Hundreds throughout the full retail supply chain convened for networking and consumer insights, April 30-May 1 in Dallas, TX, at IFPA's The Retail Conference.
The event's limited registration continues to create meaningful, personal networking opportunities that foster genuine partnerships. This was especially evident during this year's Buyer Connect 1:1 Roundtables, the Welcome Reception, and the Connect, Collaborate, Grow interactive session where attendees navigated real-world challenges in a fun, team-based exercise.
Kevin Coupe, author of Retail Rules! and owner of Morningnewsbeat.com, served as emcee for the conference. Coupe guided attendees through sessions and speakers, providing an engaging and insightful experience for all.
Kicking off the slate of education was the State of Retail in Produce session. Joe Watson, IFPA's vice president of retail, foodservice & wholesale, and Coupe shared opportunities and challenges retailers are facing, and learned how these factors are influencing the future of retail and produce.
Up next, Rebecah Adcock, IFPA's VP, U.S. government relations, moderated a panel discussion on how the new Administration's policy shifts are impacting the produce industry.
Panelists included:
- Daniel Bell, sr. director of produce, Grocery Outlet
- Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO, Texas International Produce Association
- Stefanie Katzman, CEO, Katzman
Rounding out the education was Jonna Parker, vice president/team lead, Circana - Fresh Foods Group. Parker analyzed the current U.S. retail and consumer landscape, highlighting growth opportunities across fresh produce categories, and exploring emerging trends in shopper preferences.
"The Retail Conference remains one of the most impactful events on my calendar each year," said Mike Roberts, vice president of produce operations at Harps Food Stores. "It offers a unique chance to connect face-to-face with key suppliers, vendors, and fellow retailers in a way that sparks meaningful conversations."
"What continues to impress me year after year is the spirit of collaboration that fills this event," said Watson. "Retailers and suppliers aren't just networking—they're rolling up their sleeves to tackle shared challenges together. This year really put that spirit of flexibility and camaraderie to the test when our golf day was blown off the schedule by bad weather."
IFPA is already looking forward to next year's Retail Conference and Golf Tournament in Phoenix, AZ. The event will offer more tailored networking opportunities, insightful sessions, and friendly competition on the greens.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/