Responding to the global impact of COVID-19, the Produce Marketing Association announced on June 30 that 2020’s onsite Fresh Summit Convention & Expo planned for Dallas has been changed to a virtual event to take place online Oct. 13-15.
Explaining the decision to forgo a live convention, PMA CEO Cathy Burns addressed the organization’s membership in a video statement that can be viewed at https://www.pma.com/events/freshsummit.
“Out of our utmost concern for the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of our guests, event partners, and staff as well as after thoroughly reviewing responses from Fresh Summit attendees, exhibitors and buyers regarding their comfort, willingness and ability to travel this fall, and analyzing trends from state, federal and global health authorities, it became abundantly clear that we could not hold a conference in Dallas as planned,” she said.
Now in its seventh decade of Fresh Summit expos that draw attendees and exhibitors from around the world, PMA will continue its efforts to connect buyers and sellers, Cathy said.
She added that Fresh Summit’s virtual event will provide “an opportunity for our global members to grow their businesses, celebrate the industry, and look to the future.”
Details on the mid-October event will be shared as they are developed in coming weeks. And for those who are interested in more information, updates a sign-up for updates is posted at www.FreshSummit.com.
Exhibitors can go to www.freshsummit.com to sign up for more information, and a meeting is planned for Aug. 13 to talk about Fresh Summit 2020’s virtual offerings.
“While nothing can completely replace the value of coming together in person, we are committed to creating an experience that facilitates meaningful business connections,” the site says. “We truly value our partnership and would like your input as we build this experience. We will be reaching out individually over the coming weeks to discuss options and share more information.”
For exhibitors who had committed to onsite booths, the site also says, “The June 30 booth cancellation deadline is no longer in effect.
We will be sharing information on potential new opportunities soon. Once we have shared those opportunities, you can decide on how your company would like to apply your 2020 funds. If your company is experiencing a hardship and you need to request a partial or full refund right away, please reach out to us.”
For immediate exhibitor questions, you can email showlogistics@pma.com.
