create a healthier world for all consumers.
To sign up for the event, click here.
For more information: 
Siobhan May
PMA
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
Email: SMay@pma.com
www.pma.com